Texas Stampede Storms to 3–0 Start at 2025 USWRA National Championships

Tampa, FL – May 2, 2025

The Texas Stampede wheelchair rugby team kicked off the 2025 USWRA National Championships in Tampa with an impressive 3–0 record on day one, showcasing both grit and depth across a challenging triple-header. In game one, Texas squared off against the University of Michigan, opening with a powerful first-half performance led by standout Sebastian Verdin. Verdin, who finished with 28 goals, helped the Stampede jump out to an early lead alongside starters Alejandro Pabon, Bryan Kirkland, and Earl Bowser. However, a flat third quarter saw the Stampede’s three-point lead vanish, and they trailed by two entering the fourth. After a key lineup change, the starters returned to steady the ship and claw back control, securing a 51–45 victory. “Challenging first game,” said head coach Gabriel Garcia. “We were up by 3 at one point, then down by 2. Won by 5, but they battled all game.”

Game two brought familiar foes to the court, as the Stampede faced in-state rivals the TIRR Texans in a clash that was about more than championship positioning—it was about Texas bragging rights. With both teams trading wins throughout the season, the stakes were high. Once again, Texas started the “Four Horsemen” lineup of Verdin, Pabon, Kirkland, and Bowser. The Texans, led by recent European Championship competitor Ollie Mangum, were never able to find a rhythm. Texas employed a punishing man-to-man contain defense, forcing multiple 40-second shot clock and 12-second backcourt violations. The game also marked the return of Michael Shockerbauer and Josh Smith from injury, both making key contributions. Liz Dunn and Jared Compton also logged strong minutes off the bench as Texas rolled to a 58–40 win. “We played better against our in-state rivals TIRR,” Coach Garcia noted. “It’s great to get Mike Shock and Josh Smith back—they add more depth to the lines, and running them together has proved to be a good combo.”

The final game of the day was the most thrilling, as the Stampede met a formidable Ability360 squad led by Hall of Famer Scott Hogsett. The two teams had only met once earlier this year at the NS9 Invitational, where Texas came out on top. From the opening whistle, this match delivered. In a fast-paced, physical battle, both sides traded goals in a game that tested every ounce of discipline and endurance. Alejandro Pabon turned in a standout defensive performance with 20 goals and critical stops, smothering Ability360's top threats. Texas held a 25–22 lead at halftime, with both benches low on timeouts. Coach Garcia urged his players to stay composed and rise above the in-game chatter. The team responded in the fourth with renewed focus, reducing turnovers and locking in on defense to close out the win, 50–44. “We had a much better game for our nightcap,” Garcia said. “The team played better than we had all day. I was really pleased with veteran Bryan Kirkland in our last game. He was a force on the court.”

With three victories in three games, the Texas Stampede closed out day one of Nationals undefeated and full of momentum. The strong start puts them in prime position heading into the gauntlet of day two, which features a heavyweight matchup against the Lakeshore Demolition and a much-anticipated rematch of last year’s national championship final against WWAR. With championship hopes burning bright, the Stampede look to carry their grit, talent, and depth into the toughest stretch of the tournament.

For more information on tomorrow’s games, full schedule updates, and live streaming coverage, visit www.fearthesteer.org