Congratulations to the Benilde-St. Margaret’s “BBBiker” mountain bike team, who recently competed in the Minnesota Cycling Association (MCA) State Championship races at Redhead Mountain Bike Park in Chisholm, MN.
The BSM team, composed of junior high and senior high students, has shown incredible determination and grit throughout the season. Their hard work earned them the opportunity to compete in this prestigious event. The following Red Knight riders represented BSM at the state championships:
- Ryan Lynch ’26
- Gerik Nowlin ’26
- Olin Rahn ’26
- Aidan Casey ’27
- Jack Kramar ’27
- Blake Hoffman ’28
- Ben Kennedy ’28
- Ian Winskowski ’28
- Olive Ohly ’29
The team has grown significantly over the past year, with students from both BSM and Blake School making up the roster. The BBBikers are known for their strong team spirit and parental involvement, as parents not only coach the athletes but also participate in practice alongside them. Coach Jen Nowlin, who has been with the team for six years, expressed pride in the growth of both the athletes and the program.
“This season has been a growth season for the team and for all the student athletes,” said Nowlin. “For the BSM middle school athletes, it’s been about growing in confidence, skills, and finding their own adventure in the sport of mountain biking. For the high school athletes, it’s been about setting goals, persisting, and pushing themselves to perform.”
This year’s state competition kicked off with middle school and freshman races on Saturday, Oct. 12, followed by the high school athletes competing in JV2, JV3, and Varsity categories on Sunday, Oct. 13.
BSM’s middle school team secured 18th place in the D2 championship with a score of 1577, while the high school team placed 43rd, scoring 1103.
The BSM mountain bike team has a strong track record, with several riders qualifying for state championships over the years, including a first place overall finish in 2022.
As the season wraps up, the athletes carry their growth and skills beyond the races, continuing to ride for fun in their neighborhoods and on local trails. Many have discovered a lifelong passion for mountain biking that will stay with them beyond their time at BSM.
Congratulations to all the riders on a great season and for representing BSM at the State Championship!
