Tavius Sykora-Matthess added another honor to his resume with Iowa Central rugby.

Sykora-Matthess, a native of Cedar Rapids, was named to the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) Division I All-American team. The sophomore played the Lock position for head coach Brent Nelson and the Tritons. 

Earlier this year, Sykora-Matthess was selected for the USA Rugby U23 Winter Camp, which took place in California. He was able to train with almost 100 other players at the U.S. Olympic Training Site. 

"Getting selected for the NCR All-American award is a very special honor and I'm so excited to be able to represent Iowa Central and our rugby program," Sykora-Matthess said. "Rugby is first and foremost a team sport, and I wouldn't be here without my teammates and coaches who push me to be better every day."

A graduate of Cedar Rapids Washington, Sykora-Matthess played rugby 7s in high school while also excelling on the football field for the Warriors. 

Sykora-Matthess was joined on the team by players from schools such as Army, Navy, Penn State, Bosting College and Wheeling, who Iowa Central played in the first-ever Rhino Bowl in December. 

"These players deserve every part of this award," said Brad Dufek, commissioner for Divisions I-II. "Let's not forget that their teams help lift them to the success they saw this year. We hope that the remaining competitions will bring a spotlight on how their fitness and hard work pays off on the field."

-By Dana Becker