LEBANON, Ill. (BRAIN) — McKendree University is joining the list of universities and colleges that offer cycling as a full fledges varsity sport with a full time paid coach.
The school announced last week that cycling will become its 27th sport to be offered at the intercollegiate level. The new cycling program will be ready to compete for the 2015-16 academic year and will be offered as a co-ed sport, only the second sport that is co-ed (the other is bass fishing).
University athletics director Chuck Brueggemann said two local bike shops, The Cyclery and Bike Surgeon, were key to making cycling a school sport.
"We are delighted to work with both The Cyclery and Bike Surgeon on this new endeavor," said Brueggemann. "Both businesses have been instrumental in allowing us the ability to stand up a first-rate program, and we look forward to this partnership for years to come."
The university has hired Maurice Hessel as the first head coach for the cycling team. Hessel, who retired from the United States Air Force in 2008, is a competitive cyclist who has been involved with many cycling clubs and groups throughout the St. Louis and Metro East area. He currently serves as the team captain for the Korte Hammer Down Cycling Team.
"Maurice brings a unique perspective to McKendree," said Bruggemann. "He has served his country in many different parts of the world. During that time, he became involved in the sport of cycling, first recreationally and then competitively. From his involvement with numerous cycling organizations around the area, he has seen first-hand the growth of the sport. That will only help him as he builds our team here at McKendree.
