Musingwini Named Outstanding Triton Male Athlete of the Year
Takudzwa Musingwini has been awarded the Algoe Award for Outstanding Triton Male Athlete of the Year. "Taku" is a member of the Triton Rugby team and was named D1 1st Team All-American in 15s, 1st Team Academic All-Region, "Man of the Tournament" at the Notre Dame Tournament, and the captain of the College Rugby Championships All-Tournament Team where he was the 2nd leading point scorer. One of the most electrifying players and top scorers in the country, Taku was 98% for both conversions and penalties combined. He is not only accurate, but can kick for distance too, as shown by an astounding 54-meter penalty kick vs. Arkansas State.
"The essence of this award is about how an athlete represented Iowa Central athletics with their abilities and character. One of his most endearing qualities is how dedicated he is to his teammates and coaches," said Triton Rugby Head Coach, Brent Nelson. "As far as rugby goes, he is a cheat code. It's just fun to watch him play. Taku is not only one of the top players in the country in D1 rugby, he's one of the best humans I have ever met."
Musingwini helped lead the Tritons to the semi-finals of the D1 Big Rivers conference tournament for the first time, the program's first #1 D1 7s ranking in the country, the top-seed in the Premiere Division of the CRC 7s National Championships, and a 6th place finish at the CRC's. This year with the Tritons, they had victories over Iowa State, Southern Nazarene, Marian, and Drury in 15s and Clemson, Northern Iowa, Nebraska, South Carolina, Iowa, Minnesota, Adrian, Florida, Auburn, Michigan, Notre Dame, Indiana, Wheeling (defending National Champions), and Dartmouth in 7s. Taku had the winning assist in the Wheeling victory - who hadn't lost a single match in nearly two years.
A quiet leader who chooses to lead by example, his peers voted him the Most Valuable Player at their year-end banquet, and it was a unanimous, anonymous vote - the first time in program history the vote has been unanimous. A native of Zimbabwe, Taku is back home this summer playing for the Zimbabwe National team.
"Taku is humble and respectful and carries himself with dignity and class. He volunteered for every single community service project we (rugby) were involved in," said Nelson. "I think it's very fitting he is the first player in the history of the rugby program to receive this honor. He inspires people to be better versions of themselves."
All previous Triton Athlete of the Year recipients can be found at https://www.ictritons.com/information/athletes_of_the_year