Ripon Gets Cycling Program Rolling In 2008

The Red Hawks cycling team heads into the 2008 season with a nearly blank canvas, according to Head Coach Ric Damm. In its inaugural year as a varsity program at Ripon, Damm says there are few expectations.

"I've told the team my main expectation is for them to have fun," says Damm.

He notes, however, that his squad of newbie competitors shouldn’t expect a 24-7 party.

"There’s going to be a lot of hard work involved," Damm warns. "I’ve asked each of my riders for, number one, a commitment to the team and, number two, a commitment to improve themselves. If this group finds satisfaction in being a part of something new and making strides toward improvement, then, yes, we are going to have some fun this fall."

The six members of Ripon’s new cycling team have limited experience.

Senior Cameron Arndt (Madison, Wis./Madison East) is the only Red Hawk with previous racing experience. Arndt, a cadet in Ripon’s ROTC program, has competed in the Wisconsin Off Road Series (WORS). Though it has been a few years since Arndt has competed, Damm says he is confident Arndt’s previous race experience along with his ROTC training will make him an instant leader on the team.

"While Cameron hasn’t raced recently, he continues to ride his bike regularly, and he’s obviously in good physical condition by virtue of his involvement in ROTC," says Damm. "I expect Cameron to help mentor some of his younger teammates."

The Red Hawks have two other seniors on board as well. Bryan Nell (St. Germain, Wis./Northland Pines) and Jonathan Paretsky (Eagle River, Wis./Northland Pines) are riding buddies and college roommates. Damm expects the pair to round-out the team’s leadership and provide some motivation.

"Bryan and Jon were the first to come to me when we announced the creation of the cycling program," says Damm. "They are so excited to be a part of this, and I expect their enthusiasm will be a driving force on the team."

Rounding out the men’s side of the equation is sophomore Steven Siewert (Mequon, Wis./Homestead), who transfers in from Landmark College in Vermont.

On the women’s side, Ripon has three budding cyclists in Tiffany Seering (West Bend, Wis./West Bend East) and Christa Kussmann (Beaver Dam, Wis./Beaver Dam).

Seering, a transfer from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, is a former rugby player. Damm says she showed her toughness in July when she entered her first ever mountain bike race and placed extremely well.

"Tiffany placed second, just 10 seconds behind the leader in her age group, and 10th overall," says Damm. "Perhaps more importantly, she had a blast. She’s hooked."

Kussmann, a junior from Beaver Dam, Wis., is a spitfire, according to Damm.

"She has a determined spirit, plus a background in gymnastics that provides her with an understanding of hard work. Both should serve her well as she makes the transition to cycling," says Damm.

Ripon’s race schedule will find the Red Hawks competing in two WORS races, a Minnesota State Championship Series event, the Chequamegon Fat Tire 40 and four Midwest Collegiate Cycling Conference races.

"This year will be a learning experience for the team and for me as a coach as well. I’m not expecting a masterpiece," says Damm. "With the exception of opportunity, the canvas is blank."