2024-25 Kevin Higgins Scholarship Recipient: Lucas Miners

Born into a rugby family, Lucas Miners began playing at 14 with the Little Rock Junior Stormers. His introduction to the sport came naturally, with rugby being an integral part of his family's life.

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"I started playing rugby because I am from a Rugby family," Miners explained. "I kept playing because I love the game – how challenging it is, how everyone continues to learn even after a lifetime playing, how your team mates have your back."

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Despite being younger than many competitors in his first year, Miners never showed hesitation. He later helped build his team by recruiting players during lunch hours and after school at Parkview High School. Throughout high school, he primarily played scrum half while also demonstrating versatility at fly half, full back, and wing positions, serving as co-captain during his junior and senior years.

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His rugby involvement extended beyond the Junior Stormers to the Arkansas Junior Gryphons and Arkansas Select Side team. During his freshman year at the University of Arkansas, he earned starts at multiple positions, showcasing his adaptability.

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While excelling in rugby, Miners maintained a 4.52 GPA at Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School, graduating eighth in his class of 284 students. He earned Outstanding Scholarship Awards in multiple subjects and continued his academic excellence in college, making the University of Arkansas Dean's List while pursuing Mechanical Engineering.

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His extracurricular activities ranged from 4-H participation and livestock exhibition to basketball, varsity bowling, and classic car restoration. "Rugby has been a defining element in my life," Miners shared. "It taught me resilience and discipline, pushing me to confront challenges head-on."

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Looking forward, Miners aims to make his college team's starting squad and eventually coach youth rugby. Professionally, he plans to work in automotive or agricultural equipment development, continuing his family's four-generation tradition of cattle raising.