The local Velociraptors Mountain Bike team finished the season strong at the state tournament in St. George over the weekend with several big wins and one special surprise. The team had two riders that made the podium. Out of 90 riders, Porter Hancock took first place in the JVC group making him a State Champion and Freshman Mason King took 4th place out of 94 riders in the Freshman B group. The Velociraptors team had 80 total riders this year, up from 52 last year, made up of racers in grades 7 through 12 and from throughout the Uintah Basin. 55 members of the team were in high school and 33 of those qualified to compete in the state race. In a league consisting of over 5000 racers that’s pretty amazing! “It has been 4 years since we had our first podium at state,” shares Head Coach Cheryl Meier. “This year we had two and are very excited for them. All of the racers did extremely well setting and meeting personal goals. If I call out any of them I have to call out all of them because each one has a story of victory. The most important thing to me as a coach is that these riders grow to love the sport and make it a lifelong activity that they can do… It’s hard work, a lot of dedication and in the end I want them to feel that it is worth it. There is nothing better than to see these racers achieve something they never knew was possible.” In addition to seeing her team succeed, it was an emotional weekend for Meier as she was recognized as Head Coach of the Year. “I am completely shocked and humbled that I would even be considered,” shares Meier. “There are so many teams across the state with so many great programs…I do put my heart and soul into this program and love each and every one of my riders. With that I have to say that I did not do this alone. I have an amazing support staff of coaches who are with me backing me 100% and I couldn’t do it without them.” Among that support team is Blake and Rusty Moon who were recognized as the Volunteers of the Year. Congratulations to all the riders and families on a successful season!
