**Texas Stampede Finishes Second at 2024 USWRA National Championships**

The Texas Stampede a (C&R Medical Sponsored by) wheelchair rugby team put on a spectacular show at the 2024 US Wheelchair Rugby Association (US WRA) National Championships held in Tampa, Florida, from May 2nd to 5th, 2024. 

In a thrilling rematch from earlier in the weekend against the Generals, both teams showcased some of the best athletes the sport has to offer. With star power including two Hall of Famers, five Paralympians, and ten former national champions, the stage was set for an epic showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats.

The match began with intense energy as the Stampede fielded a formidable lineup including Sebastien Verdin, Alejandro Pabon, Bryan Kirkland, and Earl Bowser, while the Generals countered with Robinson, McDaniel Melton, and Crouch. Despite early goal exchanges, the Generals capitalized on critical miscues by the Stampede, leading by three points at the end of the first quarter with a score of 13-10.

In the second quarter, the Stampede attempted various defensive strategies to challenge the Generals' offense, but the Generals extended their lead to five points by halftime, maintaining their momentum.

The third quarter saw a focused effort from the Stampede, emphasizing control and deliberate rugby. Despite exchanging goals and causing turnovers, they struggled to consistently convert offensively, trailing by seven points at the end of the quarter.

In the fourth quarter, both teams made substitutions, with Shockerbauer and Smith making impressive efforts for the Stampede. However, the Generals pulled away, securing their first national championship in over 25 years, while the Stampede finished as runners-up in a hard-fought battle of athleticism and skill.

Head coach Gabriel Garcia expressed disappointment with the outcome, stating, "It's not the ending I envisioned for the team today. We just didn't have it." However, Garcia praised the contributions of the entire team throughout the tournament, highlighting standout performances from Liz Dunn, Jared "Juice" Compton, Joshua Smith, Sebastien Verdin, and others.

The 2024 USWRA National Championships showcased the resilience and talent of wheelchair rugby athletes, with the Texas Stampede proving once again why they are among the top contenders in the sport.

For more information about the Texas Stampede go to www.fearthesteer.org