Aberdeen, S.D. - Gabe Gutierrez (football) and Audrey Burns (soccer) are this week's South Dakota Army National Guard Athletes of the Week following their performances last weekend.

Gutierrez led Northern State and the NSIC over the weekend with 2.0 sacks against No. 4 Minnesota State. Mankato had given up just one sack heading into the contest. He recorded four total tackles in the contest and six lost yards from MSU on the sacks. The senior brought his career sack total to 17.0, tying the Northern State career record. The South Dakota native tallied his second 2-sack game of the season. Gutierrez ranks second in the nation this season in total sacks with 4.5.

Burns played all 90 minutes in both of NSU's games over the weekend, securing 11 saves. She didn't allow a goal against St. Cloud State and No. 5 Minnesota State; MSU was averaging 1.67 goals per game heading into the contest. The sophomore recorded a career-high seven saves versus the Mavericks. The California native stopped the go-ahead penalty kick in the Wolves 0-0 tie against MSU. Burns brought her season shutout total to three and is averaging just 0.91 goals against through the opening weeks of the 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.