The Pittsburgh Forge Rugby Club Scholarship Committee is proud to announce the 2023 recipients of two inaugural scholarship programs:
Gabby Holtz, Lukas Maasikas and Callie Rautenbach have been selected as the awardees of the Neal R. Brendel Scholarship. Additionally, Alec Harbison has been selected as the recipient of the Mark W. Davis Scholarship for West Allegheny students.
Gabby Holtz | 2023 Neal R. Brendel Scholarship
Gabby graduated from West Allegheny High School and is one of the founding members of the West A Girls Rugby program. She has participated in both the ARU and Midwest U-19 programs. Gabby’s initiative and leadership skills make her an ideal choice for this scholarship award. She will attend Ohio State University in the fall as a pre-med major.
Lukas Maasikas | 2023 Neal R. Brendel Scholarship
Lukas is a graduate of West Allegheny High School where he earned first team starting roles in most, if not all, of his time with the team. Lukas served as a role model for his teammates in his play and dedication. He earned the role of Vice Captain in his junior year, and Captain in his senior year as voted on by his teammates. He plans to continue playing at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the fall. His commitment and dedication make him a clear choice for this year’s Brendel Scholarship award.
Callie Rautenbach | 2023 Neal R. Brendel Scholarship
Callie is a graduate of North Allegheny High School. Callie began playing rugby at a young age in the UK prior to her family moving to Pittsburgh. She led North Pitt United to the RugbyPA D2 Western Championship this spring. Callie has played and held the role of captain for North Pitt United, West Pitt, Hawkeyes and Celtic Barbarians. She has played across the country and internationally. She plans to continue playing at Penn State University in the fall. Callie’s dedication to rugby and leadership skills make her an excellent choice for this award.
Alec Harbison | Mark W. Davis Scholarship Recipient
Alec graduated from West Allegheny High School and was their starting #8 during the team’s 2023 season. Alec is a role model for his peers and leads by example. His behavior on and off the field consistently aligned with West Allegheny’s club code of conduct – “Class & Dignity” making him an excellent choice for this year’s Davis Scholarship. Alec will continue his academic and rugby career this fall at Slippery Rock University.
Please join us in congratulating the recipients of the 2023 Neal R. Brendel and Mark W. Davis Scholarships! The Pittsburgh Forge wishes Gabby, Lukas, Callie and Alec the best and we eagerly await to see how their rugby journeys unfold.