Quad Rugby/Article - Team USA - An Impressive History

Team USA Rugby - An Impressive History

Wheelchair Rugby was first developed in Canada in the Late 1970’s and was originally called murderball. The sport was introduced to the United States by Brad Mikkelsen and the University of North Dakota in the early 1980’s. Since its introduction, wheelchair rugby has enjoyed tremendous growth in the United States and beyond. The game is now actively played in more than 20 countries throughout the world and is recognized as an official Paralympic sport.

The United States has long been a leader in helping to set the standards for play and equipment. Over the years, many US teams have traveled the globe to help teach and share the excitement of wheelchair rugby with others. As a result of these efforts, the level of play and competition has increased dramatically around the world. This has been fantastic for the game and will help to assure that the sport is around for generations to come.

usqra-sam.gif (17428 bytes) The United States Quad Rugby Association (USQRA) has fielded National Teams since 1990 to represent our country in International Competition. Selected members are invited to tryout for the team and must prove that they are the best athletes in their class to be selected. The coaching and training staff, who are chosen based on their experience and talents, is responsible for final selections. Each team selected has done an exceptional job and the United States Quad Rugby Association has shined as a result of their work and efforts. The United States of America is proud to be the only country in the world to enjoy an undefeated record in Wheelchair Rugby in International Competition.

The USQRA wishes all of the athletes and countries participating in the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney, Australia the very best of luck.

USA Rugby International Competition Results

July 1990 - World Stoke Mandeville Games in Ailesbury, England
Results: -US National team goes 4-0 to win the Gold Medal over Canada.

July 1993 - World Stoke Mandeville Games in Ailesbury, England
Results: US National team goes 7-0 to win the Gold Medal over Great Britain.

July 1994 - World Stoke Mandeville Games in Ailesbury, England
Results: US National team goes 7-0 to win the Gold Medal over Great Britain.

Oct. 1995 - 1^st Wheelchair Rugby World Championships in Nottwil, Switzerland
Results: US National team goes 9-0 to win the Gold Medal over Canada.
USA earns the number one seed for the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

June 1996 - International Wheelchair Rugby Tournament in Toronto Canada
Results: US National team splits to two squads (Americans and Nationals).
Americans defeated the Nationals in the Championship game to win the Gold Medal.

Aug. 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta, Georgia
Results: Team USA goes undefeated (7-0) to win the Gold Medal over Canada.
USA Rugby was the only "US Team Sport" to capture a Gold Medal in 1996.

June 1998 - 2^nd Wheelchair Rugby World Championships in Toronto, Canada
Results: US National team goes 7-0 to win the Gold Medal over New Zealand
USA earns the number one seed for the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney, Australia

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