Students, coaches ask Middleton-Cross Plains board to recognize mountain bike club and allow school logo use

Students, parents and volunteer coaches told the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District Board of Education that the Middleton Mountain Bike Team should be recognized as an official school-affiliated club so athletes can use the district’s Cardinal logo, meeting space and receive yearbook and program recognition.

Speakers at the April 20 school board meeting described the team as inclusive and self-sustaining, saying it does not seek district funding but wants formal recognition and access to basic school supports. The group outlined coach certification, background-check procedures and the team’s ties to the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) and Driftless-area nonprofit organizers.

Why it matters: Recognition would let student athletes display school colors and logo in competition, appear in the yearbook and advertise club membership through school channels — steps supporters said would boost recruitment and community visibility for a sport they described as building resilience, teamwork and environmental stewardship.

Several student speakers recounted personal benefits. Paul Wozniak, a Middleton High School sophomore, said that joining the team in summer 2023 built his confidence and community connections. Fritz Busch, a sophomore and team member, described long-term participation and coaching that helped him reach a state championship podium. Parent-volunteer coach Tyler Emmerich said the team is already self-sustaining, asking only for logo and recognition privileges, not financial support. Ruth Boye, director of the Middleton mountain bike team, said the program fields riders from grades 6–12 and competes at statewide races.

Organizational context: Speakers described local NICA chapter organization and Driftless-area nonprofit support. John Kramer, who identified himself as a certified NICA coach and Waunakee School District employee, said teams in nearby districts operate under NICA rules and stressed that coaches complete training, background checks and first-aid certification.

Board response and next steps: Board president Sheila Hibner and staff noted the district’s established process for student club applications. The board’s liaison to athletics, Jared Rosing, was identified as the staff contact; the board packet and public remarks referenced an application deadline of April 30 for club recognition. Board members said they appreciated the presentations and would ensure the application is reviewed by the athletics department per normal timelines.

Supporters’ specific requests included permission to use the Cardinal logo on racing jerseys, occasional meeting space, yearbook inclusion, and being able to advertise the club within district channels. Speakers repeatedly said they were not requesting the program be converted into a funded school sport, and several emphasized the club’s inclusivity and ‘no bench’ approach that allows all students to participate.

The board did not take a formal vote on recognition during the meeting; members said the athletic department reviews club applications twice a year and committed to ensuring the submitted application is processed.