The Texas Stampede is saddened to announce the passing of Ronny Verhagen. 

Ronny was a coaches dream said former coach, James Gumbert. “He was the first one at the gym and the last one to leave”. “He played so far over his classification that we would include him in lines, where we would play a half point down”. To him classification was just a number. He knew how to play, and most importantly how to win.

Verhagen was a dynamic member of the Stampede. Once he was asked to be on the team, he basically moved here from Belgium. He wanted to learn and play not just on the court, but to help build our culture. Ronny set a standard that not just Stampede members were held to, but for all wheelchair rugby players. 

Verhagen played several brands of the game. Paralympic, national, club, and low point. He excelled at all of them. His drive to be the very best he could be was contagious, and made us all better.

An athlete, friend, partner, and leader, Ronny  had an impact on everyone he came into contact with. He was one of the original players to get more from what little he had in his body. 

An accomplished athlete not just in rugby but cycling as well. He always pushed himself and those around him in everything he did.

We miss Ronny, his gentle ways and passion for being the best he could be. We will always carry his legacy with us and try to play to the standards he set. Our prayers are with those that loved him and knew him.