Justin Patterson is our RUGBYMag.com college player of the week. The junior scrumhalf led UW-Whitewater to its third-straight Midwest title Sunday, scoring two tries in the Warhawks’ 31-18 win over Northern Illinois in the territorial final.

The Midwest title marks the Warhawks’ third with Patterson starting at No. 9, which he did during Whitewater’s undefeated national championship run last season. Whitewater coach Pat O’Connor nominated Patterson for his, “distribution, running ability, scoring, tackling and overall presence on the field.”

Aside from being a terrific player, Patterson is also a proven leader, says O’Connor. “He’s good at motivating the guys, setting an example for them by leading out front. He’s a guy they all respect.”

Patterson and Whitewater remain the top-ranked team in DII, and most likely will until their Sweet 16 match against the West's second seed in the spring.