June 17, 2015 at 3:00 p.m.
Hodag BMX raises $1,500 in Race for Life
Nearly 180 racers show up for state qualifier
Hodag BMX raises $1,500 in Race for Life
Track operator and manager, Robbie Deede said the weekend was a huge success despite rain in the area on Saturday, which postponed the Race for Life event until Sunday.
"We were up in rider count and in moto count, with a lot positive reviews. All-in-all great weekend considering the rain," Deede said.
Friday the club hosted a race to celebrate the sport of BMX being recognized in the Olympics.
Thirty-four riders raced to celebrate the recognition.
Even though Saturday was a washout, Race for Life event brought in 60 racers with all entry fees being donated on behalf of Hodag BMX.
Race participants raised $1,500 in donations. A few of Rhinelander's local racers raised a large portion of that money.
Raven Sturtevant was Rhinelander's highest grossing donor bringing in $325.
Ashton Swaney was not far behind raising $270 and four others, David Houg, Gabe Kennedy, Liam Kennedy and Garrett Graper, raised $50 each.
Local businesses also lend a helping hand for the cause. The Steel Workers Union and Kohl's Cares (five volunteers included) both made donations of $500 to the Hodag BMX club for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society and Walmart volunteers donated $250.
Deede said overall the Race for Life was a success regardless of the rain and racers were happy with the decision to postpone the race until Sunday.
"Race for Life turned out well. Riders were happy that we made a good decision based on safety and were fine finishing the race Sunday morning," Deede said.
After the Race for Life Sunday, Hodag BMX hosted their state qualifier race. There are eight different state qualifier races all over the state. Racers must participate in at least four to be eligible for state. Sunday was Rhinelander's turn and the club hosted 177 racers.
The qualifier was a great day for most of the racers from Rhinelander with many of them finishing in the top of their field.
Ashton Swaney placed second in the 8 Expert class which was a nail-biter all the way to the finish.
Raven Sturtevant took first place in the 13-14 Girls Cruiser and second place in the 13 Girls class.
Jayden Breivogel placed first in the 10 Novice class moving him up to the intermediate class for future races.
Garrett Graper was right behind Breivogel finishing second in the 10 Novice class.
Alexandr Aguirre finished first in the 9 Novice class, Gabe Kennedy placed first in the 6-year-old Novice class and Emerson Swaney placed second in the 10 Girls class.
Addison Swaney crossed the finish-line in first place to win the age five and under strider class.
Deede said he was pleased with all aspects of the weekend.
"Great sportsmanship was seen throughout the facility, many good comments about the facility volunteers and operations," Deede stated.
Racing will continue at Westside Park in Rhinelander every Monday night at 6 and select Fridays throughout the summer. Race schedules can be found at www.hodagbmx.com.
Lindsey Nylund may be reached at [email protected].
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