What a Mark! Six New Mexico Tech Rugby Student-Athletes Named 2023-24 Scholastic All-Americans
July 05, 2024
Techies Lukas Chavez, sophomore mechanical engineering and hooker; Akongnwi Chungong, first-year
environmental engineering and wing; Tristen Herrera, sophomore computer science and wing; Nicholas
Hutt, senior structural engineering and inside center (and 2021-22 Scholastic All-American);
Robert Ivil,
junior mechanical engineering and fullback; and Benjamin Medve, sophomore electrical engineering
and openside flanker, comprise a half-dozen of the 1,059 student-athletes from more
than 150 schools
to be honored by the governing body.
“These players are the true embodiment of a student-athlete,” said NMT Rugby Head
Coach Jason
Oliphant. “Their dedication, discipline, and hard work have set a high standard for
their peers,
showcasing the perfect balance between sports and academics. This recognition also
highlights the
exceptional work and dedication of the faculty and staff who helped the awardees reach
such
impressive heights.”
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 percent of the fall 15s A-side matches or 50
percent of the A-side
Spring 7s tournaments, according to the National Collegiate Rugby website. NMT plays
in both.
Tech competes in the High Peaks Conference within the small college division, which
totals 259 teams
across four main regions and 18 conferences. Other schools in this division with 2023-24
All-Americans
include Bowdoin, College of the Holy Cross, Colorado College, Hofstra, Middlebury,
Providence, Seton
Hall, St. John’s, University of Denver, University of Richmond, University of Wisconsin-Eau
Claire,
Wentworth Institute of Technology, and Wesleyan University.
NMT Rugby, established in 1973, won the national 15s championship and the national
7s championship
in 2022.