Seattle Slam Wheelchair Rugby

Summer Slam! It’s going down this Saturday! Come by the Renton Community Center from 10am-4pm and watch some pre season rugby between the Seattle Slam, Portland Pounders Wheelchair Rugby and BC Wheelchair Sports It’s going to be a blast! Free to the public and meet your favorite players! US Wheelchair Rugby Association

Join us, raise a glass, and give a big shoutout to Jeremy Hannaford on his birthday today! 🎂 Happy birthday coach, enjoy your day to the fullest!

🚨 New Player Spotlight: Luke Hansen 🚨

🎼 Favorite pump you up jam? 
If I had to pick maybe “Just What I Am” by Kid Cudi. 

🗓️ How long have you played rugby, what keeps you? 
I just started in May of this year. I tried it once about three years ago but that was only like a year or so after I got injured, so I was not in the right headspace at that time. I was still in a dark hole and not quite ready to accept my circumstances back then. I’m glad that I gave Rugby a second chance though, because it’s a great group of guys and they have helped push me to achieve some more of my independence goals in just this short period of time since I’ve joined. Also, I grew up playing team sports so I missed having that team sports camaraderie aspect in my life. 

💥 Level of injury and biggest take away? 
My injury level is C5/C6, and my biggest takeaway since getting injured is that life is precious. I don’t take the little things for granted anymore. I am grateful and thankful for the function, people, and things in my life that I do have. 

🔈 What’s something you wish someone shared with you or something someone did share with you post injury that was inspiring and helpful? 
I gotta give a shout out here to and The . Kenny said this quote that has stuck with me “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. This rings true as the more people and friends that I’ve met in similar situations continues to grow. The wisdom and shared life experiences of those who have already been through the same things that I’m currently going through has been really helpful for my family and I. 

🏈 What are your hobbies/passions outside of rugby?
I love sports, football is my favorite but I enjoy pretty much any high-level competition. So I watch a lot of sports. I’ve also got an Xbox adaptive controller set up that’s pretty cool, so I enjoy playing video games too. Also, due to the Rugby guys and The Here and Now Project, I’ve enjoyed getting back to my old extroverted self and getting back out into the world and hanging out with friends and family.

No better way to get pumped for the upcoming season than to mix up some PNW teams and smash chairs! Come out and watch the Slam get mixed up with the and teams in some fun scrimmages at the Renton Community Center on August 1st!

If you’re free tonight, Check out this event held by and have a brew!
♿️

💥 SLAM SPOTLIGHT: Cheyne Clark 💥

🎤 Favorite pump you up jam? 
Wake up by Arcade Fire

🏐 How long have you played rugby, what keeps you? 
Almost 2 years! Endorphins and Community. 

⭐️ Level of injury and biggest take away? 
C3-C7 ASA B. Other than the obvious, “Protect your neck” and some times all you need to do is shut up and put your shorts on. 

💬 What’s something you wish someone shared with you or something someone did share with you post injury that was inspiring and 
You don’t need to be inspirational just Visible. Manage expectations and be kind to yourself, it makes it a lot easier to be kind to others. 

🐾 What are your hobbies/passions outside of rugby?
My service puppy in training Bandit! 3d printing, fpv racing drones, coding, and skydiving.

💥 SLAM SPOTLIGHT: Chase Tasca 💥
🎵 Favorite pump you up jam?
WAM asap ferg 

⏳ How long have you played rugby, what keeps you?
6 seasons. The people, passion to get better. 

⭐️ Level of injury and biggest take away? Complete T3 SCI, brachial plexus injury. 
Happiness is not something you achieve or acquire, it’s what remains when you stop disturbing yourself with craving and diversion with wanting things to be other than they are. 

 📣 What’s something you wish someone shared with you or something someone did share with you post injury that was inspiring and helpful?
The single most important thing we should believe in, is ourselves. 

🐾 What are your hobbies/passions outside of rugby?
My dog, my business, my family.

💥 SLAM SPOTLIGHT: Brent Rotter 💥
🎵 Favorite pump you up jam?
Violent femmes- blister in the sun
House of pain- jump around
Chamillionaire- Ridin’

⏳ How long have you played rugby, what keeps you?
Twenty three years. I was 17 when I first picked up a rugby ball. I’ve been playing rugby since I was in high school. First rugby union then wheelchair rugby after my accident. I get to hit people and not get charged with assault. The rugby community is second to none. The people keep me around. Without them, rugby is just a sport. The people make it family and community.

💥Level of injury and biggest take away?
C6C7 incomplete. Life goes on. But it gets better when you’re surrounded with good people. Like the slam fam.

📣 What’s something you wish someone shared with you or something someone did share with you post injury that was inspiring and helpful?
It only gets better if you want to make it get better. If you feel alone, it’s because of your circle. Your circle should include people going through similar experiences.

🍽️ What are your hobbies/passions outside of rugby?
I like to cook and attend concerts and sporting events.