Recent TEXAS STAMPEDE WHEELCHAIR RUGBY News
Making a difference on and off the court
“You hear him before you see him. His passion immediately fills a room. He doesn’t know the word quit” said Coach James Gumbert of Alex Pabon. He is a national champion in two sports and a all star in three. “He’s great at everything he does on the court and the field of play” he went on to say.
Alejandro had this to say about what it means to be part of the Stampede “The Texas Stampede came into my life at a perfect time. They welcomed me with open arms and have been an essential tool in my development both as a player and as a person. Personally, the most important aspect of sport, is the journey itself. From providing me with: tape, gloves, tubes, tires, axles, cushion, food, etc., to making me upholstery out of duct tape, and now ending this past season with a D1 championship. What a ride it’s been so far, can’t wait to see what the future holds. I’ll forever be grateful for the impact that every single one of my stampede teammates has had, and will continue to have, in my life.
Alejandro continues to make an impact on the Stampede and will be looking forward to defending the 2023 national championship this year. He has only begun to understand his potential, and we can’t wait to see what his next achievements will be.
Collins reflects on his time with the team
Timeless Texans looks back to the early 2000’s to remember 2.5 Troye Collins from the UK.
“Troye was a unique blend of speed and skill sets that during his time few people had” said James Gumbert. “ he got the most out of his body and played every play with heart and passion”.
“One of the smartest guys on the court, he was able to put himself in great positions through transitions” said Gumbert “he brought so much to our team and was always a great teammate”.
“When I think about my time playing for the Texas Stampede, I think of pure joy, pure happiness and meeting some of the most amazing people I’ve met in my lifetime. Not only was I made to feel extremely welcome, but I was very very well looked after. It was my home away from home and I absolutely loved it. I was always told That to win the USA Wheelchair Rugby Championships was one of the hardest club competitions to win worldwide because there are so many competitive teams, so to win it in my first year was one of my biggest highlights in my 28 year career. Thank you stampede thank you, Coach Gumby and thank you to all the players and staff that made my time in Austin, Texas one of the most memorable and best experiences of my life” said Collins.
Troye currently resides in the UK and is planning a move to North America. He still has a passion for the game and was recently at the Cardiff championships. In his spare time he has become a fixture on the water skiing scene.
Troye Collins a Stampede great and a Timeless Texan
Hosts injured group at his South Texas ranch
Stampede Athlete Landon Groff was recently featured in a Disabled YouTube documentary that he hosted at his ranch in South Texas.
“Those of you that know me well, know how important hunting, fishing, and the outdoors are to me. When I was paralyzed 20 years ago some of my biggest fears and concerns were centered around how I was going to be able to do these things that I love, as a quadriplegic with limited hand function. Shortly after my injury I met Chad Waligura - he showed me the way. We got to pay it forward together this past December filming a disabled hunting show at my ranch. The young lady we took hunting has impairments well beyond the level of Chad and myself, we got it done and it was an amazing experience! Enjoy!”
For the complete story and video go to the Stampede social media channels or
Curtis reelected to board
- By The Herd 06/13/2023, 9:45am CDT
Timeless Texans
- By The Herd 06/08/2023, 3:00pm CDT
Stampede to support fundraising effort
- By The herd 06/07/2023, 3:45pm CDT
Stampede Take Texas Cup Tournament
- By Gabriel Garcia 11/15/2022, 9:00am CST
Stampede go 1–1 on the day
- By Gabriel Garcia 11/12/2022, 11:30pm CST