SOCORRO, N.M. – New Mexico Tech officially announced the recipient of the first ever athletic scholarship on Wednesday, August 18. The NMT Coach's Choice Scholarship winner is rugby player Milaan Van Wyk, a 25-year-old native of Namibia.

Van Wyk, 25, came to the United States from Namibia on January 6, 2020. He transferred to NMT after attending NM Highlands in 2020. He started school in the summer 2021 semester and is pursuing a degree in mineral engineering. He is also serving as a resident assistant on campus.

“This feels great,” Van Wyk said. “I feel honored to be the first to receive this scholarship. It’s a great honor to be a part of Coach Dunbar’s program. I look forward to a great season with the team.”

(At right are Melissa Begay, Coach Gearoid Dunbar, Milaan Van Wyk, President Wells, and Kenny Aerts).

Between NMT’s Regents Scholarship for transfer students ($5,000) and the athletic scholarship, the cost of all of Van Wyk’s 2021-22 tuition, books, and fees are paid.

Van Wyk is the first member of his family to attend college, and he has one younger brother. His hometown is Rehoboth, in central Namibia just north of the Tropic of Capricorn and is located 90 kilometers south of the capital city Windhoek. His travel time from Namibia to Albuquerque was more than 36 hours.

NMT President Dr. Stephen Wells said, “I’m very proud and very pleased with where we are with the rugby team and Coach Dunbar. He’s done a great job. … This scholarship is an experiment and we will try to expand the program.”

(At left are President Stephen Wells, Milaan Van Wyk, and Coach Gearoid Dunbar.)

Coach Dunbar praised Van Wyk for his rugby skills and as a student. “Milaan is a fantastic man and an excellent student. We’re very fortunate to have him here. “

Dunbar said this one of many signs that the rugby program is heading in a new direction. “This is special and important to the university. The rugby team is growing and the culture is completely changing. It’s cool to be a part of history and starting something new.”

2021 NMT Coach's Choice Scholarship details:

• First Athletic Scholarship in New Mexico Tech history. 
• $10,000 over two years - -$5,000 per year
• Milaan Van Wyk is the former captain and Number 10 of the Namibian Under-20 team (equivalent of QB position in American football).
• Van Wyk (and future winners) are allowed to work and still receive institute-funded scholarships without affecting his eligibility.
• The Coach’s Choice Scholarship will expand into other sports in the near future, including NMT’s eSports and climbing programs, which also take part in intercollegiate competition.

NMT Coach's Choice Scholarship Qualifications:

• The scholarship is renewable for a maximum of two academic years.
• Recipients must complete at least 24 credit hours in an academic year and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
• Scholarship eligibility is reviewed at the end of each spring semester. 
• Award winners must complete at least 10 volunteer hours per semester.
• Award winners must participate in all club fairs and on-campus recruitment events
• Award winners must attend at least 2 practices per week unless excused or injured
• Award winners must be available for selection for 80% of games unless excused or injured. 

About New Mexico Tech Rugby:

• NMT competed at the National Collegiate Rugby Championships this past spring and finished runner-up in the Small-College Division.
• Coach Gearoid Dunbar has been the head coach of NMT’s rugby program for two years.
• First match of the fall season is on Saturday, August 28, hosting UNM at the NMT Athletic Fields.