Mackenzie Kea, Rugby, Guelph
Mackenzie Kea doesn't always get the glory in his role on the Gryphons men's rugby team and the towering 6-6, 275-pound lock doesn't necessarily mind it. Kea is usually called on to use his power to support teammates at both ends of the pitch, but with Guelph's season on the line, the fifth-year lock unexpectedly took on a different role.
Burlington, Ont. – Mackenzie Kea has been named IG Wealth Management Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Peak Performer for the period ending November 4, 2018.
Peak Performer – Mackenzie Kea (Woodville, Ont.) – 5th Year – Guelph Gryphons
Mackenzie Kea doesn't always get the glory in his role on the Gryphons men's rugby team and the towering 6-6, 275-pound lock doesn't necessarily mind it. Kea is usually called on to use his power to support teammates at both ends of the pitch, but with Guelph's season on the line, the fifth-year lock unexpectedly took on a different role.
The Gryphons were in a close battle with the Laurier Golden Hawks for the right to play in next week's OUA championship match. Laurier took the initiative early and built a lead but Guelph stormed back in the second half and were within two points at 26-24. With time running out, Kea, who admitted he doesn't get the opportunity to score many tries, made an incredible effort to snatch the ball from a scrum, power through a mass of bodies, and slam the ball to the turf for the match-winning try that would send Guelph to another OUA final, as well as extend his Gryphon career for at least another week.