Alex Eisen/MDN Surrounded by family and coaches, Minot High senior Brody Armstrong (bottom row, second from the left) smiles after signing a National Letter of Intent Friday afternoon to wrestle with the United States Naval Academy.

Three-time North Dakota state champion and now officially a Division I commit who is ready to serve the country.

Minot High School senior Brody Armstrong signed a National Letter of Intent Friday afternoon to wrestle with the United States Naval Academy.

“This is a great opportunity,” Armstrong said. “I had a lot of good offers from Division II schools, local schools, but Navy offered me a chance to wrestle for them and they are a Division I program. They also have a great academic program and I want to serve in the military.”

Armstrong capped his senior season with a 55-3 record and a third consecutive individual state title. He is the fourth Minot High wrestler ever to win three individual state championships, and no one has won more.

Armstrong’s legacy in the Magic City, however, won’t just be remember for his success. His work ethic in order to achieve success is what made Armstrong a standout.

“If anybody asks what they are going to remember, it’s the hard work for sure,” MHS coach Justin Racine said. “The kid has a drive like I have never ever seen before in my life. He has had goals since he was a little guy. That drive to get to those goals, you don’t see that very often. I might never see that in my career again.”

Armstrong added: “(My legacy is) one of success, one of hard work and leading by example.”

Sitting at the signing table with Armstrong was his younger brother Kelby Armstrong. With the help of Brody’s guidance and teachings, sophomore Kelby won his first state individual title this past season and is in pursuit of reaching the three state titles milestone as well.

Brody Armstrong’s leadership presence for the Magi will be missed, but won’t be forgotten.

“A lot of younger kids over the years have seen Brody’s drive and that’s going to pay dividends for our program,” Racine said. “So, while he is now gone, the younger guys have seen that and hopefully they have taken note to that.”

Armstrong offered some reflective advice to those wanting to follow in his footsteps.

“Enjoy every moment, no matter what,” he said. “Even the moments that you may not be feeling too positive about. Just take a second and really enjoy what you have. I think I realized that now and during my senior year. I really tried to stop and enjoy the moment.”

Alex Eisen covers Minot High School, Minot State athletics and high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @AEisen13.