Aberdeen, S.D. - Northern State's Rudy Lopez (wrestling) and Bekah Walz (women's track & field) are this week's South Dakota Army National Guard Athletes of the Week following their performances last weekend.

Lopez won the 149-pound title at the NCAA Super Region V Tournament, advancing to the NCAA Championships. He went 3-0 on the day against ranked opponents. The graduate student defeated No. 13 Walker Bents of Minnesota State in a 9-5 decision. The Colorado native upset No. 2 Jalen Spuhler of Parkside in the final seconds of a 12-11 decision. Lopez tallied the championship win over No. 8 Ethen Doty of Upper Iowa in a 2-0 decision.

Walz won the NSIC Championship in the pole vault. She cleared an NCAA provisional mark of 3.96m. The junior moved up to 15th nationally in the event. The Minnesota native earned the first All-Conference honors and league championship of her career.

 

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.