Today, we look back with our Timeless Texans series at two members who met through the Stampede, fell in love, married and started a family. Britney and Mike Fries. 

Michael was the first one to join the team in the early 2000s. Fresh off breaking his neck, Michael and his dad Wayne (Papa) came out to a Stampede practice and found a place they could grow, compete and learn. 

“He was pretty new into his injury when he showed up” said James Gumbert. We knew he had potential, and it took a little bit, but as soon as he found his way, he was off to the races”. 

“Being part of the Stampede was a life changing experience. It wasn't just about sport, it was being surrounded by others who had the same life changing experience as me who could relate to you at a real personal level. That was encouraging and supportive in a way that enabled me to learn how to live life independently. The relationships were very impactful and ultimately led to finding my incredible wife who was involved in the sport as well”. 

Mike was part of several national championship teams, and made the initial Team Force national team. His accomplishments on the court contributed to a lot of the early successes for the team. “With Mike it wasn’t just him who contributed it was his whole family. PaPa immediately joined our staff and was always there at camps and competitions.” said Gumbert.

The family would continue to expand and help the Stampede when Britney Swen  moved to Texas and met Michael. 

“The Stampede was the first to welcome me to Texas when I moved here not knowing anyone else, and y'all welcomed me like family and made me feel at home in a new place. Being involved in rugby helped me grow tremendously as a PT and as a person in general. It's where I met my husband, and I wouldn't trade my experience with the sport for anything. 

“Britney came to the team and immediately had an impact on our staff. Her PT skills made a difference in so many ways. She was always quick to jump in and do whatever was asked from a medical, administrative, or logistical standpoint, she was ready to help” set Gumbert. Those talents did not go unnoticed as Team Force came calling, and she was selected to the staff for the development national team. 

Michael and Britney are married, and started a family in central Texas. They have two boys and are continuing to make a difference in their community. Britney is doing in-home pediatric physical therapy. And Mike is a design engineer for a medical device company.

Michael and Brittany Fries – Timeless Texans