Men's rugby concluded its 2024–25 season with end-of-year awards, honoring the players who most shaped the performance and culture of the program. Voted on by the team, the awards recognize not just on-field excellence, but also leadership, resilience, and the intangibles that define a Lindenwood Lion.
"These awards reflect the best of who we are," said Head Coach
Josh Macy. "It's about who rose to the occasion, who our guys leaned on, and who made this team better every single day."
Harry Regan (Junior, Second Row from Ballina, Ireland) was named
Newcomer of the Year, an award for players new to the team whether a freshmen or transfer, who immediately became integral to the program's success. Regan stepped confidently into a key role off the bench, showing maturity and energy that helped stabilize the team through big moments.
Newcomer of the Year Honorable Mention went to
Sanele Mdingi (Junior, Center from Pietermaritzburg, Republic of South Africa).
Zack McCartney (Freshman, Flanker from Portstewart Northern Ireland) received the
Freshman of the Year award. McCartney arrived straight from high school and quickly proved he could compete at the collegiate level. His strength and physicality earned him respect well beyond his class year.
Freshman of the Year Honorable Mention went to Jacob Martin (Freshman, Wing from Bixby, Oklahoma).
Ivan Ingram (Sophomore, Hooker from St. Francis Bay, Republic of South Africa) earned
Breakout Player of the Year as a returning player who took a major leap in contribution this season. His physicality, effort, and game awareness made him a mainstay off the bench.
Breakout Player of the Year Honorable Mention went to
Karsten Rice (Junior, Wing from Bixby, Oklahoma).
The
Most Valuable Forward was
Duncan Krige (Senior, Flanker from Port Elizabeth, Republic of South Africa). Krige brought steady leadership and elite-level consistency to the forward pack. Whether in tight exchanges or loose play, his influence was constant and essential.
Most Valuable Forward Honorable Mention went to
Eduan van Heerden (Senior, Number Eight from Charlotte, North Carolina).
Most Valuable Back was awarded to
Declan Ries (Senior, Center from Brisbane, Australia), whose command, vision, and composure set the tone in the backline throughout the season.
Most Valuable Back Honorable Mention went to
Brendan Mason (Senior, Fullback from Harare, Zimbabwe).
Karsten Rice (Junior, Wing from Bixby, Oklahoma) received the
Most Improved Player distinction. Rice made massive strides over the course of the year. His development was a testament to hard work and resilience, transforming him into a reliable and impactful player.
Most Improved Player Honorable Mention was awarded to
Dylan Scruggs (Sophomore, Wing from St. Charles, Missouri).
The
LEO Award was presented to
Johannes Greyling (Senior, Prop from Lichtenburg, Republic of South Africa), a player whose passion for the team and pride in the university consistently uplifted those around him.
LEO Award Honorable Mention went to
Chad Tinney (Grad Student, Prop from Kansas City, Kansas).
Gavin Richards (Junior, Fly Half from Austin, Texas) received the
Midnight Rider award, recognizing the teammate you'd call when something goes wrong, someone who is dependable, unshakable, and always willing to help.
Midnight Rider Honorable Mention went to
Xavier Herbert (Senior, Hooker from Dunedin, New Zealand).
Riley Richardson-Mould (Sophomore, Flanker from Kaukapakapa, New Zealand) received the
Challenger Award. He was celebrated for his relentless competitive spirit. Always up for the challenge, his energy and edge raised the team's standard.
Challenger Award Honorable Mention went to
Terrell Hopson (Senior, Flanker from Concord, California).
Behind the scenes,
Milche Mulder (Freshman, Manager from Nelspruit, Republic of South Africa) was named
Manager of the Year for her tireless effort to support of the program.
Dylin Mulder (Senior, Manager, from Nelspruit, Republic of South Africa) received
Manager of the Year Honorable Mention.
Finally, the
Players' Player award, once again as voted by the locker room, went to
Duncan Krige (Senior, Flanker from Port Elizabeth, Republic of South Africa) His leadership, consistency, and team-first mentality earned him the highest peer recognition.
Players' Player Honorable Mention went to
Karsten Rice (Junior, Wing from Bixby, Oklahoma).
These award winners represent the foundation of Lindenwood rugby. As the team looks ahead, their examples set the tone for what is expected from every Lion who wears the Lindenwood jersey.