The Texas Stampede wheelchair rugby team had an impressive showing at this weekend's Code of Honor Cup in Louisville, Kentucky, securing a third-place finish in a nail-biting 61–58 victory over the University of Michigan Adaptive Sports Team. This thrilling match was a rematch from earlier in the tournament’s pool play, where the two teams had already faced off in a highly competitive game. With the win, the Stampede showcased their growth and resilience, proving they had learned from their previous encounters. A standout player, Bryan Kirkland, was named Player of the Match, highlighting his pivotal role in the victory.

The Stampede came out strong in the first quarter, energized by the leadership of Kirkland, who started alongside teammates Sebastien Verdin, Alex Pabon, and Earl Bowser. Right from the opening whistle, the team’s defense was relentless, while their fast-paced offense quickly gained traction. By the end of the first quarter, the Stampede held a solid 11–7 lead over Michigan. The defensive pressure applied throughout the game would prove to be a critical factor in their overall success, as they continuously shut down Michigan’s scoring opportunities and forced turnovers. The Stampede made it clear that they were focused on controlling the tempo of the game and preventing Michigan from gaining any momentum.

As the game progressed into the second quarter, the Stampede utilized key substitutions to maintain their intensity while managing fatigue. With fresh players rotating in, the Stampede kept the pressure on Michigan, extending their lead to 31–27 by halftime. These strategic moves allowed the team to preserve energy while ensuring that the offensive and defensive strategies remained sharp. The depth of the bench played a significant role in the team's ability to stay ahead, maintaining a high level of play throughout the contest. 

The third quarter proved to be a turning point for the Stampede. Following the break, the team capitalized on a key penalty situation when Michigan’s Eric Chase was sent to the penalty box. This presented an opportunity for the Stampede to stretch their lead to five points, effectively asserting control over the game. The disciplined play, paired with their ability to capitalize on Michigan's mistakes, demonstrated the growth and development of the Stampede as a cohesive unit. Heading into the fourth quarter, they were well-positioned for a strong finish.

In the final quarter, the Stampede relied on their starting lineup to close out the game. Verdin, who had been a standout scorer, led the team’s charge. His leadership, combined with the team's fluid and cohesive play, helped seal the 61–58 victory. The final buzzer sounded as the Stampede celebrated not only the win but also their growth as a team over the course of the weekend. Coach Gabriel Garcia expressed his pride in the team's performance, stating, “We had a better day today. The team played together and like we know how to play.” The victory, though hard-fought, demonstrated the Stampede’s ability to play as a unified team—a goal that Garcia had emphasized throughout the tournament.

The Code of Honor Cup presented its fair share of challenges, but the Stampede left Louisville with a stronger sense of identity and purpose. "It was a challenging tournament that saw both highs and lows," Garcia reflected. "We ended up playing a rematch against a good University of Michigan team and got 3rd. However, we showed ourselves that we can compete as a cohesive team, which is what I was looking for."

With their third-place finish, the Texas Stampede now have their sights set on the national championships in Tampa, Florida, in May 2025. As Bryan Kirkland noted, “Today the team came together and played as a team. We did not get down on each other, and the game came to us. With limited time together, we improved and learned from our mistakes and we are looking forward to nationals in Tampa.”

The Stampede would like to express their gratitude to the Code of Honor Cup organizers, families, fans, and sponsors for their continued support. To stay updated on their journey to nationals, visit www.fearthesteer.org