Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1020464
20 WAC Magazine | wac.net Meet the athlete Sharon Blaney By Mae Jacobson, Associate Editor Sharon Blaney began her rugby ca- reer as a college student at Bridge- water State University in Massachu- setts. After graduation, Sharon joined Beantown Rugby in Boston, where she was recruited by the USA Eagles in 2009. During her time with the Eagles, she played in two Rugby World Cups. She is now a member of the Seattle Saracens 15s team and plays for WAC rugby during the 7s season. Q. You're part of the WAC's first women's rugby team. How's it going? A. Awesome! Normally with club rugby, I would practice with the team twice a week and then play a weekend game. Otherwise, players train on their own. With the WAC, the whole team can li and work out together, which is great for me. It's provided us with a team atmosphere outside of games and practices. Q. What's your favorite part about rugby? A. It's physically demanding—you have to be very fit and strong— but it's emotional, too. You have to keep getting off the ground aer being tackled. I love that challenge and the strategy that's involved in the game. I also feel really proud that men and women have the same rules. I value that equality. Q. What does your athletic future hold? A. I want to play rugby for as long as I can. I'm also working to- ward a degree in acupuncture and East Asian medicine at Bastyr University. My dream is to be part of the national team's medical staff. Q. Any advice for aspiring athletes? A. Take care of your body and tend to your injuries. living fit meet the athlete / pumpkin swim C O U R T E S Y S H A R O N B L A N E Y Celebrate 10 years with the Tri/Cycle Club It's never too early—or too late—to start training for a triath- lon. e WAC Tri/Cycle Club is hosting an informal social from 6–8 pm on ursday, October 25, in Hagerty's for WAC members and their guests. Meet triathlon enthusiasts, kick off the training season, and celebrate the Tri/Cycle Club's 10th anniversary. Tri/Cycle Club members of all athletic levels meet through- out the year for track workouts, swimming sessions, and other activities in preparation for participation in organized endur- ance events. Members receive personalized coaching, custom training plans, consultations, group workouts, and more under the guidance of WAC coaches. For more information on the social, contact tricycleclub@wac.net. Pumpkin dunkin' Join a pool full of fun at our annual Pumpkin Swim from 9–11 am on Saturday, October 27. We'll fill Helene Madison Pool with hundreds of pounds of gourds and then set the kids loose! Who knows, the WACness Monster may even make an appearance. A N I TA N O W A C K A