Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1449216
24 | 2022 MCDONALD COUNTY DIRECTORY by Randy Rice - MCDONALD COUNTY DIRECTORY A few years ago, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), a nonprofit that promotes high school mountain biking programs, was looking to form a league in Missouri. Adam Lett, Principal and Head Coach of Pineville Elementary, wanted to know all about it. "About three years ago, Greg Capps, the principal over at Noel Primary, along with Whiterock teacher Emi Capps, and I went to what they call a 'dirt meeting' about single track mountain biking," Adam explained. "NICA was going around the state trying to recruit and inform people about the new league that was being formed in Missouri. Both Greg and I thought it was a great idea and that was the beginning of the Mustang Mountain Bike Team." From there, Adam approached the school board and asked them to approve a team sponsored by the school district so they would have access to district resources like transportation, and they unanimously approved. The team invites 6th grade through high school students in McDonald County to join. They compete with other mountain bike teams across the region. McDonald County School's team is the only school team in Southwest Missouri. "Some kids may not be into contact sports like football or basketball," Adam said. "But this is an individual sport that every student can start someplace and work up to a goal of their own. We may have kids that have never been on a bike and after about two months they are participating in their first race." The Mustang Mountain Bike Team had five races in 2021 with fifteen kids on the roster. Throughout the year the students participated in competitions where they accumulated points. One student, Adam's son Hayden, wound up at the end of the year placing fourth in his wave division in the state. Some kids have their own bikes but, of course, not everyone can afford a bike. So, Adam seeks help where he can to make it possible for any student to participate. That has turned into a community effort. "Trek awarded bikes to three of our students," Adam said. "We also received a donation from the McDonald County School Foundation for two large Trek Marlin 5 bikes. We do fundraising, and sometimes people donate bikes to us, like a family who donated four bikes they weren't using anymore. At this point we have a collection of small, medium, large and extra-large bikes available to fit any of our students. But, with that said, we are looking to double our roster to 30 next year and so we are always looking for donations and assistance from the outside." An added benefit of the program is that it has turned out to be a way to involve the parents. "Some families are starting to buy bikes for themselves so they can ride with their kids," Adam noted. "Getting whole families back to a more healthy lifestyle has been a wonderful off-shoot of this venture. We often camp at the race events and that is another thing that brings the families together. We have a big campfire at night and everybody has a great time." Perhaps the most attractive aspect of exposing mountain biking to these students is that it is promoting something that could be a lifelong sport. "Unlike football or basketball that you play while in school but may not continue afterwards, mountain biking is something you can continue to do your entire life," Adam said. "Here in McDonald County we are right next door to Bentonville where we have some of the best mountain bike trails in the world. And now we have a program where our kids learning how to ride these trails safely and effectively." Putting the pedals to the metal Mustang Mountain Bike Team introduces students to a lifelong sport Ad Number: 022422nwr8761 Ad Number: 022422nwr7191 Member FDIC ain Street, Noel arvest.com/agloans Member FDIC Today's farmers and ranchers have more challenges than ever before. Understanding you and your Arvest can help. COMMITTED TO AGRICULTURE (417) 475-3131 607 Business Highway 71 North, Anderson 202 West Main Street, Noel arvest.com/agloans Member FDIC Today's farmers and ranchers have more challenges than ever before. Understanding you and your Arvest can help. COMMITTED TO AGRICULTURE (417) 475-3131 607 Business Highway 71 North, Anderson 202 West Main Street, Noel arvest.com/agloans Member FDIC Today's farmers and ranchers have more challenges than ever before. Understanding you and your Arvest can help. COMMITTED TO AGRICULTURE (417) 475-3131 607 Business Highway 71 North, Anderson 202 West Main Street, Noel arvest.com/agloans 417-845-3600 607 Business Hwy 71 North, Anderson, MO www.arvest.com/agloans