Aberdeen, S.D. - Northern State's Rudy Lopez (wrestling) and Renea Taylor (women's track & field) are this week's South Dakota Army National Guard Athletes of the Week following their performances last weekend.
 
Lopez took seventh at the NCAA Wrestling Championships in the 149-pound bracket. The Erie, Colorado native went 3-2 from the Championships, scoring 5.5 teams points for Northern State. His victories came over Garcia of UIndy (Dec 4-2), Doty of Upper Iowa (Dec 4-3), and Watkins of King (SV-1 8-5). Lopez went 22-7 this season, becoming the 49th All-American in program history.
 
Taylor took 13th in the country in the 60m at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships with a time of 7.51. The placing earned the senior USTFCCCA All-America second team accolades. The mark was her third fastest time of the 2025-26 season.
 
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.