MEDIA RELEASE

Date: August 23, 2024 – For Immediate Release

 

City of Owensboro and Rudy Mine Trails Chosen to Host the 2024 Kentucky Interscholastic Cycling League State Championship

 

Owensboro Parks & Recreation is thrilled to announce the Rudy Mine Trails System has been selected as the host venue for the 2024 Kentucky Interscholastic Cycling League’s (KICL) State Championship Race.  The prestigious event, titled " Reckonins' & Revelins” will take place on Sunday, October 27, with practice rides scheduled for Saturday, October 26.

The Rudy Mine Trails System, carefully managed by Owensboro Parks & Recreation, is set to welcome up to 300 middle and high school student athletes, along with their families and coaches, for this highly anticipated race. KICL, a subsidiary of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) founded in 2019, is dedicated to promoting inclusivity, equity, respect, and community engagement, fostering a vibrant cycling culture that empowers Kentucky's youth.

Planning for this event began in early January through a collaboration between Owensboro Parks & Recreation, local KICL Coach Tom Higdon and KICL. Key discussions were led by Denile Hill, Executive Director of KICL, and Shane Poynter, KICL's Race Director. These conversations, along with thorough assessments conducted by representatives of Owensboro Parks & Recreation, the Rudy Mine Composite Mountain Biking Team, and the Kentucky Mountain Biking Association, ensured that the trail system meets KICL's rigorous standards.

Executive Director Hill shared her excitement about the selection of Rudy Mine Trails as the venue, stating, "This picturesque trail system, nestled within a vibrant community, offers an ideal setting that we believe will resonate with KICL families."

 

Owensboro Parks & Recreation first connected with KICL through the Rudy Mine Composite Mountain Biking Team, which began using the trails for practice sessions in 2022. Founded by Katie and Keith Fenwick, James Sergent, and Tom Higdon, the team has since grown to include riders from grades 6-12. Prospective participants are encouraged to email RudyMineComposite@gmail.com to learn more about joining the team.

Tom Higdon, head coach of the Rudy Mine Composite Mountain Biking Team, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming championship, stating, "This inaugural KICL race in Owensboro marks a significant milestone, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact it will have on our city, our sport, and the growth of our team."

Mark Calitri, President, Visit Owensboro said, “I’m proud of the Owensboro City Parks team for aggressively pursuing new events to showcase our city's vibrant riverfront and friendly hospitality. Participants and their families can look forward to an unforgettable experience in a community that welcomes them with open arms."

Owensboro Parks & Recreation looks forward to continuing its partnership with KICL and is excited about the positive impact this event will have on the local community.

For those interested in participating or supporting race day activities, please contact Brittni Klotzback at brittni.klotzback@owensboro.org.

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