There are nearly 10 rugby teams in the Seattle area, but only one “Quake.” Three out of four on that team’s roster are gay, and all players are encouraged to participate in community fundraising and awareness of gay-related issues. Four team members live in West Seattle, and while the Quake plays its home games in Magnuson Park, it practices in Hiawatha Field near the Admiral Junction.

The Seattle Quake organized in 2002, has over 40 players from novice to experienced, and competes in Division III of the Pacific Northwest Rugby Football Union, with two playing seasons of seven games each in spring and fall. It also plays “friendly” matches, or non-tournament games. The non-profit amateur organization is, according to its website, “a hooligan’s sport played by gentleman.”

“We are proving that gay men can play sports just as well as straight men and can compete on the same level,” said Jeff Wilson, club president. “We break the stereotype that the only sports for gays to compete in are ballet and figure skating.”

“Even when I moved out here and joined the team four years ago there was still a stigma of it being a predominantly gay team,” said Brian Kirby, now living in West Seattle. At 42, Kirby is one of the older players, but at 6’ 3” and 280 pounds the former Air Force rugby player takes his age in stride.

“We are starting to win a lot of games and other teams are now recognizing that the Seattle Quake is not the ‘gay Seattle rugby team’ but rather a competitive ‘Seattle union rugby team,’” said Kirby. “It is getting recognition, and a lot more respect, in the league now.

“The first team we play is Microsoft, a ‘friendly,’ not in our league,” said Kirby. “Their team has a lot of players, a little older, from England, Scotland, and Ireland playing since they were kids. We’re a lot faster but they’re a lot more experienced. It will be a good game.”

“I love rugby because it keeps you fit,” said West Seattle resident Conrad de Guzman, 41, who assists his father, Dr. Camilo de Guzman, a veterinarian, at the Animal Clinic of Roxbury. “Rugby keeps you young,” added Conrad, a starter on the team who generally plays “a full 80” (minute game.) “I needed it more for a cardio program.”

Weekday practices run 1-1/2 hours, about twice a week. Saturday practice is 2 hours and 15 minutes.

De Guzman said that the average age of a Quake player is the early 30’s. “We’re the old guys,” he said, referring to Kirby. In rugby there are forwards and backs, and de Guzman plays the forward positions of “lock,” “flanker,” and “prop.”

The rules of rugby are many, but its main tenet is that there is no forward passing, unlike American football, whose lineage can be traced to rugby.

“Some of us hit the gym and do some running,” said West Seattle resident Richard Cowen, 37, originally from Alaska. His injured knee has kept him from starting for two years.

“I played all the other sports but didn’t play rugby until I started here,” said Cowen. “I’m one of the founders.”

Cowen recalled Quake coach John Cook, who his team credits for transforming them into a competitive team. Cook died of HIV/AIDS in 2004.

“He really helped us out in the beginning,” said Cowen. “He had coached in England and brought a lot of experience. He was always one to let you know where you stood. He liked to challenge us to step it up a little.”

Check out the Quake’s 2010 schedule on its website provided.