The University of Denver is proud to announce that 18 members of its Rugby Club have been awarded Academic All-American honors. This prestigious recognition highlights the exceptional dedication and hard work these student-athletes have demonstrated both on the field and in their academic pursuits.

Honorees:
1. Kai Arye
2. Aidan Bain
3. Sondor Bayarbat
4. Zac Bly
5. Aiden German
6. Alex Gonzalez
7. Peter Gray
8. Gus Johnson
9. Anthony Rice
10. Ryan Rucki
11. George Rumsey
12. Steven Said
13. Ryan Seaton
14. Conor Selfors
15. Patrick Soonthornprapuet
16. Tibault Wilms
17. Brian Wilson
18. Sawyer Zuzenak

A Testament to Excellence
Earning Academic All-American honors is no small feat. It requires maintaining high academic standards while balancing the demanding schedule of collegiate athletics. These 18 students have shown remarkable dedication, managing to excel in both their studies and their sport.

National Recognition
National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) named 1,059 student-athletes as 2023-24 Scholastic All Americans. Growing by 40% since last year, the Scholastic All American list includes 402 women and 657 men from over 157 schools. This annual program recognizes high-performing student-athletes across college rugby. To qualify as a Scholastic All American, student-athletes must maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher for the academic year and be rostered for 50% of the Fall 15s A-side matches or 50% of the A-side Spring 7s tournaments.

Building a Legacy
The University of Denver Rugby Club has a long-standing tradition of fostering excellence, teamwork, and leadership. The achievements of these student-athletes are a testament to the supportive environment cultivated by the club and the university. By emphasizing the importance of academic success alongside athletic prowess, the Rugby Club continues to build a legacy of well-rounded excellence.

Words from the Coach
"We are incredibly proud of our players who have earned Academic All-American honors," said Cody Melphy, head coach of the University of Denver Rugby Club. "Their ability to excel in both the classroom and on the rugby field is truly inspiring. They embody the values of hard work, dedication, and excellence that our program strives for."

Looking Ahead
As these student-athletes continue their academic and athletic journeys, they set a high standard for future members of the Rugby Club. Their achievements serve as a reminder of what can be accomplished with commitment and determination.

Congratulations once again to Kai Arye, Aidan Bain, Sondor Bayarbat, Zac Bly, Aiden German, Alex Gonzalez, Peter Gray, Gus Johnson, Anthony Rice, Ryan Rucki, George Rumsey, Steven Said, Ryan Seaton, Conor Selfors, Patrick Soonthornprapuet, Tibault Wilms, Brian Wilson, and Sawyer Zuzenak. Your hard work and dedication are an inspiration to us all.

About the University of Denver Rugby Club:
The University of Denver Rugby Club is dedicated to fostering a spirit of excellence, teamwork, and leadership among its members. The club provides a supportive environment for student-athletes to achieve success both on the field and in their academic endeavors.