HS Mountain Bike Team Races State Champs
by Greg O'Loughlin
The first season for the HS Mountain Bike team came to a close on November 17 with the new league's State Championship race. Torrential rain and treacherous trail conditions dominated the day, but the team held onto its 3rd place overall team standing for the season.
The first season for the HS Mountain Bike team came to a close on November 17 with the new league's State Championship race. Torrential rain and treacherous trail conditions dominated the day, but the team held onto its 3rd place overall team standing for the season.
Lock 4 Park on the banks of the Cumberland River in Gallatin played host to the championship race for the inaugural season of the Tennessee High School Mountain Bike League. With wind gusts as high as 40mph and driving rain throughout the morning, race conditions were unlike any the team had experienced so far this year.
Four USN students raced in this final race of the season: Natascha Heckers in the Junior Varsity Girls' category; Josh Gabella in the Freshman Boys, Sam Markland in Sophomore Boys, and Sky Cameron in the JV categories. As a team USN came into the race ranked third overall in the state.
Racing was slowed by the deteriorating weather conditions, but the competition remained as fierce as it has been all season. League officials kept the races running on time throughout the day, and reports from the girls after their race were that the course was very slick, making turns and climbing difficult. By 11:30 it was time for the boys to start and the weather and conditions worsened, and by the end of 10 or 15 miles, the racers were dirty, muddy, chilly and smiling ear-to-ear. Racing in those conditions took extra fortitude, and the joy and pride that came as a result of completing the race and the season was too much for many of the racers to conceal as they crossed the finish line.
The rain paused long enough for a short podium and awards ceremony. Natascha Heckers finished 3rd overall in the state for Junior Varsity Girls, and with combined points the USN team also held on to its 3rd place position for overall team ranking.
Results for race #4:
JV Girls - Natascha Heckers 3rd place
JV Boys - Skye Cameron 9th place
Sophomore Boys - Sam Markland 7th place
Freshman Boys - Joshua Gabella - 10th place
Results for the season - state-wide rankings:
JV Girls - Natascha Heckers 3rd place
JV Boys - Skye Cameron 8th place
Sophomore Boys - Sam Markland 6th place, Kevin Chen 16th place, Addison Pritchard 17th place
Freshman Boys - Joshua Gabella - 11th place
*Freshmen Alice May and Edward LeMaster also practiced with the team this fall to prepare for racing in future years.
If you are interested in purchasing the official USN Cycling Team jersey and shorts, please see our order form.
*Freshmen Alice May and Edward LeMaster also practiced with the team this fall to prepare for racing in future years.
If you are interested in purchasing the official USN Cycling Team jersey and shorts, please see our order form.
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Athletes beyond Edgehill
Read MoreIt is common to have five or more University School of Nashville student-athletes sign college athletic commitment letters each year. USN has 25 alumni participating in their chosen sport at the collegiate level from the Classes of 2021 through 2025. Continue reading to learn more about where Tigers are competing beyond Edgehill. -
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6th graders head to capitol for spirited debate
Read MoreDuring a fun field trip to wrap up the year, students were able to debate on the House floor during a visit to the Tennessee State Capitol. See more photos from their final lesson here.
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
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University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.