Quad Rugby/Story - Mile High Massacre

UNITED STATES QUAD RUGBY ASSOCIATION

March, 2005

Tanks Collide in Pursuit of Triumph
By Jenny Siegle

Crash, smash, equipment failure! Theses are the sounds and phrases I hear when reminiscing about my first quad rugby experience.

The Mile High Massacre took place February 11-13 in Denver, Colorado. Six teams hailed from various locations throughout North America. Along with the hometown favorite Denver Harlequins, British Columbia, Plan B, Sharp Edge, Shepherd Smash, and Utah United, all competed in the tournament.

Being a quadriplegic myself, I was not quite sure what to expect. I mean I have played sports and am even an avid skier, but I have never seen a sport played at this level of intensity. I am also Ms. Wheelchair Colorado 2004. I have had the opportunity to attend many events involving the disabled community. Being a part of the tournament was a wonderful experience for me. It reinforced my beliefs that being in a wheelchair does not inhibit your abilities.

As I rolled into the gymnasium at Craig Hospital, I entered a very competitive atmosphere. I did not see these gentlemen that surrounded me as being quadriplegics. I saw them as being athletes. All the questions I had about them being able to play the game were answered. They did not let any obstacle get in their way. One might think that their wheelchair would be a disadvantage. But not in quad rugby! The bigger the better! Their wheelchairs remind of tanks ready to go to battle.

Friday’s games were all decided by a wide margin of victory. The winning teams came out on top by at least fifteen points or more. With Saturday’s results looking very similar to Saturday’s, it was on the final day of the tournament when the top seeds started to separate themselves from the pack.

The third-fourth place match was between Sharp Edge and Plan B. It was an offensive battle that ended in a shootout. Both teams combined for a total of 114 goals with Plan B coming on out top 58-56. Even though the championship game was also close, it was forced to be played with a great amount of strategy. I knew that when I was watching the Denver Harlequins and British Columbia face off, I was witnessing something special.

All through the first half, the score went back and forth like a seesaw. These athletes were holding nothing back. It seemed whichever the last team to score was, would be the one to roll away with the tournament trophy. British Columbia had the early edge, but the Harlequins were not stepping down. The look of determination was written all over their faces. A key second half interception by Jason Regier caused a swing in the momentum. Less than five minutes appeared on the scoreboard and the Quins were on a roll. With the use of great time management time skills, the Denver Harlequins held off British Columbia 38-36.

I would like to say congratulations to all the participating athletes. You have all given me a newfound respect for the game of quad rugby!

Pictures taken by Kathy Filgo

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