It was an unforgettable season for the Warriors men's rugby team, in fact one of their best in over 10 seasons, and two big reasons why were Mitch Voralek (Waterloo/) and Ben Scher (Vancouver/). Voralek was named the OUA player of the year and all-star while Scher also found his way onto the all-star team. 
 

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After one of the best individual seasons for @uw_mensrugby, @mitchvoralek has been named the Player of the Year & All-Star. • @ben_scher also had a big year with the 🖤💛🏉, earning an All-Star nod! #goblackgogold

A post shared by Waterloo Warriors (@wloowarriors) on Nov 9, 2018 at 8:00am PST

Coming off his first two seasons where he finished third and fourth in OUA scoring, Voralek compiled 124 points this season on four tries, 37 converts, and ten penalties. In total, Voralek hit 47 of 61 kick attempts, including multiple penalties from near 50 meters. He also added 17 more points in the post-season.

"I am very proud that Mitch is the MVP of the OUA," said head coach Tyler Greer. "Mitch bust on to the scene winning Athlete of the Week in his second ever game and hasn't looked back since. He is a hard working leader who is consistently getting better every week. Our team has been incredible this year and they have given him so many opportunities to score points this season."

Voralek played outside centre this season, and made a seamless transition. He maintained his play making abilities for the Warriors, and along with his scoring, he directly set up eight more tries.

To buoy his offence, a skill that he showcased with the black and gold's new single-season point record, he also has a tremendous work ethic and is a routine presence all over the field. On defence, Voralek consistently organized the backline and rarely missed his tackles. With his speed, meanwhile, he also shuts down the outside attack to make him an all-star presence across the board for the Warriors.

Joining Voralek as an all-star, meanwhile, and helping the team to reach the postseason for the first time since 2012, is fly half Ben Scher (Vancouver/) who cracked the squad after completing his first season in the OUA.

"Ben made a huge impact in his first season with the Warriors," commented Greer. "He brought a lot of on field leadership and rugby IQ to go along with his play making skills to the team this year."

Although his individual stats might not leap off the score sheet, Scher helped transform the way the Warriors played on the field. Scher's leadership was a difference-maker for the Warriors with the way he positioned the players and controlled the game, and his presence greatly contributed to the team's fourth-ranked points total and up-tempo style.

Be sure to catch Voralek and Scher in action this Saturday in the OUA Bronze Medal match at 1pm at University Stadium.