ST. PAUL, Minn. – The office of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference announced Monday that Northern State junior linebacker Chris Hurd (Rapid City, S.D.) had been named the league's Defensive Player of the Week.

Hurd earns the title after helping the Wolves to their second win of the season, and their first shutout since October 4th, 2008 after they beat MSU Moorhead by a 23-0 final on Saturday night.

As a team the Wolves recorded five sacks, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries, one blocked field goal, and 13 tackles for loss while holding the Dragons to a meager 63 rushing yards and 251 total yards.

The 6-0, 200-pounder spearheaded that effort with seven tackles (all solo) and two of the team's five sacks.  He also recorded three tackles for loss and an interception on the night and is now tied for the team lead with 62 tackles. 

Senior linebacker David Alvarez, tied with Hurd for the team lead in tackles, earned the award on October 5th.

He leads the team with eight tackles for loss, five sacks, and is tied for the team lead with three interceptions.  He has also recorded three pass break ups and one forced fumble on the year.

This is the Hurd's first Athlete of the Week award for his career.

He and his teammates will host Southwest Minnesota State University on October 31st in their 2009 home finale.  Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m.

Northern State University is an NCAA Division II affiliated school participating in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and is located in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

**GO WOLVES**