In the words of Scott Hendry, Head Coach of the Men's Rugby team, he says, "Rugby helps us hone the body and mind to pursue goals, pushing past the hurdles life puts in front of us." It is in these words that hooker Jonathan Butcher, a third-year in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program, truly embodies both on and off the pitch.

"The biggest achievement that I've accomplished as a Bruin would be when the team claimed the

OCAA bronze medal in our 2022-2023 season," says Butcher. "Although it is not the gold medal, it is the second time Sheridan's Men's Rugby has been able to secure a medal in the team's• history. For us, it was a big achievement because the team made a lot of changes in that season, and we had to overcome all-kinds of adversity."

While the team faced challenges in the 2024-25 season, Butcher's four years in Double-Blue has • left him with lifelong memories and a brotherhood. Despite teammates coming and going, Butcher never felt a shift in dynamics, describing that the sport itself had created deeply rooted• connections for him. The adversity he experienced alongside his teammates only made their bonds stronger, building trust and respect among them. "I-have no doubt that if I ran into an old teammate or coach outside of rugby, I'm sure that we would catch up like we never went our separate ways."

Off the pitch, Butcher is just as determined and resilient. Originally enrolled in the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering program, the athlete realized he was not where he belonged. Wanting to - apply the knowledge he learned, Butcher ultimately made the switch to his current program for-the hands-on components it offered. "I-like my program because it strikes the right balance between mathematics, physics, other theoretical mechanical engineering concepts and most importantly their applications... the best part of my program is the balance of theoretical knowledge and applying what is learned in the class through labs and projects."

For Butcher, the transition from knowledge to application pertains to the pitch as well. He-advises those who are first starting out in their rugby career to "soak it all in." From watching games to analyzing a player's movements and understanding the "why" behind it all. He also cites strong communication, teamwork, and toughness as vital for a player. "Players need to be-tough because they will encounter challenges like getting hurt in tackles, scrums or rucks... To-win games you need to trust that your teammates will do their job, and they need to trust that you will do yours."

Butcher started playing rugby eight years ago during his freshman year of high school when his gym teacher-also a rugby player-had his class play a simplified version of the game. After his teacher encouraged some of them to try the sport, Butcher and his friends recruited enough-classmates to form a school team. The team turned varsity in their second year and became the ROPSAA Tier 2 Champions. Butcher eventually started playing for his local rugby club, Brampton Beavers, where he learned about the Bruins. As a Sheridan student, Butcher continued-to play club rugby during the summer and participated in the club's winter touch league. "Jonathan or JB, is an example of what a rugby player is," says Head Coach Scott. "JB is reliable-and there for teammates on the pitch and those around him off the pitch. JB shows up at training: and works hard every day."

As Butcher embarks for life after Sheridan, he hopes to specialize in the manufacturing or

automotive industry and become certified as a technologist with OACETT. Outside of sports, Butcher's interests not only lie in cars and vehicles but also in music. He plays both the electric • and acoustic guitar and has been performing at his church over the last nine years, which has "provided him] with valuable experiences and opportunities for personal growth." In addition to his mechanical engineering career, he looks forward to expanding his musical capabilities while staying involved with rugby. 

"He is always looking to improve as a student of the game," says Head Coach Scott. "With these-attributes, I know he will succeed in life, both on and off the rugby field."