STATE CHAMPIONS, BABY! That’s right, not just champions – double champions! Your Coyotes claimed the throne for both Elementary AND Middle School! Cue the most dramatic, over-the-top “Danger Zone” intro, because what went down was pure Top Gun-style domination. These kids didn’t just show up to race; they showed up to fly, pulling Maverick-worthy moves and turning the trails into a Coyote runway of absolute glory.
“I feel the need—the snack-fueled need for SPEED!” Strap in, throw on those aviators, and get ready because this 2024 State Championship recap at Heritage Park is Coyote-style and completely unhinged. If you missed it, you missed the most epic event of the season, the Tom Cruise of race days. WARNING: Reading further may induce severe FOMO, donut cravings, and an uncontrollable urge to chant “STATE CHAMPS!”
The Coyote snack game was beyond next-level. We’re talking a snack spread that could put a carnival concession stand to shame. Tacos, hotdogs, donuts, trail mix, and a couple of mystery snacks that Coach Ryan swore by, claiming they’d “boost performance” (even though no one could quite identify what was in them…spoiler: it was H2O).
Speaking of snacks, let’s take a moment to honor our legendary snack champ, Finn. This kid might’ve set a new course record, not with his riding, but with his pre-race fueling: one box of donuts and half a cake gone. That sugar rush had him flying down the course like it was his personal donut-dusted racetrack this weekend. Sorry, Finn’s mom, we tried to slow him down…but those sprinkles gave him wings.
Here’s a little Coyote secret: hang around long enough, and you’ll probably get “volun-told.” Katrina? She wasn’t technically supposed to be our party planner, but a strategic nudge from Justinian and Tobi turned her into the Snack Queen of the Coyotes. And to those parents who escaped the volun-telling this year…well, let’s just say 2025 has your name on it (kidding…or are we?!). Massive thanks to Katrina and Sue, who kept us fed even when sign-ups were light. Coyotes, we were fueled, we were fed, and we’ll be forever grateful.
Saturday launched with our littlest Coyotes absolutely sending it on the trails, showing us all why we do this! Picture it: kids zooming past in a blur of dusty jerseys, spectators going wild, and cowbells ringing out like we’re at a mountain bike mosh pit. It was as if a pack of mini-Coyotes had discovered turbo mode and we mean full-throttle, people!
And let’s talk about the legends who raced up in category to the Advanced Elementary race just for the fun of it: Lola and Anneke. These two tore up the course like they’d trained with donut rocket fuel, taking on the higher levels with the kind of intensity you’d expect from…well, kids on a serious sugar high. They raced like pros, left dust everywhere, and kept everyone guessing, “Are they actual Coyotes in disguise?”
After the Saturday races, we dialed the absurdity to MAX with the legendary mini-bike relay. Imagine this: Coyotes wobbling on the tiniest, most unstable bikes you’ve ever seen and this wasn’t a race; it was pure circus on wheels. Riders went down faster than a bag of donuts at a Coyote snack table, and the crowd’s laughter could probably be heard from the next trail over. Legs flailing, handlebars wobbling, some Coyotes practically invented new yoga poses just trying to stay upright. If you missed it, you missed the kind of comedy that should’ve had its own highlight reel. It was mini-bike mayhem, and we loved every ridiculous second!
Saturday night…as the sun dipped below the horizon, we cranked up the drama for our epic Top Gun-themed costume contest and coaches race under the lights. Imagine this: Coach Chris went full “Goose”, we’re talking feathered costume, aviators and enough wing flapping to start a small breeze. Meanwhile, Coach Ryan and Autumn showed up looking so synchronized they practically glowed, snagging best couple honors like they’d just walked off the set of Top Gun 3: Coyote Squadron.
And yes, the Top Gun soundtrack was on loop. But when the coaches race finally launched, it was absolute mayhem. They “buzzed the tower” so fast, all we saw were blurred helmets, bright headlights, and aviators flashing like it was some high-speed disco in the woods. Someone had the genius idea to record it, but by the time they hit record, all we captured was a streak of dust and echoes of “Danger Zone” still hanging in the air. And then there was Drew Willinik’s commentary: “Nice job taking a not-so-serious race way too seriously.” Nailed it. It was Top Gun chaos, Coyotes-style, and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Sunday morning arrived with rain-slicked trails, just in time to make the varsity race… interesting. Drake tackled his laps with pure grit on his last MiSCA race, then stuck around to cheer on the JV and Advanced Middle School racers with helmet-on, true Coyote style.
And then, of course, there was Ray. In a “Halloween decoration gone wrong” moment, Ray hit a tree so hard he looked like that classic witch decoration…arms and legs spread wide around the tree like he was trying to become one with it. The impact was so intense, it sounded like a bomb went off in the woods! Someone radioed in to confirm Ray had definitely won the snack debate, because he hit that tree so hard it was convinced that donuts are the true Coyote fuel. And just to make it official: we’re declaring donuts the ultimate on-bike snack. 🍩
And let’s not forget Kaitlyn, who decided to race up in JV, bringing a whole new fire to the course with that added competition. She wiped out on the bridge, but instead of slowing down, she just kept pedaling like the bridge was in her way. That’s the kind of Coyote spirit we’re talking about, nothing was stopping her from hitting those trails full throttle.
End of Season Notes
And now, as the season comes to a close, we just want to say: being a Coyote isn’t about stacking podiums or tracking times; it’s about the thrill of the ride, the joy of the journey, and the wild adventure on two wheels. Every practice, every race, every laugh, spill, and snack along the way, this team is awesome.
Special shoutouts are in order for some of our MVPs who kept this season rolling smoothly. To Coach Ryan for manning the grill and keeping us fueled up most days; Coach Brett who took on the CCN coordination with a level of skill and patience we all needed; and of course, Katrina and Sue, our snack queens who made sure we were always fully fueled even when sign-ups were thin. And every single other coach…seriously, you are all freaking amazing! Andy, Justinian, Katrina, Ray, Paul, Jeff, Adam, Chris, Brian, Drew, Alex, Dan, Elliott, Jen, Keith, Liam, Nicole, Shawn, Steve, Yidzza THANK YOU for showing up, cheering loud, and giving your all.
This season we watched Coyotes grow, push their limits, and become something special. From first-timers finding their wheels to seasoned Coyotes shredding new trails and leveling up, every rider has been part of something amazing. This team isn’t just about skill; it’s about friendship, grit, and a whole lot of dirt.
To our seniors: you’ve set the bar sky-high for the next generation, showing what it means to ride hard, lead by example, and make every moment unforgettable. You’ll be missed on race days, but the Coyotes will always be your pack. So come back anytime to shred, cheer, or just hang by the trail for snacks. Drake, Bridger, Gavin, LJ, and Henry…thank you for everything. Once a Coyote, always a Coyote.
And to the rest of the Coyotes, thank you for an unforgettable season. You’ve shown what it means to go all in, to laugh in the face of mud and to ride like there’s no tomorrow. Here’s to the trails we’ve tackled, the memories we’ve made, and the countless adventures ahead. Yip yip, Coyotes! 🐺
Varsity
- Drake Marine – 7th, bringing the heat and style!
- Ray Muehlenz – 18th, probably fitting in a snack chat with a tree along the way.
JV 11th-12th Grade Male
- Gavin Peters – 13th, showing everyone how it’s done.
- Bridger Hoogeveen – 17th, cool, calm, and crushing it.
JV 9th-10th Grade Male
- Easton Roberts – 6th, making moves like a champ.
- Camden DeJong – 15th, solid as always.
- Henry Wert – 23rd, giving it all on the course.
JV Female
- Sadie James – 5th, (2nd in series points in her first JV season—legend!)
- Ocean Trierweiler – 7th, after an insanely close sprint finish, missing 6th by 0.02 seconds!
- Kaitlyn Tungl – 17th, bringing fierce energy and a whole new fire to the track.
Advanced Middle School Male
- Luke Dewall – 2nd, hitting those trails with turbo power.
- Tristan Hubbard – 4th, flying through like he owns it.
- Will Hughes – 7th, steady and unstoppable.
- Cruz Woodbury – 8th, tearing it up as usual.
Advanced Middle School Female
- Reese Drajka – 1st, absolutely owning that podium!
- Sammy Weaver – 2nd, bringing the heat right behind.
- Laila Hubbard – 4th, charging through like a pro.
Novice 10th-12th Grade Male
- Kaden Spitters – 1st, showing everyone how it’s done.
- Hudson Roberts – 17th, steady as always.
Novice 8th Grade Male
- Tyler Veley – 10th, representing the Coyotes strong.
Novice 7th Grade Male
- Sawyer Willink – 2nd, going all out for silver.
- Jakob Boer – 4th, staying fast and focused.
- Calvin Host – 6th, riding like a pro.
Novice 6th Grade Male
- Max Clemo – 6th, holding it down in style.
- Liam Cox – 10th, powering through the pack.
- Ryland Modzeleski – 11th, not letting up for a second.
- Dylan Grenier – 13th, giving it everything.
- Gunnar Larson – 16th, charging hard.
- Finn O’Byrne – 19th, fueled by donuts, of course!
Novice 6th-8th Grade Female
- Harper Roberts – 7th, with a rock-solid finish.
- Ellie Pankey – 17th, giving her all for the Coyotes!
Advanced Elementary Male
- James Broughton – 1st, taking the lead like a true champ.
- Easton Johnson – 3rd, keeping that Coyote spirit strong!
- Raylan Hansma – 4th, tearing up the course.
Advanced Elementary Female
- Hadley Ruch – 3rd, keeping the pack on their toes.
- Lola Clemo – 4th, charging full-speed ahead.
- Anneke Willink – 7th, bringing that fierce energy.
Elementary 5th Grade Male
- Michael Eicher – 6th, repping the Coyotes with pride.
Elementary 5th Grade Female
- Alida Ward – 11th, showing true Coyote spirit!
Elementary 4th Grade Male
- Ryder Pankey – 1st, absolute domination.
- Camden Host – 3rd, holding it down for the Coyotes!
Elementary 5th Grade Female
- Fiona O’Byrne – 12th, racing like a champ!
Elementary 2nd-3rd Grade Male
- Sawyer Weaver – 4th, blazing through!
- Jeremiah Fisher – 29th, rocking it out there.
- Diego Martir – 32nd, giving it his all.
- Emmett Katerberg – 38th, making us proud!
- Caleb Grenier – 40th, full-speed ahead.
- Miles Eicher – 41st, pushing to the finish!
Elementary 2nd-3rd Grade Female
- Gracelyn Host – 4th, showing what she’s made of.
- Aspen Trierweiler – 5th, close on her heels.
- Lucy Clemo – 12th, racing with heart.
- Rainey Broughton – 17th, keeping up the pace.
- Winnie Richardson – 19th, strong finish!
Elementary PreK-1st Grade Male
- Titus Broughton – 4th, fearless on the trails.
- Wyatt Johnson – 5th, keeping up the Coyote spirit!
Team Series Standings ->HERE
Full Race Results ->HERE