The Texas Stampede, renowned for their grit and determination, made their mark at the highly anticipated Metal of Muscle Invitational, held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, from November 2nd through November 4th. The tournament brought together some of the most skilled wheelchair rugby teams in the country, creating an atmosphere of intense competition and sportsmanship.

In their opening match on November 2nd, the Stampede clashed with San Antonio in a high-octane battle. With swift maneuvers and strategic plays, the Stampede emerged victorious with a score of 44-42 setting the tone for their journey in the tournament.

As the tournament progressed, the Stampede faced formidable opponents, including Lakeshore, WWAR, and Michigan, in a series of nerve-wracking matches that pushed their limits. Demonstrating their resilience and teamwork, the Stampede triumphed over Lakeshore with a lopsided score of 57-44, and secured wins against WWAR 52-44. 

However, their endurance was put to the test in the crossover game, where the team faced a formidable challenge due to their conditioning. Coach Gabriel Garcia reflected, "The team did well during pool play. Unfortunately, our conditioning caught up to us in our crossover game." The team was not able to prevail however against Michigan losing 56-57. Despite this setback, the team rallied together, drawing on their collective strength and resolve to re-establish their footing and compete fiercely for a podium finish. 

In the 3rd/4th place match, the Stampede faced off against the host TIRR Texans in an exhilarating showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Both teams exhibited remarkable athleticism and determination, with the Stampede ultimately clinching the victory with a final score of 55-46. Coach Garcia commended the team's efforts, stating, "The team pulled back together to finish 3rd on the weekend," highlighting their ability to overcome challenges and showcase their resilience in the face of adversity.

As the Metal of Muscle Invitational came to a close, the Texas Stampede left a lasting impression, solidifying their reputation as a dominant force in the wheelchair rugby. Their unwavering spirit and exceptional performance throughout the tournament exemplified their dedication to the sport and served as a testament to their unyielding perseverance and sportsmanship.