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POLK COUNTY—The Polk County Youth Mountain Bike Team is preparing to embark on its inaugural season in just two weeks. This new team, known as the Polk Wolverines, is set to participate in races organized by the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), home to over 25,000 student-athletes nationwide.

The Polk Wolverines aim to promote a sense of togetherness among riders by emphasizing NICA’s core values of fun, inclusivity, and community spirit. 

“We are all about promoting community and the values of NICA,” said coach Graham Caparulo. “Currently, the team is seeking sponsors and donations to help us grow, as we are entirely self-funded. We receive no financial support from the county or school system.”

Open to middle, high school, and homeschool students, the team caters to cyclists of all skill levels, allowing them to explore the picturesque trails of Polk County, enhance their biking abilities, and forge friendships with fellow riders. The team is shaping up nicely as they start the season with 12 student riders and 10 volunteer coaches.

Among the team members, 8th-grader Jacob Jenne from Polk County Middle School has been making waves. He currently leads his category, Junior Men’s 14, in the Winter Short Track Series, having amassed an impressive 104 points in just four races. Jacob has outperformed competitors from Charlotte, Greenville, and Spartanburg, and his accomplishments are particularly noteworthy given that this is his first experience with competitive mountain biking.

The Polk County Youth Mountain Bike Team is dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle, fostering teamwork, and building lasting friendships. The team is open to boys and girls. Team members are not required to compete; anyone interested can attend a practice to see how they like it. They practice on the mountain biking trail behind the middle school on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. 

“Come ride with us and experience the joy of cycling while positively impacting our community,” urges Caparulo.

As the team looks to fund travel expenses for upcoming events across the state, they actively seek sponsorships and donations. With support already secured from local businesses such as Junge Construction, Trail Dynamics, and M&M Labs, the team is eager to connect with more community partners.

For those interested in sponsoring, donating, volunteering, or joining the team, more information can be found at polkmtbteam.org.