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NDP Adds A New Team to Athletics Program
NDP Adds A New Team to Athletics Program
NDP Adds A New Team to Athletics Program
There is a new team on campus, and they are adventurous, athletic and accommodating!
The new NDP mountain bike team had a strong showing at their first Arizona Cycling Association North Conference competition in Flagstaff over the weekend of Sept. 9-10.
Sophomore Zak Rossbach placed first in the JV2 D1 race. "This was my first race, and I just had the mindset that I was just going out there to establish a time," he said. "I wasn't trying to take first place."
Rossbach, who came to NDP from Annunciation Catholic School, has been riding mountain bikes with his family for about 3 years. He rides 5 times a week for about 12 miles or 25 minutes. "Riding helps clear my mind and reduce stress," he said. "It gets my mind off homework for a while." He encourages anyone interested in joining the team to give it a try.
"This team is very supportive. If you are a beginner, we would start you out on beginner trails and see how you do and check your power and stability and then go from there," Rossbach said. "Everyone had to start somewhere."
Like cross country, track, and swimming, the mountain bike team is co-ed and open to boys and girls of all skill levels to join and participate.
"If you are an experienced rider interested in competing or new to the sport with an interest in learning and advancing your skills, we welcome you to join us for weekly rides," said head coach Layne Gainer. "We offer events that can be tailored to support your skill level." New team members can join at any time. The next race is set for Sept. 24 in Prescott.
Coach Gainer is a seasoned cyclist and trained performance coach. The team consists of five student riders of multiple class levels: Kaden Casey, Kaleb Casey, Luke Kanigan, Luke Johnson and Zak Rossbach.
"This is also a great team for parents who love to be involved," said Justin Johnson, the father of team member Luke Johnson. "Parents who enjoy riding are invited to accompany the team on their weekly practice rides"
For more information, contact mountainbike@ndpsaints.org. Come out and ride!
NDP sophomore Zak Rossbach stands on top of the podium as winner of the Arizona Cycling Association North Conference JV2 D1 category race in Flagstaff the weekend of Sept. 9-10. Congratulations, Zak!