The NICA Coyote Composite bike team based in Emporia had three leaders in the NCIA series that was completed this spring.
There were five races this spring across Kansas.
Visit Emporia Director LeLan Dains was a big part of bringing NICA to Emporia. The team was formed three years.
Coach Ryan Balkenhol was approached to start the team. Balkenhol says this is an excellent way to get kids outside and ride a bike.
Garret Hammond won all five races this spring in the sophomore boys division. Hammond also participates in cross country and track and says there are differences between biking and running.
Keilara Owens was the freshman girls leader. Owens says she’s enjoyed being a leader for the team and statewide.
Braxton Criger was the JV boys leader. Criger says it’s great to have all riders out together competing, unlike other sports where there’s a certain amount of players in the competition simultaneously.
As a team, the Coyote Composite team was second overall in the series.
For more information on the Coyote Composite bike team, visit the Emporia NICA Facebook page.
