Sun Athletes of the Week: Larry Patterson and Tamara Kualiakamoa

Thursday, Sept. 6, 2001 | 11 a.m.

Male Athlete of the Week: LARRY PATTERSON

School: Silverado

Class: Junior

Sport: Football

Last week: Playing his first varsity regular season game, the 5-7 150-pound Patterson racked up 301 rushing yards and five touchdowns on just 12 carries, lifting the Skyhawks to a 52-28 week one win over visiting Western Friday. Patterson, a junior varsity player called up for the 2000 playoffs, scored on runs of six, 27, 28, 69 and 80 yards against the Warriors. "He's going to have a good year, but that was a surprise," admitted Silverado coach John DeNardin. "He definitely has the ability to make big plays."

Female Athlete of the Week: TAMARA KUALIAKAMOA

School: Palo Verde

Class: Junior

Sport: Volleyball

Last week: Kualiakamoa, the Panthers' starting setter the past three seasons, contributed 31 assists to lead her team to an opening-match win over defending Sunset Region champion Durango on Thursday. Then, over the weekend, she helped Palo Verde to five wins and an appearance in the finals of the 32-team Las Vegas Invitational, earning a spot on the all-tournament team in the process. "She's been playing long enough that we don't necessarily have to tell her what plays to run," Panthers coach September Bauer said. "She's constantly looking at the opponents' strengths and changing things up."