Welcome to Seawolves Legends, a series dedicated to honoring the individuals who have left an indelible mark on the Seattle Seawolves. From standout players to behind-the-scenes heroes, these stories highlight the passion, dedication, and heart that make the Seawolves family extraordinary.
Since the Seattle Seawolves took the rugby world by storm in 2018, fans have come to love the electrifying energy of match days at Starfire Stadium. Central to that atmosphere is Rucky The Seawolf the team’s beloved mascot and the embodiment of the Seawolves' spirit of family, tradition, and respect. In this first edition of Seawolves Legends, we celebrate Nic Greer—the man behind Rucky’s big grin and signature antics—who was the first to bring the iconic mascot to life.
Nic’s journey to becoming Rucky started with one simple question. Back in 2017, the Seawolves were just getting off the ground, and Nic—a lifelong rugby fan who’d played the sport in high school—spotted a Facebook post about the team looking for help in their front office.
He replied on a whim: “Do you have a mascot?”
Months went by with no response, and Nic didn’t think much of it. Then, out of the blue, Seawolves owner Shane Skinner reached out. The role was volunteer-only, but Nic didn’t hesitate.
"Rugby is such a great sport; all sizes can play. It doesn’t matter how big or small you are—there’s a spot for everyone. That inclusivity was one of the things I loved most about it. So, when [Shane] hit me up, I didn’t hesitate. I said, ‘Absolutely, I’d love to do that!’ Even though it was voluntary, it didn’t matter to me—I was excited to be a part of it.”
For Nic, the opportunity to bring Rucky to life felt like a natural extension of his love for entertaining others.
“I’ve always been the jokester, the funny kid in class,” Nic shared. “When I was little, I even dreamed of being the Robin at Red Robin! I’ve always wanted to make people smile.”
Long before becoming Rucky, Nic’s love for entertaining shone through in his day job as a garbage collector. For nearly 18 years, he dressed up as Santa Claus in the weeks leading up to Christmas, waving to kids and parents from his garbage truck.
“It was so much fun to see both kids and parents get excited,” Nic shared. “Some would shout, ‘Look, Mom, Santa’s picking up the garbage!’ Maybe it triggers a memory that brings them back to their childhood. With all the stuff we’ve got going on in this world, it’s great to just make anybody happy and smile”
Nic’s creative spirit turned him into a local holiday legend, earning him features in newspapers and TV segments. Even when workplace rules briefly halted his Santa tradition, community support and media attention helped him bring it back. This passion for connecting with people and creating joy made Nic a natural fit for Rucky, bringing that same spirit to the Seawolves’ mascot.
The Making of the Rucky Suit
Of course, becoming Rucky wasn’t all cheers and smiles at first. The first version of the suit was far from ideal, purchased on a limited budget and lacking the features of professional mascot costumes. “It had no interior helmet, no ventilation, and the vision holes were too small,” Nic explained. “It was lined with polyester—just a sauna inside.”
But he wasn’t about to let a bad suit stop him. With help from his mom, a talented seamstress, Nic transformed the costume into something functional. They added breathable mesh, bigger vision holes, and even a new muscle suit to give Rucky his now-iconic look. “Rucky wouldn’t be what he is today without [my mom’s] help,” Nic said proudly.
Beyond the costume, Nic shaped Rucky’s personality, too. From the way he walks to how he interacts with fans, Nic infused the mascot with a personality all his own. “I got to make all that stuff up,” Nic said. “The attitude, the stunts, even the shorts—because mascots without shorts are just weird!”
One of Nic’s favorite moments was creating a storyline for Rucky’s transformation into a “buff” mascot. Drawing inspiration from wrestling storylines, Nic filmed a montage of Rucky working out, complete with chin-ups, sled pushes, and champion music. “It was goofy, but fans loved it,” Nic said. “And that’s what it’s all about.”
Being a mascot is as demanding as it is rewarding, and game days for Nic Greer were always full of activity. Nic would arrive at Starfire Stadium about 90 minutes before kickoff, often accompanied by his young son. While the stadium buzzed with pre-game excitement, Nic would spend time with his boy, running around the field and greeting players.
Once the pre-game rituals were done, it was time to suit up. Flags in hand—one American, one Seawolves—Nic would run out ahead of the team, setting the tone for the game with energy and enthusiasm. From there, he didn’t stop moving—roaming the stands, posing for photos, and hyping up fans from all corners of the stadium.
When the game allowed, Nic would sneak brief moments to watch the action on the field, but his primary focus was on engaging with fans. “Rugby is such a personal sport,” Nic explained. “Fans, families, and players connect in a way you don’t see in other sports. I wanted to be a part of that connection and make everyone’s experience memorable.”
When asked about his favorite moments as Rucky, Nic shared two unforgettable highlights. The first was being on the field for the Seawolves’ dramatic victory in the 2019 Major League Rugby Championship. Held in San Diego against the home team, the game was a nail-biter that ended with an incredible comeback.
“It was one of the most amazing games I’ve ever been a part of,” Nic said. “The champagne showers, holding the shield—that was unforgettable. The suit was absolutely soaked in champagne and sweat. I felt bad for the TSA agent who had to inspect it when I flew home!”
For Nic, the moment wasn’t just about the victory itself but the sheer pride of being part of a championship team. “At 39 years old, I never thought I’d be walking away with a championship ring from a major sports franchise,” he added. “It’s something I’ll never forget.”
The second memory is one that Nic holds even closer to his heart—leading the team out with his son during the Seawolves’ final home game of 2023. His mom helped prepare for the moment, sewing a mini Rucky fin for his son to wear.
“He carried a small flag while I carried the big one,” Nic recalled. “He was so nervous, but I told him, ‘It’s okay. Just stick by my side, and we’ll do it together.’” As they stood together during the national anthem, Nic found himself overcome with emotion. “I was crying in my suit,” he admitted. “It’s a core memory for him, and knowing that means the world to me. He’ll always remember running out with his dad as Rucky.”
Though Nic has since relocated to Florida, his bond with the Seawolves remains unshakable. This loyalty is more than just sweet talk—it’s etched into his skin. He proudly sports Seawolves tattoos, including the team’s logo with championship stars on his leg and the championship rings inked on his calf.
While he’s no longer on the pitch as Rucky, Nic continues to stay involved in rugby through podcasts and community events. To the Seawolves community, he has nothing but gratitude:
“Thank you to all the fans for coming out and supporting me and the team at games, viewing parties, away games—no matter the event, you always showed up with so much love for Rucky and the Seawolves. To the team: thank you for the opportunity to be the face of the franchise and help spread the word about the greatest sport in the world. And for always supporting me in all the crazy Rucky ideas I put out there, and for being so great to me and my family. Same goes to the players and coaches. They always showed me so much love inside and outside the suit—I couldn’t ask for a better locker room. And to the city of Tukwila, thank you for being the home of the Seawolves, for all the support you’ve shown the team, and for always having our back.”
Nic Greer might have stepped out of the Rucky suit, but the spirit he brought to the Seawolves lives on. Through creativity, grit, and a whole lot of heart, he turned a $300 costume into a beloved part of the team’s identity—and made memories that will last a lifetime.
From Santa on a garbage truck to Rucky on the pitch, Nic’s story reminds us that joy often comes from the simplest things: a laugh, a wave, a moment shared with someone else.
And for that, Nic Greer will always be a Seawolves legend.
