Well for starters watch this video…
….now that you have your answer, read this.
The Arkansas Interscholastic Cycling League just wrapped up their first coaches training of 2017. With a season under their belt they are excited to be growing and looking forward to the upcoming season. The League is looking to recruit more coaches this spring. So, I checked in with NICA coach Anya Bruhin to find out more about the coaching program.
NICA COACH | Anya Bruhin
OCA: What team do you coach and how many student athletes do you have on the team?
Anya: I coach Pea Ridge Blackhawk Cycling in Pea Ridge, AR. Last season we had 9 riders. This year we are hoping for 12 on the HS team and 6 on the middle school team.
OCA: Do you have to be a great mountain biker to coach?
Anya: No. I am definitely not a great mountain biker. I am a teacher so I know how to break down a skill or concept and explain it in a way that kids can digest, so that definitely helps. The physical skills are only a part of the experience. It is about so much more; character development, responsibility, inclusivity and so many other soft skills that are essential to leading a happy, healthy life.
OCA: What are some of the challenges of being a NICA coach?
Anya: Last year the challenge was that it was all new. But that was sort of comforting because we were all trying to figure it out together. All the other coaches were extremely helpful, it was like we were all coaching one big team.
OCA: What are some of the highlights from last season?
Anya: We loved the campout at Lake Leatherwood. Being a part of the IMBA Youth Service Day was a great experience. The State Championship was pretty fantastic, I mean, Danny MacAskill counted it down. The team really peaked that day and all of the riders felt strong and performed their best.
OCA: What is the most rewarding part of coaching for you?
Anya: The friendships are life changing. My coaching team all choose to hang out together in our free time. I have grown really fond of all my riders, and their families. The families are amazing. I genuinely look forward to meetings and events, just so we can catch up. And I have become a much better rider because of all of this, so there are physical rewards as well.
OCA: Why should someone start a team and become a coach?
Anya: It really is so much fun and a brilliant chance to be a part of the turning point in these kids and families lives. They are going to remember this and you forever. That is powerful.
OCA: How does someone interested get involved with coaching?
Anya: Check out arkansasmtb.org and look over the coaching section. We have a leader’s summit coming up in Bentonville on April 8 & 9 and another in Little Rock on the 22 & 23 of April. It is free and you can register on the website. You will get all kinds of information and resources for managing a team, running practices, and what to expect race day. And you get to meet and network with all the other coaches, which is really the most helpful. If you are on the fence and not sure you can commit to the time, come to the leader’s summit anyway. You may just meet a few others willing to help you get your team off the ground.
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