2022-23 Kevin Higgins College Scholarship Program Recipient: Mason Walker

Mason Walker is a catalyst for growing the sport of rugby in the state of Utah. After beginning his rugby career with Herriman Rugby in 2018, Mason took the initiative to found the Mountain Ridge Rugby Club. He was responsible for collecting signatures, securing a school administrator to support the club, recruiting players and coaches. As a player and a jack of all trades, he helped lead and grow Mountain Ridge Rugby from the spring of 2020 to 2022. Today, Mountain Ridge Rugby has men’s and women’s sides at both the high school and middle school levels and has a variety of teams ranging from U5 to U18. 

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“When Mountain Ridge High School was opened in 2019, Mason as a stellar candidate to represent your organization as a scholarship recipient, took the initiative to charter the Mountain Ridge Rugby Club at the school after learning that players would no longer be eligible to play for their former school when the boundaries split. Mason is also a great teammate, always willing to put in the necessary work on the field as well as in the classroom and community. He actively participated in all fundraisers and supported all special events. I could always count on Mason to help with anything that was asked of him,” said Clarissa Crisp, Mountain Ridge Rugby Club Board Member.

Mason graduated from Mountain Ridge High School in Herriman, Utah in the spring of 2022 with a 3.7 GPA. He achieved honor roll recognition every quarter of his high school career. Aside from the rugby pitch, Mason competed in football and is a black belt in Tae Kwando. He was invited to play for the Utah Warriors Rugby Academy and appeared in several matches at the wing. Mason will continue his academic and rugby career at the collegiate level at the University of Utah.

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Mason intends to pursue a business marketing degree and is eager to help grow the sport of rugby in the state of Utah and across the country. He would love to have the opportunity to play at the next level for an MLR team in the future. He describes his passion for rugby as lifelong and wants to remain a part of the game as a coach or program director after the conclusion of his playing career. 

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“Mason is a stellar, hardworking college student and a top-notch teammate who gained the respect and trust from our upperclassmen and looked up to by his fellow freshmen. He has been doing an excellent job balancing his academics and rugby commitment” said University of Utah Rugby Head Coach, Sean McKinney.