Burlington, Ont. – The Tricolour have an undefeated season in their sights, a season that included two major award-winners and five all-stars. Ontario University Athletics (OUA) is pleased to announce the 2018 major award winners and all-stars from the season that was on the pitch.
Coach of the Year – David Butcher, Queen's Gaels
Since his arrival in 2017, David Butcher has taken an already strong Gaels' program to a new level. The second-year coach led his squad to a spotless regular season (8-0) with the narrowest margin of victory coming in a 55-22 win over the Laurier Golden Hawks. Now with home field advantage in the OUA championship game, Butcher looks to coach his team to their second consecutive undefeated season.
Butcher has been involved in rugby for more than 20 years, first as a professional player and then as a coach. He is a technical resource coach, national A team assistant coach (forwards), national U20 coach (forwards), and national scrum development coach for Team Canada. Prior to that he was the high-performance coach for Scottish Rugby, and now, he is using all of that knowledge and experience within the sport to lead one of the OUA's best all-around squads.
Some of the most talented players on the Gaels' roster are also being recognized for their respective campaigns, as five Queen's players have been named all-stars.
Patrick Lynott (Chelsea, Que.) has proven to be one of the best props in the OUA as a result of his hard carrying and aggressive style, consistently using his power and size to put up points. Lynott's teammate, however, has scored his way to the top of the team's try earners, as Nicholas De Lallo (Ottawa, Ont.) also earns an all-star nod. His thirst to score is made easier by his power, energy, and sneaky speed.
Another player who has been a reliable presence for the Tricolour is Lachlan Devir(Toronto, Ont.), who has been deemed "Mr. Consistency" thanks to his no-error play. He is also a specialist in leading the counter-attack for the Gaels. Tristan Ruse (Campbellville, Ont.) has shown off his skill on both sides of the ball, while Brendan Blaikie (Markham, Ont.) showcases the team's best throw and has done so as captain and leader of the squad.
Trillium Award – Alex Pipchuk, Queen's Gaels
The Queen's all-stars have demonstrated dominance on the pitch, but when it comes to being an all-around player, perhaps no one defines the moniker better than Alex Pipchuk(Calgary, Alta.). His performance on the field has contributed to all aspects of play, and as the ultimate teammate, he is more concerned with setting up his fellow Gaels' success rather than flourishing in his own.
While he may not always be the player that is noticed on the field, his play is invaluable thanks to the many things he does off the ball to ensure his teammates find lanes to score. As a result of his team-first attitude and his ability to hold the Gaels together throughout their powerhouse play, Pipchuk has been called the "glue guy", making it clear that he is in fact, one of the most all-around players the OUA has to offer.
Off the field, Pipchuk's work ethic spills into other aspects of his life as well. Just this year, he led the team's fundraising initiative and organized the men's rugby program's "Run for the Cure". Thanks to his leadership and hard work, the team raised $30,000 for this charity, which was the highest amount for any group in Kingston. Pipchuk has also been heavily involved with taking rugby into local schools in Kingston, joining fellow Queen's rugby players in running regular sessions at a local school.
The complete list of 2018 men's rugby major award winners and all-stars is as follows:
Player of the Year – Mitch Voralek, Waterloo
Rookie of the Year – Nathan Jutronich, Laurier
Coach of the Year – David Butcher, Queen's
Trillium Award – Alex Pipchuk, Queen's
All-Stars
Fly Half – Ben Scher, Waterloo
Scrum Half – Riley Dinardo, Guelph
Prop – Patrick Lynott, Queen's
Prop – Emerson Prior, Trent
Centre – Mitch Voralek, Waterloo
Centre – Mitch Richardson, McMaster
Back Three – Andre Douglas, Guelph
Back Three – Lachlan Devir, Queen's
Back Three – Glenn Butler, RMC
Back Row – Nicholas De Lallo, Queen's
Back Row – Matt Fish, Laurier
Back Row – Marcello Wainwright, Guelph
Hooker – Brendan Blaikie, Queen's
Second Row – Tristan Ruse, Queen's
Second Row – Mackenzie Kea, Guelph
