The University at Buffalo Rugby Alumni Association is proud to announce that Ashton "Ash" Mallach is this years recipient of the UBRAA First XV Scholarship.
The First XV scholarship is awarded annually to an incoming freshman who meets and exceeds the academic and personal standards that exemplify the tradition and values of the University at Buffalo and UB Rugby.
A freshman number eight / lock from Pelham, NY, Ash has already made an impact as a valuable contributor on UB Rugby's A side this season as a strong ball carrier and a force in the lineouts. Ash joined Pelham Rugby in middle school where he played lock, center and number eight. In his senior season, Ash was named captain of Pelham's varsity side and led the team in tries. His performance earned him a nod on Goff Rugby Report's National HS “Game Breakers” list and he was named the club's 2021 team MVP.
Named to Pelham High School's Honor Roll in each quarter of his high school career, Ash was awarded Pelham Rugby's Harry Persanis Memorial Scholarship. Ash is an Exercise Science major working towards a degree in Physical Therapy and joins former Pelham teammates Omar Elabdouni and Sean O'Brien as members of UB Rugby.
"Helping players like Ash attend UB is what our First XV scholarship is all about" said UBRAA President Pete Mancuso. "It gives players the ability to become the best student athletes they can be and we're thrilled that Ash has joined the UB Rugby family" he added.
The First XV award is a $500 annual grant for all four years, for a total grant in the amount of $2,000 to the student athlete. Mallach was selected from several applicants by the UBRAA Scholarship Committee.
The scholarship presentation will take place at the UB Rugby vs. SUNY Oswego match on Saturday, October 2nd at the Ellicott rugby pitch, 3 Frontier Rd. Buffalo, NY 14228
The UBRAA is registered with the New York State Department of State as a not-for-profit corporation and is recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
