Sun Athletes of the Week: Pat Curran and Christine Fernandez

Thursday, Oct. 25, 2001 | 9:54 a.m.

Male Athlete of the Week: PAT CURRAN

School: The Meadows

Class: Senior

Sport: Football

Last week: On just 12 carries, Curran rushed for 229 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Mustangs to their state-record 37th consecutive victory, a 52-8 rout of visiting Tonopah Friday night. The 6-1, 215-pound running back has racked up 1,205 yards and 14 touchdowns in eight games this season. "He hasn't gotten the yardage he could have because our games haven't been that close and we're trying to keep him healthy, but he's just getting better and better," Meadows coach Frank DeSantis said. "He's starting to see the whole field, he's improved his stiff arm and he's hitting the hole better. Plus, he's a pretty tough kid."

Female Athlete of the Week: CHRISTINE FERNANDEZ

School: Foothill

Classes: Senior

Sport: Golf

Last week: Fernandez shot a 4-under 142 (73-69) at Black Mountain Golf and Country Club to claim her second individual 4A state championship in three years. Her second-day 69 featured an eagle, two birdies and six pars on the back nine. The week before, Fernandez captured the Sunrise Region individual crown, helping her Falcons squad reach the state tournament. "After I went eagle-birdie I just tried to play safe, not do anything drastic," said Fernandez, who sat out the 200 season after winning the 1999 state and individual titles as a Green Valley Gator. "Last year, I was thinking I'd like to win it again as a senior. I did exactly what I wanted to do."