Wayne State College men's rugby players Trent Draper, Diego Stefani, and Ayabo Mlobeli have been named National Collegiate Rugby All-Americans for the 2024-2025 season. The All-American roster features 23 players from 18 different schools, with WSC having the most representation.
    Draper is the captain of this Wildcats group and head coach Bryn Chivers calls him "a great leader on and off the field." 
    "He is a big man, and his physicality in all aspects of the game often overshadows his exceptional rugby IQ and his superb passing skills," Chivers said.
    Draper's season was highlighted by a pass he made in the National Championship that got the announcers to call for Draper to take a bow, claiming "You won't see a better pass than that all weekend."
    The WSC captain also got showcase his talents at the All-Star tournament in Atlanta. 
    Stefani made the successful transition from being a center in the back line to playing flanker in the pack. Stefani's ball carrying and play-making abilities were greatly highlighted in the position change, while keeping the same ferocity on the defensive end. He led all scorers with four tries at the throughout the Final Four in Houston.
    Mlobeli had a breakout season in his sophomore year, cementing a role as a key starter for this squad. His continued improvement in every aspect of the game was heavily highlighted by Coach Chivers. His allusive running abilities also led him to score a try the fans dubbed a favorite.
    With two All Americans from 2023, Asante Rikhotso and Banele Jiyane, still on the team, WSC will go into next season with five players who have received All American honors, as they will look to repeat as National Champions next fall.