Our Approach
We value and promote excellence believing that ordinary athletes can attain big results through setting goals, mapping a strategy, and giving the task disciplined effort. Our Cuyuna Lakes athletes and ride leaders work really hard and are transformed by the process. Many will even say that their participation with the team has been life changing.
Once Upon A Time...
In 2012, Shaun and Brandt had a wild idea to organize a mountain bike team. Cuyuna Lakes High School Mountain Bike Team was born and in its initial year had 14 participants. The team has steadily grown since then. In 2023, the team boasted over 70 riders with 30+ adult ride leaders.
Meet the Coaching Staff
It takes a whole village to get more kids on bikes. Our ride leader staff is comprised of folks from all sorts of backgrounds: teachers, project managers, engineers, lawyers, military, surgeons, doctors, nurses, manufacturing, retailers, entrepreneurs, and more.
Sean Hagen
Head Coach
Sean and his family enjoy the many benefits of mountain biking, including seeing entire families pick up the sport and the camaraderie developed by all members of the red dirt family.
Kathy Jo Rono
Team Director
Kathy Jo, or KJo as we call her, is the team mom. She has been a part of the team since the inaugural season and has had two sons on the team. We have our act together because KJo makes it so!
Mari Kivisto
Assistant Coach
Mari doesn't have any kids on the team, but she's gosh darn proud of every single kid who shows up to ride and try. A three year member of the team, Mari has been riding bike since she was a kid and fell in love with mountain biking when the Cuyuna trails opened.
Oh, and Mari won't tell you this but she doesn't edit the website so... we'll brag for her.
Interested in being part of the team?
We are constantly seeking positive, responsible adults who want to share their love of cycling with student athletes. If you'd like to know more about volunteering with our team, contact us.