The Collegian

Issue date: 3/14/06 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Allison Kop

Most couples have at least a few things in common. Kevin Swiryn and Lauren Shaughnessy have one big thing in common: they're both hardcore rugby players. Both former athletes for other Saint Mary's sports (Lauren was a starting point guard for the women's basketball team and Kevin was a wide receiver for the now defunct SMC football team), both started playing rugby as a way to stay involved in Saint Mary's athletics at the highest level.

The two met their freshman year in the romantic halls of Assumption Hall; however, the meeting was not love at first sight. According to Lauren, "I had no time to pay attention to him at first. He kind of bothered me." Since then their relationship has steadily improved and the pair now form what could be deemed "the most ripped couple at Saint Mary's." In fact, they even work out together. Aww...

What position do you play:

Kevin: Flanker…I hit people hard and score tries.

Lauren: Scrum-half…it's the position that controls the ball most of the game. I'm supposed to run the offense and organize the defense.

Best part about playing rugby:

K: It's 80 minutes of hard hitting, fast running, pure athleticism.

L: I get a powerful feeling whenever I am on the field. You feel invincible.

Worst part:

K: It's 80 minutes, so I get pretty tired.

L: I'm somewhat small in stature so I get tackled pretty hard sometimes.

How does your previous sport help you in rugby:

L: Being a point guard is similar to being a scrum-half. Both positions require a lot of passing and vision.

K: As a wide receiver catching the ball and running routes helps me with catching the ball and avoiding tackles in rugby.

Who's the better player:

K: It's tough to say. Lauren dominates teams purely because of her athleticism. I would say me, only until she learns the game better.

L: I can still beat him one-on-one in basketball day in and day out.

Who wears shorter shorts:

L: Definitely Kevin, by far.

K: She does on the rugby field…I do off the field.

Who scores more:

L: Me! I guess it helps that he is injured right now too.

K: She scores more per game, I score more per season, but only because I play more games.

Do you ever talk strategy with one another:

K: Not about rugby…if you know what I mean.

L: He actually has taught me a lot. I watch film with him. Also, our wrestling matches have really helped me hone my rugby skills.

First Date:

L: We had Chinese food up at the cross late at night. He actually asked me to be his girlfriend up there. I didn't know people still asked, what a guy!

K: We went to Mangia. She was scared out of her mind and I was embarrassed to eat an entire pizza.

After two successful seasons, both Kevin's and Lauren's rugby teams will be competing in the post season this year. Men's rugby will play the first round of the playoffs at home, while women's rugby will travel to Oregon.

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