2022-23 Kevin Higgins College Scholarship Program Recipient: Zachary Herrington

When the going gets tough, Zach Herrington keeps going - from his very first hit on the pitch to a broken nose in a crucial game. “I feel that the tough mindset that rugby has created helped me to be able to keep going no matter what,” said Herrington. 

‍
He played for the Indiana County Warrior High School Rugby Club for four seasons. During his career with the Warriors, he helped captain and lead the team to a Pennsylvania State Championship title. His standout play in his senior season landed him a spot on the Pennsylvania All-State team. 

‍

“I have no idea how we will replace Zach. For as good as rugby player as he is, he is an even better young man. He taught, encouraged, and built up the younger players so that they became critical parts of our team. He helps me coach elementary school kids at a youth rugby program that we run. Anytime I needed a volunteer to help with anything, Zach was one of the first to raise his hand. I miss Zach immensely. Not just his ability on the pitch, but his positive attitude and the joy he brings to everything he does,” said Zubin Billimoria, Indiana County Warriors High School Rugby Club Co-Head Coach. 

‍

Zach graduated from Indiana Area High School in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Not only did Zach excel on the pitch, but also in the classroom earning a 3.61 GPA and challenging himself in Advance Placement courses. A multisport athlete, he also competed in basketball, track and field, baseball, and football. In his senior year, Zach set a personal record for single season rushing yards and landed fourth in school history. Aside from athletics, he was a member of a non-profit organization that raised money for pediatric cancer and participated in several community service events. 

‍

He will continue his academic and athletic career at Slippery Rocky University. While playing for Slippery Rock Men’s Rugby Club, Zach will study exercise science with career aspirations of becoming a physical therapist. He hopes to earn the opportunity to serve his team as captain and help lead the team to a national championship. Zach is dedicated to remaining involved with the sport throughout every phase of life, taking interest in coaching, managing, and even refereeing. 

‍

“Playing 15 for Slippery Rock allows Zach to insert himself into the offense in various places. He is knowledgeable, so he makes sound attacking decisions, and he runs extremely hard. Again, he thrives with any type of contact, and wins those battles consistently. Zach is an exercise science major. Traditionally this leads to a master’s program in Physical Therapy or something similar. Exercise science at Slippery Rock is well respected nationally, and very challenging academically. Zach thrives in this major. He works hard on the pitch, and he works hard off the pitch. Zach is a true scholar athlete,” said Matt Heasley, Slippery Rock University Head Coach.