Sigma Alpha Epsilon - Indiana University

T he ΣΑΕ Gamma Cycling team had an exceptional 2024 summer and fall, continuing to build momentum from their April 2024 Little 500 performance. All riders—Luke Naas '25, Lucas Lemme '26, Rhett Skvarna '26, Matthew Naas '27, and Stellan Ruston '27—return for another year, joined by new addition, freshman Thomas Biltimier '28. Over the summer, the team sharpened their skills by participating in racing around the Midwest along with fast-paced group rides around Indianapolis. Their efforts paid off in the fall when ΣΑΕ Gamma Cycling secured victory in the I.U. Fall Cycling Series, which includes individual time trials, cyclocross, and street sprints. Luke Naas delivered an outstanding performance, winning all three events, while his teammates also achieved notable placements. This victory earns the team the privilege of selecting their qualification time for the Little 500. Additional highlights included Wednesday night track races, the Miss N Out event, the Bloomington Classic, a 60-lap Little 500-style race during Homecoming, and the annual Hilly Hundred event. Coaches Bill Naas '95 (coaching) and Travis Verhoff '14 (training) will continue to share coaching responsibilities, supported by a newly formalized alumni group structure. The group, led by Jim "Fish" Fissinger '83 as director, includes members focused on specific areas such as race strategy, training, website development, program management, and fundraising. Meeting regularly via Zoom, the alumni group aims to provide strategic guidance and operational support to enhance the team's performance with the overall goal of winning the Little 500 Race! The ΣΑΕ Gamma Cycling alumni group supporting Bill and Travis consists of Jim "Fish" Fissinger, David "Bear" Barrick '79, Brent Burke '77, Danny Burns '03, Andy Krahulik '16, Joe Krahulik '18, Rob Krahulik '21, Jeff Naas '97, and Ryan McBee '02 (website development). The team's dedication extends beyond regular training, as demonstrated by their annual winter training trip to Naples Park, Florida, from December 27 to January 3. During this intensive trip, riders followed structured daily workouts and also joined competitive group rides with the local Naples Velo riders. A similar training trip is planned for spring break (March 2025), however, these essential activities come at a cost. To sustain our competitiveness against well-funded teams like Black Key Bulls, Cutters, SigEp, Phi Psi, and others, ΣΑΕ Gamma Cycling is launching a recurring annual fundraising appeal. While past sponsorships from Lou Malnati's Pizza, E-Z Credit, The Annex, Riser Retail Group, and Simon Equity Partners have funded critical items like jerseys and gear, additional contributions are needed to cover operational expenses. OUR ASK We call upon all Indiana Gamma alumni to support the ΣΑΕ Gamma Cycling program with contributions of any amount. Every dollar goes directly to the program to support and develop the riders. The alumni group ensures that all funds are spent wisely and effectively. Your support is crucial in maintaining the team's legacy and competitive edge. Together, we can help ΣΑΕ Gamma Cycling continue to thrive, providing our young brothers with valuable, lifelong experiences. To donate to the ΣΑΕ Gamma Cycling Bike Team: Luke Naas '25 Finance/Accounting Indianapolis, Ind. '22, '23, '24 Race Lucas Lemme '26 Neuroscience/Pre-Med Carmel, Ind. '23, '24 Race Rhett Skvarna '26 Finance Lafayette, Calif. '23, '24 Race Matthew Naas '27 Finance Indianapolis, Ind. '24 Race Stellan Ruston '27 Marketing Fort Wayne, Ind. Rookie status Thomas Biltimier '28 Exercise Science Carmel, Ind. Rookie status INDIANA GAMMA CHAPTER Support Our Brothers Support Our Brothers GAMMA CYCLING TEAM REPORT Pay via PayPal: jim.fissinger@tdk.com Send checks payable to: Jim Fissinger 8444 Spring Mill Court Indianapolis, IN 46260 OR OR Steve was asked to join the ΣΑΕ Foundation as a trustee in 2013. Following his retirement at the end of 2019, he was tasked with determining how to scale the Foundation's efforts after recent poor organizational performance. "We set four consecutive years of year-over-year records. I am most proud of the initiatives we developed to help create a better value proposition for both our alumni and undergraduates like Phoenix Circle, 20 Under 40, March2Madness, Giving Tuesday Challenge, the ΣΑΕ Mentor Board, and the ΣAE Connect Job Board that has more than 11,500 jobs posted." BUILDING TOMORROW'S LEADERS Furthering his commitment to Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Steve became the fraternity's 16th CEO/ ESR in August 2024. He is currently responsible for fraternity-wide operations and managing the fraternity service center. "I am extremely bullish on the future of Sigma Alpha Epsilon," he added. Steve recognizes that COVID has forced the fraternity to focus on helping undergraduates grow and maintain their chapters while mitigating risks and keeping alumni engaged. Through these efforts, ΣΑΕ can continue to build True Gentlemen and leaders. "This isn't going to happen overnight, but we are making progress." You can connect with Steve and discuss ΣΑΕ's future at smitchell@sae.net. "Gamma changed my life, giving me both the skills and confidence to be successful. That's why I continue to give back to the organization from both a financial and time perspective." 2024-25 2024-25 Gamma Cycling Team Gamma Cycling Team

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