This weekend, the Texas Stampede wheelchair rugby team showcased their grit and determination at the Metal of Muscle Tournament held at the George Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. The highlight was the championship game against DASA from St. Louis, featuring four current Team USA members: Sarah Adams, Eric Newby, Josh O’Neill, and Brad Hudspeth. This highly anticipated rematch saw both teams ready to leave it all on the court.

In the first quarter, the Stampede jumped to an early 13–9 lead, driven by Sebastien Verdin's impressive scoring. His agility and precision set the tone, allowing the Stampede to build crucial momentum. The team’s depth became a significant factor, with effective substitutions led by Verdin, Bryan Kirkland, returning veteran Hennagir, and seasoned player Dunn. This "hi-low" line maintained pressure on DASA, leading to a narrow halftime advantage of 23–20. Coach Gabriel Garcia praised the team, noting, "I was very proud of the team from where we started on Friday to where we finished on Sunday."

In the second half, the Stampede continued to capitalize on their momentum, with Verdin and Hennagir dominating the scoring, adding 22 and 17 points respectively. Their relentless offensive push allowed the Stampede to pull away, culminating in a decisive 47–37 victory.

Looking ahead, the Stampede is set to travel to Phoenix for the NS9 Nick Springer nine invitational tournament in November, offering another opportunity to compete against top teams. Fans can follow their journey at fearthesteer.org.

Reflecting on the weekend, Bryan Kirkland emphasized the team's focus: "The Stampede has started a new season with determination to work as a team and build on a winning weekend." Michael Schacherbauer added, "Good start on a long season. Everyone contributed and got on the same page by Sunday’s championship game. Looking forward to the NS9 tournament in a few weeks. Another chance to tighten the screws, on a mission to bring back a championship."

The Metal of Muscle Tournament was not just a test of skill but also a celebration of camaraderie and resilience. The Texas Stampede's performance highlights the growing competitiveness of adaptive sports, showcasing the athletes' dedication and passion for the game. With a strong roster and community support, the future looks bright for this talented group.