Sun Athletes of the Week: Joe Zaher and Nikki Peterson

Thursday, Nov. 2, 2000 | 9:34 a.m.

Named on Nov. 2, 2000

Male Athlete of the Week: JOE ZAHER

School: Bishop Gorman

Class: Junior

Sport: Soccer

Last week: With the Gaels on the brink of elimination, Zaher scored twice to lead his squad to a 2-1 victory over Palo Verde in round one of the Sunset Region Tournament on Saturday. With Gorman trailing 1-0, the midfielder converted a penalty kick to even the contest before halftime. Then, with 15 minutes remaining, Zaher made a spectacular run through the Panthers' defense, eluding three players before sending home the game-winner. "I told him the big-time players show up in big games," Gaels coach Victor Arbelaez said. "He's probably the best player in high school in the state."

Female Athlete of the Week: NIKKI PETERSON

School: Faith Lutheran

Class: Freshman

Sport: Cross Country

Last week: Peterson captured the 2A Southern League girls meet at Boulder City's Veterans Memorial Park on Friday. Her time of 19:46.5 was second among all girls, with only Green Valley's Emily Eskin crossing the finish line sooner, by less than five seconds. Peterson is unbeaten this year in Nevada and also captured the prestigious Mt. Sac Invitational in Walnut, Calif. This Saturday, she will try for the 2A state title, also at Veterans Park. "She's been putting up great times all year with absolutely no competition," said Crusaders coach Jessica Scobell.