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Congratulations to Student-Athlete of the Week Juan Pen '18

By Joe Ginley, 04/05/17, 1:00PM EDT

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Grinders don't always attract attention. They quietly work hard on and off the field, but make a loud impact noticed by teammates, coaches, and fans.

Juan Pen is one such grinder, and has justly received Student-Athlete of the Week honors as a result.

The junior posted three outstanding efforts in three matches over spring break in France, helping the Saint Ignatius rugby team win its three contests. Thanks in part to Pen's efforts, the Wildcats now stand at 7-0 on the season. 

As the Wildcats faced adversity in the form of illness and tired legs in the latter stages of the trip, Pen stepped up and placed the team squarely on his big back and strong legs. Pen recorded four tries on the trip, including three in the last two games of the trip, leading the way with two tries in a 17-12 win over Lycee Albert Sorel on March 22. 

Of 220 minutes of game time in France, Pen played in 205. Besides his four tries, Pen also posted a bevy of tackles during the trip, and had 4 poached balls in the final match. 

With a successful trip to the city of lights in the rearview mirror, Pen and the Rugby Cats return to action on Friday. The Wildcats will head south for Xavier University to face the KC Jr. Blues on Friday and Gonzaga College High School on Saturday.

Congratulations again to Pen and the Wildcats on a great trip to France and on this well-deserved award.