ROCHESTER, N.Y. — If you’ve never heard of wheelchair rugby, the game might seem just as out there as its name.
For the players, the sport changed their lives.
Wheelchair rugby player Dawson Broad joined the WNY Wreckers a year ago. He drives from Buffalo to Rochester each week to practice.
Broad suffered a severe spinal cord injury three years ago. Wanting to stay active, he joined the team in Rochester and immediately connected with the physicality of the sport.
“People are like, 'You’re in a wheelchair, you can’t get physical,'" said Broad. "But this sport might be one of the most brutal."
Chris Hilderbrant is the Wrecker’s administrator. He’s been playing the sport since the 1990s.
“Back then, it was called 'murder ball,'" Hilderbrant said. "They’ve toned down the branding."
He’s helping the team run drills making sure they're ready to compete in the Wrecking Ball tournament happening in October. It’ll be the first time it’s being held since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“[We are] very excited," Hilderbrant said. "We’re very excited to host it. But it’s a lot of work."
For most on the team, this is the only sport they can play. Hilderbrant hopes the tournament shows the public the difference a sport once called "murder ball" can make in the lives of the people on this court.
“A lot of players will tell you this is better than any physical therapy they’ve had," Hilderbrant said. "[They say it is great] for their physical and mental well-being."
The wrecking ball tournament features teams from four states. It takes place on Oct. 12 and 13 in Victor.