Eustace headlines an exceptional class of OUA award winners
Burlington, Ont. – Leaders on and off the pitch, sensational achievements stand tall among this year's honourees. A robust rookie campaign joins a collection of strong seniors as part of the 2024 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) men's rugby award winners and all-stars, headlined by player of the year Josh Eustace from the Waterloo Warriors.
Player of the Year - Josh Eustace, Waterloo
As the team's fly half, Eustace was both the offensive playmaker and a key leader on the pitch. Over the course of the season, he racked up 22 points, as the Brantford, Ont. product notched one try, seven converts, and one penalty goal.
His versatility in directing the attack and his ability to put points on the board were vital to the Waterloo Warriors' success during the 2024 season.
Beyond his offensive contributions, Eustace also made a significant impact defensively, helping to organize the Warriors' structure and elevate the play of those around him.
The fourth-year adds this player of the year nod to his many accolades, including OUA first team all-star honours in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Rookie of the Year - Kohl Kletke, Western
For the second year in a row the OUA men's rugby rookie of the year is a Western Mustang.
Kletke led the OUA with 90 points, while starting in all six of Western's regular season games. From Oakville, Ont., the freshmen scored eight tries, kicked 22 converts, and two penalty goals.
He had a particularly strong game in the Mustangs 95-3 win over York, connecting on six converts in his third game with Western. He also put five converts through the uprights and scored two tries in their 40-24 win over Waterloo in their second last game of the regular season.
Kletke is a hard-working athlete who gives his all every time he crosses the white lines. He possesses a great combination of skill set, mindset, and rugby IQ which allows him to excel on the pitch both offensively and defensively.
Community Service Award - James Webb, Queen's
Webb the, the fourth-year fly half has made a significant impact on his community.
He spearheaded the Run for the Cure initiative within the Queen's Gaels men's rugby team, and thanks in large part to his efforts, he helped his team generate over $25,000 toward cancer research.
The senior standout also helped the Gaels secure a strong season on the pitch, finishing the season 5-1 and set to face the Guelph Gryphons in the OUA final this weekend.
Champions of EDI Award – Tadiwanashe Murewa, Guelph
Murewa has been a champion of EDI amongst the Guelph Gryphons, striving to illicit positive change.
The third-year winger was recently selected as one of 10 students from the OUA to participate in the Sponsorship X Black emerging leaders academy, during the NHL All-star weekend in Toronto. The academy offered an opportunity for attendees to learn more about careers in sales, marketing, and sponsorship, while also getting a behind the scenes look at the NHL All-Star Weekend.
The food, agricultural, and resource management student was also one of five student-athletes representing the Gryphons at the 2024 Diversity in Sports Conference hosted by the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network. In addition to his active involvement with these events, Murewa's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion shines through how he supports and uplifts the Black, Racialized, and Indigenous students on campus.
Whether it is by referring his peers to the appropriate resources, celebrating their achievements, or role-modelling good citizenship, he continues to champion EDI not only in the Gryphon community but also in the OUA.
Coach of the Year - Cory Hector, Guelph
In his ninth year behind the bench for the Guelph Gryphons, Hector led his team to a perfect 6-0 season, clinching the top spot in the conference.
Hector's team scored 365 points, tied for most in the league, and only allowed 57 points, which was the lowest mark in the OUA.
The Gryphons have won four OUA titles during Hector's nine seasons in charge, including the last three in a row. Hector will next look to guide his Guelph crew to a program-record fourth consecutive OUA title when the Gryphons host Queen's this weekend.
MAJOR AWARDS
Player of the Year - Josh Eustace, Waterloo
Rookie of the Year - Kohl Kletke, Western
Community Service Award - James Webb, Queen's
Champion of EDI Award - Tadiwanashe Murewa, Guelph
Coach of the Year - Cory Hector, Guelph
FIRST TEAM ALL-STARS
Fly Half - Josh Eustace, Waterloo
Scrum Half - Devon Ollson, Western
Prop - Charles Trollip, Guelph
Prop - Brayden McReelis, Brock
Centre - Liam Bowman, Guelph
Centre - Kohl Kletke, Western
Back Three - Tomas Dallan, Guelph
Back Three - Owen Lee, Queen's
Back Three - Reon White, Brock
Back Row - Grant Meadows, Brock
Back Row - Owen Williams, Guelph
Back Row - Garin Schroeder, Western
Hooker - Cameron Bubyn, Queen's
Second Row - Adam Ford, Guelph
Second Row - Colin Rolph, Western
SECOND TEAM ALL-STARS
Fly Half - Marcus D'Acre, Queen's
Scrum Half- Calum Hayes, Waterloo
Props - Alex Levia, Laurier
Props - Caleb Hickey, Trent
Centre - Kobe Faust, Guelph
Centre - Trekker James, Queen's
Back Three - Thomas Wells Richards, Waterloo
Back Three - Brenden Black, Guelph
Back Three - Tejpal Sangha, Laurier
Back Row - Daniel Svoboda, Queen's
Back Row - Eric Vann, Toronto
Back Row - Austin Allen, Trent
Hooker - Joe Aceti, Laurier
Second Row - Stratton Windsor, Waterloo
Second Row - Wilson Harding, York
