SHANE MAASEN

Shane Maasen’s dedication to the game/practice/gym qualified him “First guy off the bus” on any rugby team.  Needless to say, his athletic ability and a will to win made him a force to be reckoned with as lock #5 during the UNL 1995 – ’98 seasons.  “Mase” was introduced to the sport of rugby after a football injury at the University of South Dakota.  He transferred to Lincoln and worked alongside fellow rugger, Todd “House” Sieler who ultimately introduced him to the team.  It did not take long for “Mase” to make an immediate impact on the pitch,” said then team captain, Justin Vahle. “He was not the guy you wanted to face in the tackling drills during practice,” Vahle said with a smirk.

Shane would later go on to play short stints with both Lincoln City 7’s and the Omaha GOATS before moving to Kansas City for an internship.  He played the 8-man position from 1999-2003 for KCRFC alongside fellow Husker Brian “Chico” Cichello. Shane toured with the UNL squad to the Bahamas and Jamaica and later to Wales with KCRFC teammates. He is most grateful to the memory of fellow UNL teammate and friend, Niko Waqalaivi who invited him to his house for a traditional Fijian meal.  This was at a time where a home cooked meal went a long ways!

Shane is a Sr. Sales Manager for IDEAL INDUSTRIES and lives in Olathe KS with his wife Paige and two children Ava and Miles. His son Miles continues the rugby family tradition and is currently in the midst of his second season playing with the University of Kansas Rugby Team.