The Denver Barbarians Wheelchair Rugby Club traveled to Birmingham, Alabama for the USWRA National
Tournament with momentum and expectations, entering Division III play as the No. 2 ranked team in the
field.
They played like it early.
The Barbarians opened the tournament with three straight wins, setting the tone with disciplined
possession play which dictated pace while their high intensity physical style on defense forced opponents to
work for every point.
Early Pool Play Results:
Game 1: Barbarians 49 – Carolina Crash 46
Game 2: Barbarians 49 – Gaylord Warriors 33
Game 3: Barbarians 49 – Shepherd Smash 44
Through three games, the Barbarians established themselves as one of the most complete teams in the
division. They were efficient on offense, converting chances and managing transitions, while creating
pressure on defense that relentlessly disrupted the opposition's rhythm and spacing. Leading that effort
was Josh Williams (2.5), who would go on to be named Division III MVP, anchoring the lineup with break-away speed,
good ball control, and strong court vision.
Then the margins tightened.
In two of the most competitive games of the tournament, the Barbarians dropped back-to-back contests
that came down to final possessions.
Final Pool Games:
Game 4 (Overtime): Barbarians 54 – Magee Eagles 57
Game 5: Barbarians 47 – Oscar Mike Militia 48
Both losses came down to execution in the final moments, with a combined four-point margin separating
the Barbarians from a perfect pool record. At that level, the difference is often a single turnover, a missed
lane, or one clean breakout.
Despite that, they earned a spot in the Division III third place game, and the group approached it with the
same intensity that carried them through the tournament.
In the final matchup, the Barbarians faced Shepherd Smash once again and delivered one of their most
complete performances of the weekend, controlling the game and finishing with authority.
Third Place Game:
Barbarians 55 – Shepherd Smash 46
The result capped a tournament defined by hard work, brotherhood, and proof that the Barbos are a toptier
wheelchair rugby club. Across five division games, the Barbarians proved they can compete with anyone
in the field, with only a handful of possessions separating them from a run at the title.
Beyond the results, the weekend in Birmingham reflected the continued growth of Division III wheelchair
rugby. Every game was competitive, and every team brought preparation and intensity that continues to
raise the level of play across the division.
For the Barbarians, while a championship was the goal, they don’t leave empty-handed. They return to
Colorado with a clear roadmap back to this stage and the experience needed to reach that goal next year.
Head coach, player, and founder Nick Pearce (2.0) sees this year’s performance as momentum, not an
endpoint, with a clear opportunity to expand the roster, develop new athletes, and strengthen the
competitive pipeline for wheelchair rugby in Colorado.
Tournament Roster
Josh Williams (2.5) – Division III MVP
Jared Sanchez (2.0)
Nick Pearce (2.0)
Jack Massey (2.0)
Drew Hoffman (2.0)
Logan Fuller (2.0)
Carlos Flores (2.0)
James Campbell (1.5)
This group as a core has been through tight games, tough losses, and big moments together. That experience is
what they’ll carry forward as they come back stronger, more connected, and ready to take another run next season.
There is no question about where they stand. Now it is about what they do with it. To learn more and
support the Denver Barbarians Rugby team and their community, please visit www.denverbarbarians.neucrew.org.
