Sun Athletes of the Week: Jamar Thomas and Whitney Welch

Thursday, Oct. 26, 2000 | 10:13 a.m.

Male Athlete of the Week: JAMAR THOMAS

School: Durango

Class: Senior

Sport: Football

Last week: Thomas, the Trailblazers' starting tailback, carried the ball 38 times for 284 yards and three touchdowns in Durango's 35-6 win over Mojave Friday night. He also kicked two extra points and ran in a two-point attempt, accounting for 23 of his club's 35 points. On the season, Thomas is second among all area rushers with 1,520 yards and first in town with 132 points. He also trails Durango all-time leading rusher Alex Dixon by just 295 career yards. "Pound for pound, he's one of the strongest kids in town," said coach John Mausbach.

Female Athlete of the Week: WHITNEY WELCH

School: Durango

Class: Junior

Sport: Golf

Last week: Welch captured the 4A state title by shooting a 5-under 139 during the two-day tournament at Genoa Lakes Golf Club in Genoa. Welch took command of the event with a first-day 68, highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 ninth hole. She held off a late charge by Bishop Gorman's Danielle Reilly on day two, birdieng the 17th hole to ice the victory. Welch's individual performance also helped Durango to the 2000 team title, with the Blazers besting second-place Gorman by 22 strokes. "She's worked really hard, and she went up there with the attitude that she wanted to win," Durango coach Kathy Faber said.