Wildcat men’s rugby star named nation’s top player

CWU men’s rugby team leader Oscar Treacy was selected as the winner of the 2024-25 Rudy Scholz Award last week, becoming the first-ever Wildcat to receive the honor.

The senior wing from Melbourne, Australia, emerged from a list of five finalists, who were chosen last month by the award selection committee.

The award, which recognizes the nation’s top male college rugby player, is named after rugby legend Rudy Scholz, who played at Santa Clara and helped Team USA win two Olympic gold medals in 1920 and 1924.

The Rudy Scholz Award has been presented every year since 2016 by the Washington Athletic Club in Seattle. Treacy was honored at the club's annual gala on May 7.

“It is an absolute honor to receive the Rudy Scholz Award, especially given how competitive college rugby has been this year,” Treacy said in a story on WildcatSports.com. “I'd like to give a huge thanks to all the teammates who have been a part of my journey at Central and have contributed to me as a player.”

Treacy also thanked coaches Todd Thornley and Erik Hoium for helping him grow as a player and as a person.

Thornley was equally complimentary of his star player, saying, “Watching Oscar win the Rudy Scholz Award, knowing the sacrifices he's made and the heart he's poured into this team, is incredibly satisfying and a great example for all of us to learn from.”

Treacy's season was highlighted by clutch tries and game-winning plays in a year where Central Washington won several games by close margins. Against sixth-ranked BYU in the first round of the D1A Playoffs, he recorded a hat trick of tries and led the 'Cats to a 53-26 victory.

The Wildcats made their fourth straight national quarterfinal appearance, falling to defending national champion, St. Mary's, 53-48.

The selection committee explained that Treacy’s elusive running, ability to win ball in the air, and involving his teammates were the reasons he was selected as a finalist.

“In a year when our program is coming to an abrupt end, Oscar has given us a legacy we can be proud of,” Thornley said. “True to his character, he'll credit his teammates for creating the daily environment that allowed him to grow, push his limits, and showcase his talents.”