Interview
Q : As someone who began rugby as an adult (not in college), what drew you to the sport and made you want to play?
A : I had always been intrigued by the sport and it was looking like I really needed to make a transition out of professional wrestling. After several therapy sessions at Ruggers with Alex behind the bar he convinced me to give Rugby a try.
Q : Previous sports history?
A : When I was a kid I played softball and basketball poorly, as an adult I power lifted and had a small, weird stint as a professional wrestler
Q : College/graduate education/degrees or certifications?
A : I have my Masters in Social Work from Pitt
Q : What have you learned about rugby that is different from other sports?
A : Oh gosh, this implies that I know ANYTHING about other sports. I’m gonna have to pass on this one? Or is this where I drop the “Rugby is a sport for every body” line. Even when I was at my peak performance for wrestling I never thought I could play a “real” sport but the more I play and the more rugby players I meet the truer that definitely is.
Q : What would you tell someone who has never played before?
A : Dont be scared and find a buddy, after a while things kind of start making sense sort of. As long as your head is up and you’re paying attention things will find a way to start clicking. Everyone on this team is so incredibly welcoming and helpful. No one has ever made me feel bad about being the new person with no experience while some people have been playing for a decade. This community alone is reason enough to join!
Q : What do you love about the sport?
A : Everyone that knows me knows I’m here to throw my body at other people and then get drunk with them. This is close to a fight club that I have found. It’s aggressive and competitive while still being able to foster a community with the other clubs you play against. I wholeheartedly wish I started playing sooner.
Q : Tell us a fun fact about yourself?
A : I got to ride in the Good Burger mobile when I was like 10 years old!
Q : If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be and why?
A : Dolly Parton. She has been one of my idols since as long as I can remember for so many different reasons. She is a total and absolute badass while being unwaveringly kind and gracious. We don’t deserve her.
