The Texas stampede competed over the weekend in the Phoenix Rugby rave invitational. The Rugby rave featured some of the top teams from the United States and Canada.

The Stampede competing for the third week in a row had a great start on Thursday defeating the University of Arizona Wildcats and then the Portland pounders. "Both of these teams should advance to the national championships in April" said Coach James Gumbert. "These teams had athletes past and present from USA wheelchair rugby competing and to play as well as we did against them on Thursday was exciting to see" said Gumbert.

Friday saw the stampede go against host and number one seed Phoenix heat and four seed Minnesota steelheads. Both teams proved to be too much for the Stampede and left Texas with two losses on the day.

Saturday saw the stampede compete for third place against Minnesota for a second time. The Texas boys jumped up to a three point lead, but could not maintain it and saw the team trailing by five at half time. Minnesota was able to build on that lead and would ultimately take the game 58-49. 

The Stampede will not have time to hang their heads as they begin to make their final push for the mountain sectional qualifier in March. "We have a lot of work to do but I am confident in our teams ability. This was not our best effort and we will look to get better before postseason." said Gumbert.

A special thank you to assistant coach Gabriel Garcia and Staff member Casey Reynolds for their work this weekend. Also thank you to ability 360 for hosting the event.

For more information on this tournament and the upcoming USQRA postseason go to www.fearthesteer.com.