June 1, 2009
2008-2009 Season Review: In a season where we said goodbye and
congratulations to former Stampede members Mark Zupan, Scott Hogsett and
Shinichi Shimakawa, we looked forward to new beginnings with the new and young
Texas Stampede.
Many things can be said about the Stampede but few can capture the spirit of the
Team as well as member Norm Lyduch. Lyduch a 3 time Paralympian completed an
incredible feat by bringing home the GOLD from Beijing. Lyduch served as captain
for Team USA and has led the Stampede in the past year. His presence, wisdom,
and skill have been a shinning light for both teams. Congratulations Norm on all
your accomplishments.
The Stampede season would start out with pressure to repeat as Division I
National Champions. Texas won it’s 4th National Championship in April of 2008.
Without key returning players the task would be difficult. Many ideas were
floated: Do we bring in an international player? Do we want to transfer out of
our section? Do we need to recruit new players? Are the veterans retiring?
All the questions came to a head in October when the team held a meeting. As a
group they made these choices. We do NOT want an international player. We do NOT
want to transfer. And we do NOT want to recruit. A strong statement indeed, but
the next generation of Stampede players was adamant they would live and die as a
team. The next area to attack would be setting goals for the season.
With such a young team it would take depth to last the grind of the season. A
new member Austin Slaymaker joined the team in October. Austin is a 3.0 from
Oklahoma and was introduced to rugby over the summer at the Texas Hold’em. Gabe
Garcia a new player that was classed as a 1.0 this year joined us in January and
CJ Brown started coming out as well. All of these players would contribute to
this year’s success.
The Stampede began the season with the Andy Beck Invitational in San Antonio.
Led behind USA Paralympic Gold medal winner Norm Lyduch, the Stampede faced
early highs and lows. In a 4 series match Texas split the games. Both wins came
against the TIRR Texans and the 2 losses came against the San Antonio Ruff
Ryder’s. Jessie Honl, Jace Beck and newcomer Austin Slaymaker led the new look
Stampede in all scoring and set a tone for how the season would develop for the
young ruggers.
Not to be lost on the early success of the newcomers, returning veterans Chase
Bearden, Mike Fries, Brad Schramel, Andy Burton, and Austin Cogar completed the
team and would further add to the foundation of the group.
The Texas Throw-down would be the next chance to get on the court for the
Stampede. The local event hosted by ASCOTS, Texas State University, City of San
Marcos and the Stampede brought the 3 Texas teams together again to close out
the 2008 year. Improved play, better teamwork, and a home crowd lifted the
Stampede as they again beat TIRR in 2 matches and challenged San Antonio in all
areas of their games. While the team lost both games to San Antonio, a sense of
accomplishment and quite resolve was taken away from the tournament.
Team play is important – so is trying out for Team USA. The Stampede had 5
members competing for a spot on the USA side that will challenge for the
American Zonal Championship in 2009. Mike Fries, Brad Schramel, Austin Cogar,
Jace Beck and Jessie Honl were all invited. After all the wheels had stopped
spinning Jace Beck and Jessie Honl along with Britney Sween and James Gumbert
were selected to represent the Red White and Blue. Congratulations to all!
A new year – a new attitude.
With the selection of Honl and Beck a sense of swagger and energy returned to
the sidelines. This was evident when the Stampede rolled into their first
tournament of the year in Las Vegas. Each game saw the Stampede improve and
compete at higher levels. Said Coach Gumbert “The team is showing signs of
maturity with Honl and Beck and you can’t over emphasize having a gold medal
winner in your huddle (Lyduch)”. The Stampede took a season of early struggles
and cashed out the competition going undefeated and winning the Vegas Vengeance
Invitational. Jessie Honl was selected as best 2.5 AND MVP for the tournament as
he led all Stampede scorers for the tournament.
Week 2 of January saw the Stampede in action at the US Paramilitary Weekend. The
weekend centered around exhibitions of Paralympic sport, afforded another chance
to go against their instate rivals for the 3rd time in as many months. The third
time must have been the charm as the Stampede was able to get over the mountain
and beat not just Pasadena but San Antonio. “A great team win” commented
assistant coach Shawn Meredith. The weekend featured many highs and few lows and
would be a great testament to the hard work put in thus far. It also was a
continuation of the 09 momentum gained in Las Vegas.
As quickly as the season looked up, the team suffered 2 big setbacks at the
second tourney in January, the Conveen Tampa Invitational. Honl was unable to
attend because of sickness and Andy Burton cracked two ribs during the
tournament. With a new line that had seen very little experience and a second
line with even less work. The team limped through the weekend. A record of 2 – 3
cannot begin to capture the intensity the team played with. “For the team to
play without one of its leaders and loose one of the most steady players on the
team, and not just compete but challenge for wins was huge” said Coach Gumbert.
The news did not get any better after the tournament as the team learned that
Honl was out for the season with back issues. To further challenge the team
Burton was now forced to play with broke ribs. A tough task for anyone, let
alone someone playing a contact sport.
The remainder of January and February had to be revamped and what seemed like a
sure post season birth in October, had doubt written all over it. There would be
little time to sulk as the clock was ticking and a very young team had to grow
up quick. “We set our sights on TIRR as the must win game at sectionals” said
Coach Gumbert. “They were the guys we best matched up with and had a chance to
get a win against them”. So for the next 14 practices, strategy and hard work
were the name of the game. The goal – make it to nationals for 11 consecutive
years!
Heading into sectionals everything had been planned but as usual adjustments
need to be made. “The best draw we could imagine”, said Coach Gumbert. The
pivotal game of the weekend would be the first one – Texas vs TIRR. The winner
would most certainly punch their ticket to nationals. Pasadena was hosts and had
the hometown advantage. The Stampede came in with an “us vs the world” attitude.
That attitude and the preparation to get to that point would be needed in many
ways.
Behind starters Austin Slaymaker, Andy Burton, Jace Beck and Norm Lyduch the
Stampede played what many said was the “game of the season”. Quick transitions
and key defenses saw the teams tied at half time. The Stampede who had struggled
earlier in the year to close out a game, found their post season form. Mixing
key with defensive pressure and a steady dose of fresh players forced TIRR into
multiple turnovers. Frustrated TIRR player Mike Peacock lost his cool getting a
red card and ejection from the game. The call would signal the advantage for
Texas and help to secure the win 49 – 42. “The team fought their guts out and
played 32 mins for each other”, said Gumbert on the win.
The win while fantastic still left unfinished business on the table. The
Stampede had the daunting task of facing Denver, U of A and San Antonio. And
while the team had some success against Denver and San Antonio there would be
little margin for error. Denver was up first, and the Stampede came out fighting
however, it was quickly apparent the early game that day against TIRR cost the
energy level of Texas too much - the Stampede stumbled and lost 51-38.
A nights rest and a new attitude for Sunday. The Stampede knowing they had
qualified for nationals set their sights on in state rivals San Antonio. But
before that match-up Texas would face U of A. In a game where the Stampede tried
to play younger players and save some starters for the late game, the Stampede
worked on the skills and line development for the future. A valiant fight but
not enough to win, Texas looses 51 -31. With state bragging rights on the line
it was time for Texas vs San Antonio.
Seldom do games live up to the hype. For three quarters it was. The Stampede
played a great game. Led behind low pointers Mike Fries and veteran Norm Lyduch
the Stampede traded punches and went goal for goal with their rugby brothers
from south Texas. However, the efforts of the burnt orange clad team fell short
in the fourth allowing San Antonio to take the game 50 – 43. And while the
Stampede went 1 – 3 they won the one that counted and were heading to nationals.
“They never ask you how you got there!” said Gumbert.
What started out like a reasonable goal at the beginning of the season, and then
a dream at midseason and finally a hope by seasons end – the Stampede rolled
into their 11th national championship postseason. Seeded 5th Texas faced a tough
pool with Atlanta, Phoenix, and Portland. Louisville had always been good to the
Stampede, they had played host to all the national championships (4) they had
won. The task has it had been all year – win. The issues 1 starter from the 2007
– 2008 National Championship team returning. With much heart and little big game
experience the Stampede took the floor.
First up for Texas was Shepard (Atlanta), a gritty bunch with national coaching
experience. The game saw big swings of momentum with multiple turnovers to
turnovers. The battle was anybodies until the 4th quarter when USA member Jace
Beck caused two crucial turnovers that the Smash could not recover from. Texas
wins 45 to 42.
Next up was the Arizona Outcast. A team comprised mostly of former Phoenix Heat
players. The game on paper had Texas taking one from Arizona. However, the
Outcast would not be reading the papers. Texas fell behind early but was able to
pull it back to 1 by halftime. Just as soon as they regained their composure the
Texas crew lost it and fell behind by 4 in the 3rd. Led by Austin Slaymaker the
Stampede showed much determination and battled back to 1 late in the game. With
5 seconds left in the game Texas caused a turnover and was in position to tie
the game sending it into overtime. But a heartbreaking sideline pass fell short
giving the Outcast the win.
With no time to dwell on the loss Texas had to wake up and face the number 2
seed Portland. A rematch from last years D1 National Championship Game, Portland
came into the game with 3 Paralympian’s and 1 current Team USA member. In a game
where Texas was clearly outmatched, the Stampede maintained focus and worked on
controlling what they could. The score would not reflect the fight of Texas led
behind Austin Cogar. In a reversal from last years game Portland takes the match
59 – 38.
With two games left in the season, the Stampede drew a line in the sand and said
“no more”. The team had let one slip through their hands and was adamant to
control their destiny. In a must win game Texas faced the East Coast Cripplers.
Having never faced ECC it was hard to gauge both the opponent and if the
Stampede would answer the bell. The team not only answered the bell but threw a
knock out punch. Led behind Andy Burton and Chase Bearden. Texas found their
wheels and rolled to 59-37 victory.
Not many times do you get a chance to redeem yourself in a tournament, but as
fate would have it Texas would again square off with the Arizona Outcast. In a
season where youth and inexperience were featured for Texas, and after an injury
plagued year, the chance to end on a positive note was the fuel Texas would use
going into the match. Texas leaned heavily on its version of the deuce line for
this game. With 1.5 Brad Schramel leading the way the Stampede jumped out to a 2
point lead at half that expanded to 4 by the final quarter. As the final seconds
of the season ticked down Texas redeemed themselves and their season winning 44
– 40.
Words really don’t capture the work that happens behind the scenes of a team.
There are the new players that came to practice knowing they would not play (CJ
Brown and Steve Simmons) the staff that worked tirelessly (Britney Sween, PaPa
Fries, Shawn Meredith, Kirk Hibbitts, and Kelly Gumbert), the family, friends
and supporters that backed us all year, and the sponsors that believed in us
enough to donate and make sure we had everything we needed to succeed on and off
the court. They say it takes a village – it does. Thank you to all who either
lived in our village or just rolled through. The 2008 – 2009 season one of the
very best in the history of the team. To the players THANK YOU for making the
season great – you guys were right!
Coach G
February 18th, 2008
Texas Thunder Invitational - The Texas Stampede hosted the first annual Texas Thunder Invitational at St. Stephens
Episcopal School in Austin Texas. The tourney featured members of statewide club teams as well as Paralympic Team USA members.
Round Robin play was centered on development and upcoming post season play. Some of the key match ups featured Division II hopefuls Pasadena and San Antonio going head to head as well as previously defeated Texas (lost to San Antonio and Pasadena in 07) trying to find their winning form again.
In the Pasadena v San Antonio tests, it was evident that advancement to Louisville would be front and center on the minds of both squads. Pasadena led by former Team USA member Steve Kearley rallied both newcomer Tim (Mike) Jones and veterans Alan Bailey and Mike Peacock against a seasoned San Antonio line featuring Juan and Gil Garcia and the 1.5 work of Ramos and Boothby.
The first game saw the two heavy weights exchanges goals at an up-tempo pace. The first turnover caused at 3:14 was caused by a stifling Ryder defense which caused the hurried pass from Bailey (6 points in the game) to Peacock to go off the waiting gloves. While the first quarter saw the score 10 - 9, the teams continued the stepped up pace. San Antonio went to their bench and took advantage of skilled low pointer Landon "Lando" Groff and his sticky front end to hold Pasadena's high pointers. As the teams entered the half several unforced turnovers saw Pasadena fall behind 17 - 23. The 3rd and 4th saw several runs by both sides, however in the end the Ryder's were too much for the Texans taking the first match 45 - 38.
The next big match was the Stampede B team meeting San Antonio. Stampede B led behind Paralympian Mark Zupan and Jace Beck (Team USQRA) showed up ready as they jumped up early against the hi/low line of Garcia and Huizar. Texas held a 15 - 8 lead going into the 2nd where they expanded there charge to 28 - 14. Said James Gumbert "It was a great opportunity for our veterans to play with the new guys and gain valuable court time". The Stampede was able to expand their lead in the second half winning the game 55 to 36. Zupan whose game high 35 points was a season high was joined by Beck (12 points) for accounting for the majority of the team's effort.
Fresh off the Stampede B win, the entire Stampede team divided to play one another. New vs Old, Present vs Future it was all there to be counted as the players who beat the heck out of one another in practice, played for bragging rights. The A's lead by Zupan and Lyduch took on Honl, Beck, and veteran Hogsett of the B's. In a classic match the youth of tomorrow proved it had game for a half but the wisdom of A's experience showed there was no changing of the guard today. A's win 47 - 39. B member Jesie "Beekeeper" Honl.(17 points in the match) said "We could not stop Zupan, he was too much for us today". "We want a rematch"!
Rematch indeed as the tournament came to a close. The Texas "conference" which usually sees one another up to 4 times a year is already planning the next test games. A big thank you goes to tournament director Kelly Gumbert, the Staff and administration at St. Stephens, Mark Zupan and the great people at Wahoo's, Texas State volunteers and the athletes and staff of the Stampede who helped in hosting this sporting event.
As always, please check back regularly for the latest!
- Webmaster Mike
February 14th, 2008
The Texas Stampede is pleased to announce the Texas Thunder Invitational this Saturday and Sunday February 16 – 17 2008 at Saint Stephens Episcopal School in Austin Texas.
This state wide invitational will represent the finest in “wheelchair rugby aka Murderball” and will showcase 2008 Beijing Team USA Paralympians Mark Zupan, Scott Hogsett, Norm Lyduch and the rest of the Texas Stampede.
For more information visit www.fearthesteer.com or coachgumbie@sbcglobal.net Cost is $5.00 at the door children under 10 free.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Coach Gumbie
December 17th, 2007
Birmingham, AL - Eleven athletes have been nominated to the 2008 U.S. Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby Team. The team
was announced following a weekend tryout camp held at Lakeshore Foundation, an official U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training
Site. Chosen for Team USA were three Stampede members: Scott Hogsett (1.0), Norm Lyduch (1.0), and Mark Zupan (3.0). This
team will represent the United States at the Paralympic Games in Beijing, China next September.
Congratulatioms!
December 9th, 2007
London, Ontario - Traveling to Ontario for the Crash For Cash tornament were Stampede all-stars Mark Zupan, Shin
Shimikawa, Norm Lyduch and Scott Hogsett. A solid performance by the iron-man squad resulted in a first place finish
winning all games convincingly. A great step forward towards the teams goal of competing for the D1 title in April!
Great Work Guys!
July 8th, 2007
Birmingham, AL – This summer 24 athletes went to Birmingham with the intensity and desire to move to the next
level. Out of those 24, 14 athletes were selected and named to the “Next Generation”, Team USQRA – National Developmental
Program. Selections were made following a four day tryout camp held at the Lakeshore Foundation U.S. Olympic & Paralympic
Training Site. These 14 athletes will provide a strong foundation for the future of our sport in the U.S. Coaches and
staff were extremely impressed with the effort and dedication that each athlete brought with them to camp. Team USQRA is
sure to provide a solid foundation to represent our country on the international level.
Of the 14 athletes making Team USQRA included are four of the Stampede's own:
1.0 - Michael Fries – Leander, TX
2.0 - Andrew Burton – Dallas, TX
2.0 - Jace Beck - College Station, TX
3.0 - Jesse Honl – Victoria, TX
Congratulations to our developing athletes!
August 15th, 2006
Welcome athletes, staff and fans to the 2006-2007 wheelchair rugby season. The Stampede had a practice two weeks
ago that probably scared everyone enough to get back into the gym and fitness center to prepare for another exciting
season. The website is finally receiving some badly past-due updates and continual work on new pages - he most important
and significant being the calendar. On the calendar you can see some exciting events, including the North American
Wheelchair Rugby Club Challenge being hosted at the Disney World of Sports at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, in
which the Stampede will be competing against the top 5 US club teams and the top 3 Canadian club teams! Also scheduled
are multiple game weekends hosted by the Stampede and Texas State in San Marcos. A few top rated teams have been invited
for a full weekend of intense competition. Information will be posted as in becomes available and the schedules are set.
As always, please check back regularly for the latest!
- Webmaster Mike
May 2nd, 2006
Congratulations go out to the Texas Tornados low-point team for two consecutive tournament championships! The squad
of Bearden, Boothby, Crouch, Fries and Lyduch won four convincing games to take first place at the Lone Star Low Point
Tournament in San Antonio, TX on April 21-23, 2006. This past weekend - April 28-30, 2006 - the Tornados went to Défi
Sportif 3.5 Tournament in Montreal with a squad of Boothby, Crouch, Fonner, Hogsett, Lyduch and Regier. This squad competed
against some of the best low-pointers in the world through four hard fought victories to become the 2006 Défi Sportif
Tournament Champions. Congratulations Guys!
Check back soon for more rugby magic!
- Webmaster Mike
April 17th, 2006
Nationals went off without many operational hitches with many thanks to Kelly Gumbert, Katie M., Chloe R., and a huge
army of very helpful volunteers. We are all very thankful for all of everyone's hard work. The Stampede did not do as well
as hoped - finishing the 2005/6 season in 3rd place. Although two games were lost, the Stampede finished the season with a
win. If anything, it is a great way to start the next season - as a winning season.
As we slow down a bit for the summer we are still on the look-out for fundraising opportunities, volunteers, and practice locations (gyms) to make the 2006/7 season as successful as possible. Although some of us will be sporting tans, the Stampede squad will look very familiar and will make another run at the Mikkelson Cup - but one face will be absent. Number 6 on your program and number 1 in our hearts, Geremy Tinker has played with the Stampede for many years, becoming a pillar of the team. Much of our success can be attributed to the legendary Kiwi rugger. Geremy will be missed here and will continue playing on the New Zealand National team on it's way to the 2008 Paralympic Summer Games in Beijing.
Again, please check back regularly for new things on the site!
- Webmaster Mike
March 1st, 2006
The first few steps have been taken to releasing our new website! Webmaster Mike would first like to thank everyone
for their patience. The home page is nearly complete, minus flash, and unfortunately only a couple links are active. The site
was designed for multiplatform use; for resolutions 800 x 600 or higher; for use with Mozilla Firefox (recommended), Internet
Explorer, and Safari; and frames and javascript support must be enabled for implementation of ajax controls.
The Texas Stampede is proud to be hosting the 2006 USQRA National Championships at home in Austin, Texas on April 6th thru April 9th. The games will be held at the Student Activities Center on the University of Texas campus. Donations, volunteers and sponsorships are still needed to help us host an outstanding event. Please see our 2006 Nationals page for more information.
Please check back regularly to see all the content become live on our new site!
- Webmaster Mike