Columbia, SC - The University of South Carolina Men's Rugby program today announced the inaugural recipients of the Carolina Rugby Scholarship, awarding four student-athletes who have demonstrated excellence both on the field and in the classroom.
Funded by the Jeffrey S. Smolka Rugby Endowed Scholarship Fund and established earlier this year, the Carolina Rugby Scholarship offers the greatest financial impact of any rugby scholarship in the country. Renewable semesterly, recipients receive a $250 monetary award towards tuition and a 45% reduction on their out-of-state tuition rate. Based on 2015 tuition prices, that is a savings of more than $54,000 over the student’s four year stay.
Recipients must meet a number of standards, both academic and rugby related, to be considered for the award. “The combination of academic achievement, rugby prowess, and community leadership exhibited by these men underscores the core values of this scholarship,” says Mark Morris, Head Coach of the South Carolina Men's Rugby program. "With the name like Jeff Smolka attached to this award, those who receive it will certainly have big shoes to fill when it comes to their actions both on and off the field.”
With only four recipients named this fall, the team expects to name several more in time for the spring 2016 season. "Our mission is to reward those who contribute greatly to the program’s success while attracting top talent from established programs across the nation," adds Morris. "The Smolka Family, through their contributions and the creation of the Carolina Rugby Scholarship, has placed us in a position where we’re becoming a popular choice for accomplished rugby players. We are thankful for their commitment to the program and we look forward to achieving new heights with their support.
The first four recipients of the Carolina Rugby Scholarship include:
Name: Timothy Hamill
Hometown: Downingtown, PA
High School: Downingtown West
Field Position: Fullback
Height/Weight: 5'8" / 155
Major: Supply Chain Management
SC Rugby: Southeastern Rugby All-Conference Team 1st XV, fullback (F2014) / Southeastern Rugby All-Tournament XVs Team, fullback (F2014) / Southeastern Rugby All-Conference Team 1st XV, wing (S2014) / Southeastern Rugby All-Tournament 7's Team (2013) / Southeastern Rugby All-Conference Team 2nd XV, wing (2013)
Name: Brian Keown
Hometown: Newton Square, PA
High School: St. Joseph's Prep
Field Position: Scrum Half
Height/Weight: 5'9" / 160
Major: Biological Science
SC Rugby: Southeastern Rugby All-Conference Team 1st XV, scrumhalf (F2014) / Southeastern Rugby All-Tournament XVs Team, scrum half (F2014) / Southeastern Rugby All-Conference Team 1st XV, scrum half (S2014) / Southeastern Rugby All-Tournament 7's Team (2013)
Name: Zachary Mullineaux
Hometown: Downingtown, PA
High School: Downingtown West
Field Position: 8 Man / Lock
Height/Weight: 5'9" / 195
Major: Supply Chain Management
SC Rugby: Southeastern Rugby All-Conference Team 2nd XV, lock (F2014) / Southeastern Rugby All-Conference Team 1st XV, lock (S2014)
Name: Jared Magill
Hometown: Downingtown, PA
High School: Downingtown West
Field Position: Flanker
Height/Weight: 5'7" / 175
Major: Exercise Science
SC Rugby: N/A
