Northwest Kansas Pioneers Make Strong Debut at Season Opener

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Colby, KS — The Northwest Kansas Pioneers are officially on the map. The region’s newest competitive mountain biking team made an impressive debut at their first race of the season on March 25 at Palen Farms in Tipton, KS, with several athletes competing in their very first sanctioned event.

The Pioneers are a member team of NICA — the National Interscholastic Cycling Association — a program that has grown rapidly since launching in Kansas 7 years ago. The Kansas League now boasts 13 teams and over 250 student athletes ranging from 5th grade through high school seniors. The Northwest Kansas team began taking shape in October 2025, building momentum through winter training practices before arriving at the start line this spring.

Race Results

The Pioneers turned in a number of noteworthy performances in their opening race. In the 5th Grade category, Hunter Hayes of Colby finished 6th out of 15 riders, completing the course in 23:51.51. In the Middle School C category, Jaxon Ohlrogge of Colby earned a 6th-place finish among 36 riders, completing two laps in 41:01.35. Carter Terry of Atwood also competed in the same category, finishing 30th with a one-lap time of 23:02.

The team’s standout performance came from Parker Williams of Colby, who competed in the JV2 category. Williams — a veteran of two previous seasons with the North Central Kansas team and a former BMX competitor from Texas — battled for the lead for much of the race before settling into a 2nd-place finish with a four-lap time of 50:46.14, earning the Pioneers their first podium appearance.

Teen Trail Corps Recognition

The Pioneers’ impact extended well beyond race results. Through NICA’s Teen Trail Corps program, which recognizes athletes and teams for volunteer trail building and stewardship, the Northwest Kansas Pioneers claimed 1st place out of all teams in the state. Individually, Jaxon Ohlrogge ranked 3rd among all Kansas NICA athletes in trail building hours — a testament to the team’s commitment to the sport and the trails that make it possible. All of the hours came from volunteering at Colby’s Westside Park Trail.

Looking Ahead

The Pioneers will next take to the trails at Fancy Creek in Manhattan, KS, during the weekend of April 11th. Fans and supporters are encouraged to come out and cheer on the team as they continue to build on a promising start to the season.

For more information about the Northwest Kansas Pioneers, contact David Williams at (281) 726-4549.