We’re asking the MCA community to nominate outstanding individuals for the following awards, to be presented to recipients at the end of the season.

Be specific and share actual stories about the people you nominate. We’re not looking for general characteristics, we’re looking for demonstrated embodiment of our core values through actions.

Incomplete nominations will not be considered. Nominations Close Monday, November 1st, 2021 at 11:59pm.

MCA Coach of the Year Award

This award recognizes a head coach whose efforts and leadership have inspired their athletes, assistant coaches and parents to achieve their individual and team goals. This award is not about points or time, but about outstanding demonstrated, specific behaviors exhibited by a coach. This is a person who drives their athletes to success on or off the bike.

MCA Student-Athletes with Heart

The Student-Athletes with Heart Awards will honor two student-athletes who have embraced and model the core values of the Minnesota Cycling Association: building strong bodies, strong minds and strong character through cycling. Consider those who have overcome significant obstacles, exhibited a demonstrated commitment and/or thoroughly embodied the MCA core values. 

MCA Assistant Coach of the Year Award

This award recognizes an assistant coach whose dedication and support for the team has resulted in positive outcomes for their students, their team and their community. Their demonstrated, specific actions indicate that they are a reliable partner for their head coach; they lead by example on and off the bike.

MCA Volunteer Power Award

Each race could not occur without the tremendous support of ALL our volunteers. However, with the Volunteer Power Award, our community recognizes an individual whose actions continually demonstrate commitment, enthusiasm and dedication. In summary, this person has positively impacted the riders, their team or their community with their efforts for the team, at the races or for the MCA. 

Previous Award Recipients

2020

Coach of the Year: Matt Hagelin—Cloquet, Esko, Carlton
Asst Coach of the Year:   Craig Santleman—Hastings Composite
Male Racer with Heart:  Brayden LeLoup—Eastview
Female Racer with Heart: Claire Wisdo—Cannon Valley Composite
Volunteer of the Year: Gwen Martin—Eagan
Golden McLeod (Teen Trail Corps Award): Victoria Voss—Rochester; Jonathan Urban—Mankato

2019

Coach of the Year: John Oman, Shakopee
Asst Coach of the Year:   Bill Dietrich, Prior Lake
Male Racer with Heart:  Dylan Ealy, New Prague
Female Racer with Heart: Charlotte Johnson, Eden Prairie
Volunteer of the Year: Tom Gujer, St Croix

2018

Coach of the Year: Mike Busch, Mankato
Asst Coach of the Year: Ryan Erspamer, Duluth
Volunteer of the Year: Eric Larson, Duluth
Male Racer with Heart: Ian Hase, White Bear Lake
Female Racer with Heart: Zoey Sheedy, Rochester
Jeff Robertson Award:  Todd Bauer, MN League Core Staff

2017

Coach of the Year – Mike Binkowsky – Prior Lake
Asst Coach of the Year – Julie Gujer – St Croix
Racer with Heart (Male): Charlie Jamieson Bloomington
Racer with Heart (Female) – Josie Welsh – Armstrong
Volunteer of the Year – Dan Gilleece – Washburn

2016

Coach of the Year Marion O’Donnel Rochester
Asst Coach of the Year Gareth Hayta Austin
Racer with Heart (Male) Dylan Kiefer Minnetonka
Racer with Heart (Female) Ellie Hedlund MLPS Southside
Volunteer of the Year Kieth Hikes Hutchison
Volunteer of the Year Rich Van Sickle Roseville
Jeff Robertson Award Jeff Robertson Rochester

2015

Coach of the Year Sheryl Golin Wayzata
Asst Coach of the Year Tim Vossberg Chaska/Chanhassen
Racer with Heart (Male) Jack Smude Burnsville
Racer with Heart (Female) Madana Mou Patrick Henry
Volunteer of the Year Brian Zielinger New Prague
Super Fan Max Busch Mankato

2014

Coach of the Year Shaun Anderson Cuyuna
Asst Coach of the Year Anne Perkins Stillwater
Racer with Hearth (Male) Max Ellingon Edina
Racer with Heart (Female) Lexi Myshka Prior Lake
Volunteer of the Year Dan Duda Washburn

2013

Coach of the Year Mary Loma Patrick Henry
Racer with Hearth (Male)* Kevin Bley Eagan H.S.
Racer with Heart (Female)* Madona Mau Patrick Henry
*Racer with heart award was based on the rider with the highest total time on course