Aberdeen, S.D. - Hank Kraft (football) and Lauren Youngquist (soccer) are this week's South Dakota Army National Guard Athletes of the Week following their performances last weekend.

Kraft led Northern State and the NSIC with 191 yards rushing; his fifth straight contest with over 100-yards on the ground. He tallied one rushing touchdown, a 52-yard play. The fifth year averaged 9.6 yards per carry on the day and added nine yards receiving. The South Dakota native sits atop the NSIC in rushing yards, all-purpose yards, yard per carry, rushing yards per game, and rushing touchdowns. He leads the nation in total rushing yards, rushing yards per game, and rushing yards per carry, while sitting second in rushing touchdowns and third in all-purpose yards. Kraft currently is the only player in NCAA Division II with over 1,000 yards rushing this season, racking up 1,053.

Youngquist led the Wolves' defense that allowed one goal and just 13 shots in two matches. She was the only Wolf to score a goal over the weekend, recording two in Northern State's victory over the Mustangs. The senior clocked 147 minutes in two matches. The Minnesota native held the Mustangs to just five shots on Friday.

 

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.