The St. Francis Golden Knights are deep into their third season in the SoCal League Mountain Bike series. Led by SRAM Coach of the Year Lee Bird, they have competed in three races to date. At the league’s first race in Vail Lake, the Golden Knights had 50% of their riders finish in the top 10 with many narrowly missing the podium. Those to 10 riders included freshman boys Sean Bird placing sixth; JT Ingram placing seventh and Hunter Nalley taking ninth. Placing for sophomore boys were Matt Kubly in seventh, Chris Sercel in eighth, and Scott Marshall 10th. JV boys were Matt Misetich in eighth and Christian Breitschwerdt in ninth.
The second contest in Keyesville also saw freshman boys place well: Sean Bird in fourth; Daniel Balsam took eighth; Michael Greenberg nabbed10th. Sophomore boys Matt Kubly took ninth followed by Chris Sercel in 10th. JV boys performed well with Matt Misetich placing seventh, Christian Breitschwerdt in eighth and Connor Haas taking10th.
Lake Arrowhead was especially strong. Freshman boys placing in the top 10 were Daniel Balsam at sixth, Hunter Nalley in seventh and Michael Greenberg finished 10th. Sophomore boys Matt Kubly and Scott Marshall placed fourth and seventh. Finally, the JV boys in the top spots were Matt Misetich in seventh, Christian Breitschwerdt at eighth, with Connor Haas finishing ninth.
The Golden Knights have been training since Dec. 1. Their season will take them to mountain locations throughout Southern California for the five race series.
“I was very proud of our team and their outstanding efforts,” said Coach Bird. “Our team has a new commitment this year with morning workouts and more practice rides leading up to the races, and the extra work showed.”
The St Francis Biking Club not only competes in local events but they also give back to their community. Club members joined with Steve Messler of CORBA (Concerned Off Road Bicyclists Assoc.) to help restore the EI Prieto Trail located above JPL. This busy trail used by hikers and cyclists was severely damaged by the Station Fire. The team along with a host of other volunteers cleared debris and trash from the roads, removed rocks from drainage areas and cut back shrubbery. This work helps ensure the future stability of the trail system.
For more information about the St. Francis Golden Knights Mountain Bike Team visit www.stfrancisracing.blogspot.com.
Contributed by St. Francis
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