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Finalists Named for Scholz Award

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Finalists Named for Scholz Award

Chad Gough with the ball for Utah. Photo courtesy University of Utah Rugby.

The finalists for the 2016-17 Rudy Scholz Award have been named, as the search for the top men's DI-level college rugby player is now down to four.

A panel of coaches, USA Rugby representatives, and media selected the nominees, and the college rugby public was then asked to vote for the finalists. The Rudy Scholz Award is named after two-time Olympic Gold Medal-winning scrumhalf Rudy Scholz, who fought in two world wars, was a prominent attorney, and played rugby into his 80s. It is given to the top men's college rugby player in the country, and is sponsored by the Washington Athletic Club of Seattle, Wash. 

The award will be presented at a gala event Saturday, June 10 at the WAC in Seattle. Last year, the Sorensen and Scholz Awards were not only a massive success (Sorensen, Scholz Awards Given in Gala Event), but the event itself won an award (College Rugby Awards Get Award of Their Own).  

For this year's Scholz Award, the panel will once again choose the winner from among the finalists. As for those finalists - the voters have spoken, and here are the four players selected:

 

Cody Melphy. A quick runner and shifty center, Melphy has been one to set up his Running Eagles teammates and also has a penchant for scoring clutch tries. (Photo Dennis D. Hawk.) Cody Melphy, Life University, 2017 Scholz Award Finalist
Bryce Campbell. A powerful center for the Big Ten champion Indiana team, Campbell also earned his first caps for the senior USA National Team this year, starting in all five games as the Eagles won the Americas Rugby Championship. (Photo courtesy IU Rugby) Bryce Campbell, Indiana, 2017 Scholz Award Finalist
Mike Scarcella. Playing center for Iona College, Scarcella was named Rugby East MVP and was the central figure in Iona's season throughout th fall. (Photo courtesy Iona College Rugby) Michael Scarcella, Iona College, 2017 Scholz Award Finalist
Chad Gough. The hooker for the University of Utah Utes, Gough has impressed every opponent with his combination of tenacity in tight play and his open-field skills. (Photo Courtesy Utah Rugby.)  Chad Gough, Utah, 2017 Scholz Award Finalist