ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Lewis Gray of the Navy men's rugby team was voted as one of the five finalists for the 2023 Rudy Scholz Award. The finalists were selected by public vote. 

The award is presented annually by the Washington Athletic Club to the top men's college rugby player in the country. A winner will be chosen by a panel of experts after the conclusion of the 15s season. The recipient will be presented the award at a gala event hosted by the Washington Athletic Club in Seattle, Wash., on June 10.

"I am extremely humbled to have been selected as a finalist for such a prestigious award. My selection is a testament of the hard work from our team," said Gray. "Coach (Gavin) Hickie and coach (James) Willocks gave me the tools to excel this season. Without their guidance and unwavering support on the pitch from my teammates, I wouldn't be in the place I am."

Joining Gray as finalists for the award are Orrin Bizer (Life), Joe Marchant (Saint Mary's), Wyatt Parry (BYU) and Max Schumacher (California). 

Gray is Navy's top scorer this season with 161 points. The senior leads the Mids with 16 tries and is tied as the team leader in made penalty kicks with seven. Additionally, he ranks second on the team in made conversion kicks with 30. 

Navy's center has scored in 14 of his 15 appearances this season. He contributed a season-high 30 points on four tries and five conversion kicks against Mount St. Mary's (Sept. 17).

The Jupiter, Fla., native finished with three points in Navy's, 30-6, playoff quarterfinal victory against Army last Saturday. He made a crucial penalty kick from Army's 10-meter line to end the first half to extend Navy's lead to 13-6.

Navy will battle No. 2 Lindenwood in the playoff semifinals on Saturday at noon at the Prusmack Rugby Center.