Aberdeen, S.D. - Northern State's Wyatt Block (football) and Ava Nilsson (volleyball) are this week's South Dakota Army National Guard Athletes of the Week following their performances last weekend. 

Block led the NSIC with 156 yards rushing in the Wolves upset win over No. 10 Minnesota Duluth. He added a team leading 81 yards receiving with a touchdown and 62-yard long. The redshirt senior averaged 6.5 yards per carry in his third straight 100-yard game. The Minnesota native gave the Wolves a 10-7 lead on his 62-yard receiving score. Block ranks second in the NSIC in rushing yards per game.

Nilsson led the NSIC averaging 12.83 assists per set in the Wolves 2-0 weekend. She tallied 77 total assists. The redshirt freshman was second on the team with 21 digs, averaging 3.50 per set. The South Dakota native added two aces and two blocks. She recorded a weekend high 41 assists against MSUM, averaging 13.67 per set. Nilsson led a Wolves offense that hit an NSIC high .390 over two matches.

 

About the SD Army National Guard The National Guard dates back to 1636 when Citizen-Soldiers formed militias to defend their community and country. Since its formation, the Guard has stayed true to its roots. Enlisting in the National Guard means more time at home because your service in the South Dakota Army National Guard is part-time. Get a degree with money for school, learn job skills that translate to the civilian world, make bonds that last a lifetime, and earn a sense of pride that's everlasting. When you become a Guard Soldier, your family will thank you, your country will thank you, and your future will owe you. The South Dakota Army National Guard's goal is to direct future Soldiers toward life-changing opportunities by helping individuals and families become better today than yesterday. We transform citizens into Citizen-Soldiers that have Integrity, are Innovative, Proud, Courageous, Brave, and exemplify Unity and Honor. Learn more by visiting nationalguard.com/select-your-state/SD.