Mario Van Der Westhuizen, Guelph, Rugby

Guelph Gryphons scrum half Mario Van Der Westhuizen (Mississauga, Ont.) has been selected as the OUA Peak Performer after leading the Gryphons to a pair wins to open the season against the RMC Paladins and rival Queen’s Gaels.

On Monday against RMC, Van Der Westhuizen, who is currently in his third year studying political science, had six conversions and 1 penalty goal in Guelph’s 53-0 victory.

Van Der Westhuizen followed that up on Sunday with another strong performance in an OUA finals rematch against the perennial powerhouse Queen’s Gaels.  The Mississauga, Ont. native split the uprights on a pair of penalties, each from over 30 metres out, and also made good on a sideline convert from 22-metres away. Van Der Westhuizen’s eight points helped the Gryphons avenge their finals loss to the Gaels with an 18-12 victory.

Through two games this season, Van Der Westhuizen is ranked third in OUA in scoring with 30 points, while his seven conversions have him sitting in second place.

Van Der Westhuizen and the Gryphons will travel to St. Catharines, Ont. on Saturday as they look to spoil Homecoming for the Brock Badgers.