On Sunday, May 18, the mountain biking team clinched the state championship title. Riders Dylan Nofziger, Charlotte Philkil, Anthony Lee and Asa Turner placed sixth or higher in their categories, heavily contributing to the title. This championship marks back-to-back wins, with the victories breaking a four-year championship lull since 2019.
Senior Ginger Howard is one of the senior captains. She has participated in the program since her freshman year and has watched and been a part of the team’s growth in the last two years.
“When I joined as a freshman, we had a few outstanding riders, but in the past two years, we’ve had a bunch of super-skilled and talented riders join all at once,” Howard said. “I think we just got lucky that way.”
Not only has the team changed throughout the years, but so has the leadership. Junior Dylan Corteville is also a captain who has participated in the program for
all three of his high school years, stepping into the leadership role with Howard last season.
“Last year, Ginger and I were made junior captains and took on a lot of responsibility. We tried to shape the role into real leadership, not just being fast but someone others can look up to and feel comfortable around,” Corteville said. “We try to be approachable, know everyone’s names and do things outside biking.”
Winning doesn’t come easy, though. Although the team’s individuals have plenty of talent, their victories don’t come
without hard work. There is still a lot of preparation that comes with the stress of trying to go to the state championships.
“The offseason starts around October, and you do long rides to build a foundation. Then, in January, you start adding the details. If you think of it like building a house, October to December is pouring the concrete, and starting in January, you’re putting up the walls and doing the finishing work,” Corteville said.
Working hard is essential, but so is being a supportive teammate. The mountain biking team is a close-knit community due to the amount of time they spend together.
“Everyone really wants to see their teammates succeed. It’s created this family vibe, where we all support one another,” Howard said. “Winning the state title felt like something we accomplished together, not just as individuals.”
With another state title under their belts and a culture of leadership, support and dedication, the mountain biking team has built a legacy that will inspire future Redwood riders.
