This fall, Rumsey Hall reached a significant milestone by hosting its first-ever mountain biking race on campus. This marked a new chapter for a program that has steadily grown through vision and student engagement. Led by coaches Craig Ough and David Stude, the mountain biking program began as an extension of Rumsey’s Outdoor Adventure Program before gradually developing into a competitive team. As student interest grew, the program expanded, soon joining the Housatonic Mountain Biking League.
Participation in the league requires the ability to host a home race, and Coach Ough quickly got to work. Together with Coach Stude, faculty members, and students, he led the development of the two mile trail on campus.
The course was intentionally designed to challenge middle school riders, offering opportunities to build key skills such as climbing, navigating switchbacks, and riding varied terrain. With the course located on campus, training shifted from offsite rides to daily practice in race-like without ever leaving Rumsey.
As the trails took shape, so did the team’s experience. Student Hunter M. ’27 reflected on how this trail has enhanced his experience as a rider. “We get to learn more technical skills on the race course,” he shared. “I’ve definitely gotten better on that course.”
On race day, riders approached the trail with confidence and enthusiasm, while also welcoming teams from across the league. For Hunter, being among the first to ride the home course was a memorable moment for him. A standout moment for Rika K. ’27 was the overall joy everyone experienced that day.
“Everyone’s competing, but at the same time, everyone’s having so much fun.” Rika K. ’27
The results of the race reflected the growth of the team, with Rumsey earning multiple podium finishes across categories. Jonathan T. ’29 earned silver in Cat 4, Neely K. ’26 took bronze and Evan S. ’26 earned silver in Cat 3, and Hunter M. ’27 claimed silver and significant points in Cat 2.
For Coach Ough, the milestone reinforces the program’s purpose. “The vision was never to have a race,” he said. “The vision was to teach kids how to ride bikes and now we have a race.”
Now firmly rooted on campus, Rumsey’s mountain biking program provides students with meaningful experiences defined by challenge, responsibility, and growth, alongside the shared joy that comes from riding together as a team.
