Rudy Scholz Award
Started in 2016, the Rudy Scholz Award honors the nation’s top men’s college rugby player as voted on by their peers and members of the college rugby community. The Rudy Scholz Award is named after Rudolph Scholz (1896-1981), who played for Santa Clara and as a halfback helped lead the USA to Olympic gold medals in rugby in 1920 and 1924. He served in both World Wars, volunteering to serve in World War II when he was in his 40s, and was decorated in both. A successful lawyer and lifelong rugby player, Rudy Scholz played his final rugby game when he was 83. The Washington Athletic Club sponsors the award, the selection process and holds an annual dinner at which the award is presented.
-
USNA Class of 2018-McNerney not only captained Navy to one of its best seasons in 2018—with the team's run ending in a near upset of Cal in the D1A quarterfinals in Berkeley, CA—but also compiled one of the best individual campaigns by a player in team history. Playing No. 8, McNerney was the team's chief ground-gainer, the go-to man in the lineout, and also the Midshipmen's goalkicker."Connor has shouldered the biggest upheaval in Navy Rugby in 27 years," said Navy head coach Gavin Hickie, referring in part to his own arrival as the new head coach. "Connor's ability to manage and lead impressed me from the moment I arrived at the Naval Academy. He has led Navy Rugby diligently on and off the pitch for the past 12 months. I can think of none more deserving of the 2018 Rudy Scholz Award then Navy Rugby captain Connor McNerney."
-
USNA Class of 2023Extraordinary rugby year helping lead Navy to an undefeated season and the 2023 National Championship. “It feels great to win this award, but it's a testament to the work of not just me, but the whole team. This group gave me an opportunity to excel, as well as our coaches," said Gray. "It's a team effort, but I'm honored to receive the recognition.
Gray ended the season as Navy's top scorer with 166 points. The senior led the Mids with 17 tries and finished tied as the team leader in made penalty kicks with seven. Additionally, his 30 made conversion kicks ranked second on the team. Navy's center scored in 15 of his 17 appearances this season. He contributed a season-high 30 points on four tries and five conversion kicks against Mount St. Mary's. Gray's defense shined in Navy’s 28-22, national championship victory against Cal.