The Xavier and Brophy mountain biking team ended its season after it competed in the state championship in Fort Huachuca on Sunday, November 3. The mountain biking team consisted of students from Brophy and Xavier, making it one of the only co-ed sports teams.
The team had only one goal in mind for the championship: to place in the top five.
For the past 10 weeks, the athletes have continuously trained, with practices that consist of trail rides, hill climbs and team building activities. According to mountain biking head coach, Rich Perrott, the Gators also focus on hydration and nutrition to prepare.
“Getting practice on the bike is the most important thing you can do in order to improve,” said Abigail Carrllo ‘26.
Considering the loss of over 16 seniors last year, the team has worked extremely hard to make up for the lack of veteran members. New riders began to show signs of improvement, though. “The team has exceeded all expectations,” Perrott said.
According to Perrott, the finals took place over the course of two days. It began on Saturday, November 2, with a relay race. On Sunday, November 3, individual team combos commenced.
“It would be really exciting if we could get into the top five, but third place is not too far of a reach for us,” said Perrott.
The race was one of the few times the Xavier/Brophy team had competed against Arizona’s North Conference, which anticipated more competition. “I was definitely nervous. State is a lot more different from regular races,” said Jane Meaney ‘27.
Although nervous, the team was confident in its riding skills. “I definitely felt confident in my abilities. I’ve been putting in all the work all season,” Meaney said.
The Xavier/Brophy team finished 8th overall, but expressed pride in its four riders who were able to place second and third during the finishing race.
“Throughout the season, we had our ups and downs, but we came back as a team,” said Abby Seeley ‘25. “Everyone has their bad races, but we support each other,” she said. “We just have to really use our training and just lock in.”
“People think of mountain biking as a solo sport, and really you might be the only one on the bike at the moment, but everyone is still there with you on that trail,” explained Meaney.
They placed third in the conference and now the team is shifting its focus on recruiting more Xavier riders for next fall, according to Perrott.
“I’m going to miss the team,” said Carrillo. She expressed that mountain biking won’t be the same during the off-season.
Although the team was disappointed with its overall results, it has high hopes for next season as it continues to make vast improvements.
