Goals & Mission
Welcome to the Central New York Sharks Mountain Bike Team! The mission of our 501c3 program is to provide middle and high school students the opportunity to achieve both competitive and non-competitive cross-country mountain biking goals safely and enjoyably.
Mission
We strive for the positive development of our participants through mountain biking with a focus on strong bodies, strong minds, and strong character. Additionally, we aim to:
• Develop an awareness of what it is to be an amateur athlete who is both gracious and respectful to their community;
• Create an environment in which they may discover new friendships and find role models;
• Guide students towards learning new skills and disciplines, and spread the foundations of mountain bike racing across the U.S.;
• Foster a responsible attitude toward the use of trails and wilderness;
• Promote the value of cycling to our community as a mode of transportation and as a lifelong sport.
Board of Directors
We are excited to announce we are officially a 501(c)3 organization!
We have implemented our Board of Directors!
Todd Gloo – Director, Coach
Todd has been mountain biking with kids for over 10 years, and joined NICA 7 years ago to give his kids an opportunity to ride with a team. His son had such an excellent experience with the Sharks that he decided to remain on the coaching staff after his son graduated out of the program, to help ensure other student-athletes can enjoy the program for many years to come.
Derek Goodemote – Director, Coach
Derek’s son currently rides for the Sharks NICA race team and grew up in the Kids on Bikes program. Derek coaches because he firmly believes you will never meet a better group of riders, parents, coaches, and volunteers than in the NICA community. Everyone rides!
Nicky Ruszkowski – Director, Coach
Nicky is a regular Sharks coach and a keen advocate for getting more girls on bikes. She competes in endurance mountain bike races with a preference for long and technical races but also dabbles at some gravel and cyclocross. Nicky has been coaching sports for over 20 years and has a bachelor’s degree in sport and exercise science and a master’s degree in health education. You’ll see Nicky at most practices with Dylan (aged 2) riding on her bike, assisting with Sharks coaching.
Tim Taber – Director, Coach
Tim started with many of these athletes in Kids On Bikes. His children have come through the NICA program over several years, with one child still riding for the Sharks.
Liz Walz – Directory, Secretary/Treasurer
Liz’s son is a NICA race team member and has been with the team through Kids on Bikes. Liz is passionate about helping the team grow and thrive.
To learn more about our By-Laws, 501C3 information and beyond – please send a request to [email protected]
Coaches
The Sharks have an AMAZING coaching support system!
We currently have:
- 13 level one coaches
- 5 level two coaches
- 4 level three coaches!
We have every aspect of coaching covered for the Sharks team!