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Meet the Stampede

 

Meet the Team
 
Welcome to FearTheSteer.Org  - home of the Texas Stampede, the 2004, 2005, 2008, 2015, and 2023 Division I USWRA National Champions and 2004 & 2005 USQRA Mountain Sectional Champions. The Texas Stampede is a wheelchair (quad) rugby team located in Austin, Texas. Founded in 1998, the ever changing squad of athletes and staff is a performance-based team committed to excellence in its highest form.

The Texas Stampede is a wheelchair rugby team located in the heart of Central Texas. As a organization the Stampede relies on sponsorships and donations to cover operating costs, travel expenses and equipment needs. Founded 25 years ago, the ever changing squad of athletes and staff has been committed to excellence in its purest form. In addition to being a performance based team, the Stampede has worked to positively change the lives of individuals with disabilities through athletics, leadership and peer counseling.

 

Recent Player Profile News

Stampede stand out, humbled By honor

Texas Stampede’s Alejandro Pabon Named Top 2.5 at 2025 USWRA Nationals

 

Alejandro Pabon, standout athlete for the Texas Stampede and a member of Team USAWR, was honored as the best 2.5 classification player at the 2025 USWRA National Championships this weekend in Tampa, Florida. Pabon’s dynamic performance helped lead the Stampede to a hard-fought runner-up finish against a strong WWAR squad. A fierce competitor and strategic force on the court, Pabon’s recognition solidifies his place among the nation’s elite in adaptive sports.

 

“Honored to be recognized by my peers,” Pabon shared following the tournament. “This is a testament to this team’s hard work and preparation, putting me in the best position to be successful and having my back no matter what.” Known for his relentless motor and unshakable composure in high-pressure moments, Pabon is not only a rugby star but also a dual-sport athlete who competes at a high level in wheelchair basketball. His ability to excel in two demanding sports speaks volumes about his grit, perseverance, and all-around athleticism.

 

Alejandro Pabon's commitment to constant improvement and leadership continues to inspire both teammates and opponents alike. His drive to be the best pushes those around him to elevate their own game, making him a valuable asset in any locker room. We are so proud of Alex and all of his achievements and can’t wait to see what his next endeavor looks like. For more information about Alex and the Texas Stampede, visit www.fearthesteer.org

Bryan Kirkland Announces Retirement

By The Herd 05/05/2025, 3:45pm CDT

Stampede Ring of Honor athlete says goodbye to the sport

Bryan Kirkland Bids Farewell to the Court After 33 Years of Wheelchair Rugby Excellence

 

This weekend’s national championship game in Tampa, Florida, will mark the end of an era for adaptive wheelchair rugby as one of the sport’s most decorated and respected athletes, Bryan Kirkland, officially retires after 33 incredible years of competitive play. A true legend in the sport, Kirkland exits the court having won seven national championships, two Paralympic gold medals, and the admiration of teammates, coaches, fans, and opponents alike. As a USWRA Hall of Famer and Ring of Honor member for the Texas Stampede, Kirkland has set a gold standard for what it means to be a competitor, a leader, and a teammate.

 

Widely considered the best 2.0 classification player in wheelchair rugby history, Kirkland’s dominance on the court has been unmatched for more than three decades. His physicality, speed, and unmatched game intelligence allowed him to influence every area of play. Whether scoring, setting picks, or locking down defensively, Kirkland did it all, and did it better than most ever could.

 

Executive Director of the Texas Stampede Foundation and former Team USA and Stampede Head Coach reflected on Kirkland’s impact: “I don’t know that there will ever be another player that dominated a class for as long as Bryan has. The combination of size, speed, sport IQ, and passion are things that separate him from everybody else. He could play all areas of the game and the best part was his willingness to play above his class as well as below. The entire sport will miss him on and especially off the court. He made everyone better and it was a privilege to work with him.”

 

Texas Stampede Head Coach Gabriel Garcia echoed the sentiment, sharing: “After 10 plus years with the team, Bryan has shown every single player he has ever played with the way to play the sport. Bryan’s work ethic, competitiveness, and leadership are unmatched. As a Paralympic gold medalist, Bryan helped the team reach the highest level and continually stay there. Big loss for the team, but the team will focus on next year trying to carry on his competitive vigor!”

 

USWRA Board Member and fellow Stampede athlete Daniel Curtis captured the emotional weight of Kirkland’s departure, stating, “Bryan Kirkland is living proof that resilience knows no bounds—33 years on the court, eight national championships, and a Paralympian’s legacy forged through grit, heart, and unrelenting passion. Yet what makes BK truly remarkable isn’t just the titles he’s earned, but the grace with which he honors every teammate, the gratitude he shows to the fans, and the unwavering love he shares with his wife Shai, whose support has been the quiet strength behind every victory. His journey isn’t just about sport—it’s about character, commitment, and the power of community.”

 

Though he’s stepping off the court, Kirkland will remain involved with the sport he’s helped shape, while keeping a promise to his wife Shai—his biggest fan—to spend more time at home and off the road. Teammate Sebastien Verdin added a heartfelt message, saying, “It was a real pleasure to evolve by his side and share the field with him.” The entire Texas Stampede family joins together in wishing Bryan and Shai the very best in the next chapter of their lives. The legacy he leaves behind will forever echo in the heart of the Stampede.

 

For more information about Bryan Kirkland and the Texas Stampede, visit www.fearthesteer.org

Texas Advances to USWRA National Championship Game

By The Herd 05/03/2025, 11:30pm CDT

Stampede to compete for Mickelson cup in rematch from last year

Texas Stampede Advances to National Title Rematch Despite Split Day in Tampa

Tampa, FL – May 2, 2025

 

The Texas Stampede continued their strong run at the 2025 USWRA National Championships in Tampa, Florida, with a crucial 3–0 record on day one that set up a high-stakes showdown Saturday morning against the Lakeshore Demolition. Lakeshore, led by USA Wheelchair Rugby high-pointer Zion Redington and former Team USA standout Delvin McMillian presented a major obstacle for Texas in their quest to reach the national title game. Coach Gabriel Garcia stayed with his trusted starting lineup—dubbed the “Four Horsemen”—featuring Sebastian Verdin, Alejandro Pabon, Bryan Kirkland, and Earl Bowser. The Stampede came out locked in, responding to the pressure with early goals by Verdin and Pabon and a defensive clinic by Kirkland, who was later named Player of the Game. By the end of the first quarter, Texas had stormed to a commanding 23–13 lead.

 

Recognizing the momentum, Coach Garcia made a pivotal move and inserted the Stampede’s “fifth man,” Daniel Curtis, into the game. Known as a versatile utility player, Curtis made the most of his moment, delivering key screens, savvy assists, and helping Texas extend its lead. His energy and timing were critical as the Stampede widened the gap to 36–24 by halftime. “Curtis has been a jack of all trades for us this season,” said Coach Garcia. “He does the little things that don’t always show up in the stat sheet, but they help us win games.”

 

Texas kept its foot on the gas through the second half with major contributions from bench players Jared Compton and Liz Dunn. Compton added five points of his own, while Dunn logged significant minutes that helped maintain the tempo and structure on both ends of the court. The Stampede never let Lakeshore back in, closing out an emphatic 68–42 victory. “We had a good game against Lakeshore,” Garcia commented. “However, not the game I wanted this morning. We kind of lost our focus at times. We look forward to tightening things up before the championship.”

 

After a short break, the Stampede returned to action against WWAR—the tournament’s host team and defending national champions from 2024. What followed was an instant classic. The battle between two of the sport’s top teams featured elite-level wheelchair rugby from the opening tip. WWAR, led by Paralympic veterans Anthony McDaniel and Chuck Melton, pressured Texas early, forcing a handful of turnovers while also struggling with their own miscues. By the end of the first quarter, the match was deadlocked at 13–13, setting the tone for a dogfight.

 

Looking to shift momentum, Coach Garcia turned to his bench. Michael Shockerbauer delivered with multiple assists and timely defensive plays, while Josh Smith added key physicality. But WWAR countered with a game-changing substitution of their own, bringing in British import Stuart Robinson. His court vision and aggressive pace helped Tampa close the half on a strong note, holding a narrow 26–23 lead over Texas.

 

In the second half, Texas made several tactical adjustments—switching inbound formations and altering their defensive fronts—but WWAR’s balance and speed proved difficult to contain. The third quarter saw the host team stretch their lead to five, capitalizing on turnovers and maintaining composure under pressure. Coach Garcia used the rest of the half to test his full bench, looking for combinations that could deliver under duress—not just for this game, but with the looming championship rematch in mind. In the end, WWAR claimed a 55–43 victory. “We had an up-and-down day as a team,” Garcia admitted. “We’re looking to rebound and are focused on our opportunity to play in the championship game.”

 

Despite the loss, the Stampede’s strong early performance on day one and their decisive victory over Lakeshore punched their ticket to Sunday’s national title game. Tomorrow’s rematch between Texas and WWAR promises to be a thrilling conclusion to an incredible tournament. Fans are encouraged to tune in for live results, streaming, and updates on board elections at www.fearthesteer.org