Rabidou brothers are in sync on and off the field
By Caitlyn Doyle, ’07

Fraternal twins and best friends Ryan and Jordan Rabidou work as a team both on and off the field. As co-captains of the Greyhound Men’s Lacrosse team, they share leadership roles as well as responsibilities at the midfield line.

"As players, they are both talented enough that we have asked them to serve many different roles on the team," said Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach Charley Toomey. "And Loyola goes as the Rabidous go every Saturday! These two young men are terrific players, but even better people."

Their time on the lacrosse field has been a highlight of their four years at Loyola, and their combined achievements this year have buoyed the Greyhounds to a 7-5-0 record, and a berth in the NCAA tournament. Ryan has scored 9 goals and 12 assists for the Greyhounds this year, and Jordan has won 11 face-offs. Both have played in every game this season.

"[The highlight is] just being able to play together on the same midfield line," said Jordan.

"We’ve been waiting four years to have success like this," Ryan added.

They were elected by their teammates to be co-captains along with two other seniors at the beginning of this season. The captains are the "bridge between the team and the coaches," Ryan explains. "If the team has something to communicate to the coaches, we are the voice of the team."

The boys grew up – in Somers, N.Y. – in the same bedroom, so it was natural to cohabit for four years at college too, even sharing bedrooms the last three years. Until their sophomore year, they even shared a cell phone.

"We never really spend much time apart," said Ryan. "You have back-up around, someone who’s always there for you. It’s grounding, and it keeps you where your roots are."

"It’s like having your best friend around all the time," said Jordan, who insists there is no rivalry between them – not even a friendly one.

When considering colleges, they knew they wanted to be together, and they found Loyola a good fit for both of them. In fact, they are both Communication majors, with specializations in digital media. "We’re computer nerds," Jordan admitted.

With busy student-athlete schedules, the duo missed the opportunity to participate in the College’s Study Abroad program. Their post-graduation plans include exploring various countries. And of course, they’ll be doing it side by side.