Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/644745
MEET THE ATHLETE Back in the scrum By Mae Jacobson A Northern California native, Kevin Swiryn has played rugby nationally and internationally since his college days at Saint Mary's College of California. After taking a yearlong hiatus from the game in 2012, Kevin returned as a coach of the University of Washington team and a player for the Seattle Saracens and Serevi Selects. In 2015, he played with the USA Sevens national team, which recently qualified for this year's Summer Olympics in Brazil. Kevin hopes to be on the Olympic pitch this summer. When did you start playing rugby? When I was 19 years old. I had a scholarship in football at Saint Mary's, but they cut the program after my freshman season. While planning to transfer, I found rugby. It didn't take long to know this was the game I was meant to play. What was it like to come back to rugby after a one-year break? My body couldn't do the things my mind wanted it to do. The first game back I played only 10 or 15 minutes. When I touched the ball, I tried stepping hard off my left foot and just fell down. I knew it was going to take a little more time to get comfortable again. How is it coaching the UW team? Coaching has become a massive passion of mine. The group of students there makes it all worthwhile. In this process of coming back to play, I've realized how much the coaching has helped me on the field, as well. I see the game differently. Can you talk a little about the rugby community? The rugby community in Seattle is one of the strongest in the country. There is a group of what we call "old boys" that had a heyday in the 1980s and '90s. They've all stuck around Seattle and are now prominent businessmen. That allows for a huge support system for the current players. What's your favorite part about rugby? The people and the culture. As a player, if you travel to almost anywhere in the world, find the local rugby club, and show up to their training, they'll almost certainly let you train with them and then take you out to dinner. Any advice for aspiring rugby players? Play as much as possible and with as many coaches as possible. 52 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | MARCH / APRIL 2016 Cardio Express A 30-minute shallow-water workout designed to get you moving, with low impact to joints. This is great for cross- training or as an alternative to a rest day. Mondays : 10:30–11 am Deep Water Aerobics Using fitness disciplines, this class offers a safe and challenging water- based workout that includes cardio conditioning, body toning, and exhilaration in deep water. Mondays : 11–11:45 am Joints in Motion Ease joint and muscle pain. This class takes participants through gentle range-of-motion, joint-mobility and flexibility exercises. It is appropriate for those suffering from arthritis or muscle pain and stiffness or those recovering from an injury. Wednesdays: 10:30–11 am; free with Fitness Advantage Masters Swim Team Join coach Eric Williamson for organized workouts to enhance endurance and improve stroke technique. Master swimmers are encouraged to attend practice regularly and to compete. Email masterscoach@wac.net for more information. $30/month. Mondays–Thursdays: 6:30–7:30 pm Fridays: 5:30–6:30 pm; dryland day Private Swim Coaching Looking to improve your technique, obtain a new personal best, or make the leap from swimming for fun to swimming for fitness? Masters coach and WAC personal trainer Eric Williamson is now available for private coaching sessions. All coaching packages include email support and take-home workouts. For more information or to schedule your first session, call 206.464.3073 or email masterscoach@wac.net. 30-minute coaching package (four sessions, plus workouts), $160; 60-minute coaching package (four sessions, plus workouts), $280; individual, semi-private, and customizable sessions available (pricing varies). Cancel 24 hours in advance for full refund