ELLENSBURG, Wash. - After Saturday's matchup against the #11 Arizona Wildcats, the Central Washington University men's rugby team will honor the following nine seniors who have led the team to a 7-1 record and the highest national ranking in program history.
 
JONAH AUVAA
Auvaa is a prop from Puyallup, Wash., and joined the Wildcat roster in 2018. He will earn a degree in Safety and Health Management with a minor in Risk Management.
 
"Jonah has been the quiet achiever for us, but his achievements have been nothing close to quiet," Head Coach Todd Thornley said. A great student, an ultimate teammate, and a very impactful rugby player, it has been amazing to be a part of his journey during his time at CWU."


 
NICKOLIS HAVILAND
Haviland joined the team in 2018. The fifth-year prop from Yakima, Wash. will earn a master's degree in Computational Science.
 
"What a great teammate, student, and Mr. Consistent on the field," Coach Thornley said. "Fridge has been an immense part of changing our environment and his evolution into a great front rower for us has been nothing short of remarkable."


 
GORDON SMILANICH
From Santa Clarita, Calif., Smilanich played as a lock after joining the Wildcats in 2019. He'll earn a degree in Clinical Physiology.
 
"Gordan has been immense in raising the standards of our program day in and day out," Coach Thornley said. "We will miss the detailed approach from this great human, student, and one of our most improved rugby players in my tenure here as head coach."

 

MARQUES FUALA'AU
Fuala'au is a fifth-year 8 man from Kent, Wash. Fuala'au is set to get his degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Leadership and Management as well as a minor in Finance.
 
"What a journey of growth, maturity, and excellence it has been for Marques on and off the field," Coach Thornley said. "An ever-involving rugby player and great team man, it has been an absolute pleasure to sit back and watch him grow into the person he is today."


 
ALEXANDER CLEARY
A flanker from Ferndale, Wash., Cleary came to the Wildcats in 2019. Cleary will earn a degree in Biology with a pair of minors in Chemistry and Craft Brewing.
 
"There is only one Alex Cleary," Coach Thornley said. "Mr. Wildcat himself has had an impact on our program beyond what we could measure. We will miss Alex and everything he does on an off the field, big shoes to fill."


 
RHYS JONES
A fly-half from Folsom, Calif., Jones came to the Wildcats in 2019. He'll earn a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Finance. Jones will also graduate with minors in Computer Science and Economics.
 
"Rhys is the definition of resilience and work ethic," Coach Thornley said. "Rhys has applied himself to every single part of our program and is finally getting rewarded for his hard work. One of the first guys we pick in our lineup this year, we will miss his consistent approach and performances with our program dearly."


 
NOAH WRIGHT
Wright is a fifth-year wing from Renton, Wash. Wright is set to earn his degree in Media & Journalism.
 
"Noah would do anything for this program and his impact on and off the field has been immense," Coach Thornley said. "His physical impact on our game and at the training field will be sorely missed."


 
MITCHELL HIROSE
Hirose is a wing from Kihei, Hawaii. The senior is set to graduate with a degree in Clinical Physiology and a minor in Physical Rehabilitation Therapy.
 
"The pocket rocket that is Mitchy has left a lasting impact on our program," Coach Thornley said. "The detail, selflessness, and relentless work ethic has made him into one of our great leaders and consistent rugby player that will be very difficult to replace."


 
ALBERT O'SHANNESSEY
A native of Christchurch, New Zealand, O'Shannessey joined the team in 2018. The loose forward will earn a master's degree in Information Technology and Administrative Management with an emphasis on Data Analytics.
 
"It's been fun to sit back and watch Alby's evolution into the great player, team man, and captain of our program that he is today," Coach Thornley said. "A relentless, selfless work ethic that has made him into one of the most consistent loose forwards in the country will certainly be missed."