NEWS

The driving force of the Seattle Seawolves

UKWILA, Wash. — On a cool evening in late March, a moment of shock pierces through the capacity crowd at Starfire Stadium.

The game clock ticks past 80 minutes. The visiting San Diego Legion cling to their 28-22 lead in the final possession and boot the ball into the air, sealing the match for good measure. There will be no comeback win for the Seattle Seawolves, as the onlookers have seen many times before. The rally falls short. In the brief history of Major League Rugby, the Seawolves have lost their first home game.

But a deafening roar of applause soon emerges as the Seawolves come to greet their fans. At least 3,600 of them came to the game, one of the largest crowds the team has had to date. The emotions of the loss escape consciousness. The fans just want to interact with their favorite players. For more than half an hour, they get their wish. Several players, from both teams, stick around for autograph and picture requests, per usual.

Eric Duechle, the Seawolves’ 6-foot-4, frohawk-sporting flanker, walks down the line of exiting fans. He shakes as many hands as possible. He holds conversations with the adults and signs balls for the children. He gave up the Air Force for professional rugby; for all of this.

The appreciation makes the sacrifices worth it.

“I just want to say that I love Seattle,” Duechle says. “I love the reception that we’ve had. I’ve never felt like I was wanted so much before or just a part of something bigger than myself.

“With this team, you just feel it.”

Read the full article here.