Recent TEXAS STAMPEDE WHEELCHAIR RUGBY News
Stampede grateful for donors
On Giving Tuesday, the Texas Stampede Wheelchair Rugby Foundation is reaching out to its community for much-needed support to continue empowering athletes with disabilities. The foundation plays a crucial role in helping athletes overcome the barriers they face in the world of competitive sports, providing essential resources like training, travel expenses, and equipment. However, as the team continues to grow and pursue their goals on both the national and international stages, the demand for resources has never been greater. Every dollar donated this Giving Tuesday directly supports the athletes and staff, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed and thrive in wheelchair rugby.
The need for funding is vital to maintaining the foundation’s programs and expanding opportunities for new athletes to join the team. From paying for adaptive equipment to covering travel costs for competitions, these donations make a real impact on the lives of the players and coaches who are dedicated to the sport. The generosity of donors helps ensure that athletes can focus on training and competition, not financial worries. To support the Texas Stampede and help them continue their journey, visit www.fearthesteer.org for more information on how you can give back this Giving Tuesday. Thank you for your support.
Texas Stampede Athlete Liz Dunn Gears Up for Women’s World Cup in Paris this week.
Dunn excited to lead USA team
As the Women’s Wheelchair Rugby World Cup approaches, Liz Dunn of the Texas Stampede is preparing to represent her team and country on the international stage in Paris, France. A seasoned athlete with over a decade of experience, Liz is part of a talented roster that will compete against the world’s best in what promises to be a thrilling tournament. We sat down with Liz to discuss her preparation, goals, and what fans can expect from the team.
When asked about her preparation for the Women’s Cup, Liz highlighted the team's strategic approach despite limited opportunities for in-person practice. "In addition to practicing with our club teams, we had a virtual meeting to discuss our potential line-ups as well as the roles each player will likely take on once we’re in Paris," she explained. This virtual collaboration has helped the players align their strategies and better understand their individual and team responsibilities, which will be crucial when they hit the court in Paris.
Regarding the competition itself, Liz shared that while the exact schedule of games is still being finalized, fans can follow the action through live streams. "The games will be streamed on the Women’s Wheelchair Rugby Cup YouTube channel @wheelchairrugbyfrance and updates will be posted on the official Instagram page @womens_cup_wheelchair_rugby It’s exciting that fans will have the chance to watch and support us from all over the world."
The women’s USA roster roster includes seven athletes who will travel to Paris: Liz Dunn, Emily Shryock, Allison Merriam, Jazmin Almlie-Ryan, Karen Lohr, Mandy Marchiano, and Jen Chaillie. Despite not having the opportunity for in-person camps or practices before the tournament, Liz is optimistic about the team’s prospects. "We haven’t been able to get together prior to arriving in Paris, but we will have two training sessions before the start of the competition. We’re ready to make the most of those sessions to get in sync and hit the ground running," she said.
As for her personal goals, Liz remains focused on both performance and enjoyment. "I simply want to do the best I can under the circumstances and communicate well with my teammates on the court. I also want to have fun and network with players from other countries. Wheelchair rugby is such a small community, and the women’s side of the sport is even smaller. It’s always a great experience to connect with others who share the same passion," Liz explained. She also highlighted Emily Shryock as a key player to watch. "Emily is bringing years of experience and skill to the team as our highest-point player, and I think we’ll see some fantastic plays from everyone."
For updates throughout the tournament, fans can stay connected with the Women’s Wheelchair Rugby Cup via instagram at www.instagram.com/womens_cup_wheelchair_rugby Additionally, for more information about Liz Dunn and the Texas Stampede, as well as the Women’s World Cup, visit www.fearthesteer.org. With a talented and determined team, this Texas Stampede athlete is ready to make her mark on the global stage. We will be cheering for you, Liz! Bring home the hardware.
Texas goes 6–0 to take championship
This weekend, the Texas Stampede wheelchair rugby team captured the championship at the NS9 Tournament held at the Ability 360 Sports Complex in Phoenix, Arizona. The Stampede advanced to the final by dominating their pool play, where they defeated all opponents, including a thrilling crossover victory against the All-Star at Large team. Their performance in pool play set the stage for a highly anticipated championship rematch against last year’s USWRA national champions, WWAR, a team that had proven to be a formidable opponent in their initial meeting.
The championship game delivered a fast-paced, physical contest, highlighted by intense defense and numerous turnovers. Led by team captains Sebastian Verdin and Alex Pabon, the Stampede's defense was a key factor in their success. The team’s aggressive play on the ball and quick transitions allowed them to force multiple turnovers in the first half, securing a 30-24 lead going into the break. Verdin and Pabon leadership on both sides of the court set the tone, with the Stampede controlling the tempo and limiting WWAR’s offensive opportunities.
Head coach Gabriel Garcia praised his team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of their focus and teamwork throughout the weekend. "Overall, we had a really good weekend. We started off well but we finished off very well. First two quarters of this game were exactly what we needed as far as everyone being on the same page, transitioning, and making the right calls. I am proud of how we played and how we finished throughout the entire weekend," Garcia said after the game.
The second half saw the Stampede continue to build on their momentum. With strong contributions from bench players like Compton Schacherbauer, Dunn, Smith, and low-point leaders Kirkland and Bowser, the team maintained their energy and focus, pushing the lead to a 58-47 victory. The win marks the Stampede's second tournament victory in as many months, further solidifying their position as a rising force in wheelchair rugby. The team's performance was a testament to their ongoing development as they set their sights on the ultimate goal of winning the 2024-2025 national championship.
With two tournament wins in the past two months, the Stampede now look ahead to their next phase of preparation, with camps and competitions scheduled for December.
The Stampede would like to thank all our sponsors, fans and families. A special thank you to our incredible staff that makes it all work so easily.
Fans and supporters can stay updated on the team’s progress by visiting www.fearthesteer.org for more information.
Texas remains unbeaten at NS9 tournament
- By The Herd 11/16/2024, 11:15pm CST
Stampede opens with two wins in Arizona
- By The Herd 11/15/2024, 10:45pm CST
Texas to compete in NS9 tournament
- By The Herd 11/14/2024, 7:15am CST
Daniel Curtis to host fundraiser
- By The herd 11/13/2024, 12:30pm CST
Champion on Wheels: An Interview with Ray Hennagir
- By The Herd 10/30/2024, 3:00pm CDT