by Austin McInerny, nationalmtb.org

The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) adds staff to get more kids on bikes. Two new staff positions were filled to help meet exponential growth demands and expand core services and programs of the NICA.

Interscholastic Cycling Association Plans to Get #morekidsonbikes

Austin McInerny, NICA President, reports: “NICA’s rapid growth across America is creating an unprecedented explosion in youth cycling. We continue to have significant growth of over 40% year after year. Currently, NICA operates in 18 states serving nearly 12,000 student-athletes and 4,500 licensed coaches. We have made incredible strides towards of providing all teens across America the opportunity to grow strong body, mind, and character through participation in school-based cycling clubs.”

To meet the demand of such expansive growth, NICA, plans to expand and broaden it development and partnership areas for better funding. This will help to build a sustainable mix of revenues from a diverse pool of funders and donors. Investment in development staff will ensure the continuation of innovative youth mountain bike programs; the ability to continue to scale through supporting new leagues; and creates long-term sustainability for the organization.

NICA is thrilled to add the following development professionals to their team:

Kristine Urrutia joins Interscholastic Cycling Association as V.P. Development and Partnerships

Kristine is an entrepreneurial professional with nearly 20 years of experience in global, community and foundation development. She has held executive positions at Teachers2Teachers-Global, MiracleFeet, Charley Girl Designs and the University of Wisconsin School Of Business. In addition to her new role at NICA National, she is involved with NICA as a parent and as a member of the North Carolina Interscholastic Cycling League volunteer management team. Kristine has the following to say about joining the NICA team, “I have personally experienced the power of the NICA effect from seeing the pride of the first time student-athlete participant, to the sportsmanship of the competitive racer, to the powerful impact NICA has on families and communities. To be a part of this growing effort is a particular honor for me because it encompasses so much that I care about including youth development for all student-athletes, supporting healthy outdoor lifestyles, fostering an appreciation for the environment and building strong supportive communities. It doesn’t get much better than raising funds to get #morekidsonbikes!” At the heart of all Kristine’s efforts is a relentless drive to lead, seek, design, or create ways for people to collaborate with purpose. Kristine can be reached at [email protected]

Nic Sims Joins Interscholastic Cycling Association as Development Manager

After being introduced to cycling by his father the fun and games began and the rest is history. After a 23 year career at Specialized, he moved on to Alpinestars to work in the motorsports industry. In 2013, he returned to the cycling industry to work for SCOTT Sports. Nic states, “I have had the distinct pleasure of turning hobbies into jobs. I have worked with some great companies that I can say have all made a difference in their sports and now with NICA the trend continues. I was involved with NICA’s Utah League while working with SCOTT and seeing first hand how NICA affects the lives of kids and gets them outside enjoying the sport of cycling is amazing. I now have the chance to use my connections, to help take NICA to the next level. NICA is an organization that our industry needs to support and I’m excited to help get the industry involved, however they can.” Nic can be reached at [email protected]

About The National Interscholastic Cycling Association

A Minnesota High School Bicycle League competition is a part of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association.

Founded in 2009 as a 501(c)3 non-profit, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) develops interscholastic mountain biking programs for student-athletes and coaches across the United States. NICA provides leadership, services and governance for local leagues to produce quality mountain bike events, and supports every student-athlete in the development of strong body, strong mind and strong character through their efforts on the bike. As of 2017, NICA has 19 state and regional leagues, and 4,000 coaches who are working with over 12,000 student­-athletes from over 700 high schools in the USA.

National Interscholastic Cycling Association Sponsors

NICA exists by virtue of generous sponsors, donors and partners, including our Lead sponsor Trek Bicycles; Platinum level sponsors SRAM and Shimano; Gold level sponsors Bicycling, Clif Bar & Company, Giro, Podiumwear, Specialized Bicycles and Quality Bicycle Products; and major sponsors CamelBak, Yakima, Maxxis, REI Co-Op, GU Energy Labs, Athletic Event Supply, Feedback Sports, and People for Bikes.