A pair of Parkland rugby players were recognized by Rugby Manitoba recently.
Ronin Mouck became the first Mavericks player ever to be named Senior Player of the Year, while Codi Harrigan was chosen as the winner of the Ray Skett Coaching Award.
Mouck received an email from Rugby Manitoba about two weeks ago informing him of the award.
“I didn’t even know the award even existed, to be honest,” he said, adding he went to Winnipeg to receive the award, Oct. 30.
“I was just happy that putting all the work in through the season paid off, because I practice so much. I’m just happy to see it paid off, pretty much,” he said.
Mouck attributes his hard work and a strong, sharp mentality as keys to his success this season.
“We practice Tuesdays and Thursdays, but I probably came to the field another two days a week, at least. Putting in the work during the off time. Just practicing all the time,” he said.
At 19 years of age, Mouck has a bright future ahead of him, so winning the award means a lot
“Coming off the championship with all the guys, too. It’s the first-ever championship in Parkland Mavericks’ history and now this is the first time a Maverick has won this award, so I’m just happy to win it for the Mavericks,” he said.
Mavericks player-coach Jordan Campbell said Mouck has been the most consistent and driven player the Mavericks have ever had.
“He makes everyone on his team better and I can even say from experience, he’s my friend and brother. At practice, he pushed me and it literally made me want to play harder,” he said, adding Mouck led the league in points, never missed a practice or a game, even after being in a car accident the day before.
“He’s the true definition of a rugby player and Maverick. As tough as they come,” Campbell said.
Throughout the season, Harrigan has coached eight different teams at all age levels.
“From Grade 3 right to U18 Canada women’s team,” he said.
Harrigan got into coaching through his daughter, who has been involved in the sport for six years, starting when she was five years old.
“She’s really been my driving force behind it. Just watching her enjoy the game and the game means a lot to me, so we can connect that way,” he said.
“She’s always been my biggest supporter, so when I told her I got the award, she said, ‘yeah, of course, Dad. You deserved it’.”
Harrigan doesn’t see it as an individual award, instead calling it a collaborative effort between the players, parents and volunteers behind every program he has been part of.
“I’ve just got to say thanks to everyone that’s supported me over the years and especially this last year,” he said.
“Especially the players that will come out here in the weather and give it their all.”
When he received the email informing him of the award, Harrigan at first thought it was a scam.
“I didn’t even know I was nominated. So I was very humbled,” he said.