October 14, 2003

ABERDEEN, S.D . - Northern State running back Ronnie Cruz (Kelseyville, Calif.) was honored as the Don Hansen's National Football Gazette Player of the Week for his performance in NSU's 51-14 victory over Minnesota, Crookston.

In the game, Cruz rushed for a career high 260 yards on 37 carries and two touchdowns while grabbing three receptions for another 28 yards on the day. Cruz' 260 yards fell just 18 yards shy of the Northern State school record of 278 yards.

On the season, Cruz is pacing the NSU rushing attack averaging 133.2 yards per contest. The senior's mark leads the NSIC in rushing and ranks 11th in the nation. Cruz also ranks sixth in NCAA II scoring an average of 11.0 points per game for the Wolves.

Cruz' success has helped Northern State to a 5-1 overall record and a 3-0 mark in NSIC play. The Wolves will travel to Concordia-St. Paul on Saturday for a battle of the last remaining unbeaten teams in NSIC play. Kickoff is slated for 2:30 at Griffin Stadium in St. Paul, Minn.