The University of Washington is undergoing a bit of a revival both on and off the field. Although it starts at the top with coaches and administrators the players are the ones that have really moved the program ahead. "The culture of the team is really special," explain coach Kevin Swiryn, who also went on to add that the team hangs out off the field and encourages each other on the field. Swiryn says that there are not attitudes on the team which he says is the "coolest part of being a coach."
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That unity has led to some positive results so far this year. During the fall the Huskies went 2-1 with wins over Western Washington and Western Oregon. The win over the Vikings was especially big for the program considering the success of the Vikinngs over the last several seasons and that the Huskies playoffs hopes depend on beating them. The Huskies only loss so far came at the hands of Oregon. Swiryn noted that the team did well to come back in that game and had chances to win it. The NCRC west is extremely tight and it will come down to Oregon, Washington, and Western Washington for two playoff spots.
Off the pitch the program is taking steps to ensuring their future. Last month they held an anniversary gala to celebrate the 50th year of the program. Players and coaches throughout the club's history were invited to attend. "It went really well," explained Swiryn. "We had close to 150 people attend. We did some nice fundraising but got people connected back to the club. It was really important. Anyone who has been involved in rugby has had special moments. It's important to keep that connection. It was a big first step to ignite it to start it off."
The highlight of the night was seeing current players connect to the past, as well as to reunite players and coaches that hadn't see each other in a long time. According to Swiryn, "we had a half a dozen if not more from the first team in 1963. It was a good showing. The first coach of the club was also there. It was a jaw dropping moment for him to see some of his old players."