My grandson, Will Rader, won the USA Cycling Junior National Championship in Mountain Biking on Saturday the 21st of July on Snow Mountain, Vermont. He is sponsored by a fine organization, Richardson Bike Mart, here in the Dallas area (they were the original sponsors of Lance Armstrong). They had asked Will to come to company headquarters to sign a jersey and to celebrate. Will asked the manager how he should sign the jersey, and he suggested, ‘thanks to the team’. Their company focus is consistently team based.
One member of the team had been especially valuable to Will and his dad, John. They had sent Will’s custom designed bike back to Jack Gillespie, the chief mechanic, time after time during the long months of training and preparation. Jack had to replace parts with new ones, to switch out parts that weren’t working properly, and to make sure the bike was tuned and re-tuned perfectly to take the difficult and dangerous courses. The course on Snow Mountain is especially treacherous this year because of all the rain and erosion. Jack had responded with enthusiasm and support every time they called and showed up with the bike asking for his technical expertise. As a result, while some bikes faltered during the nationals on the mountain, Will's bike floated easily and safely over the course.
When Will sought him out to thank him, Jack said, “Will, you were our Engine on Saturday. We ALL were out there with you on your bike when you won the National Championship.” Will just beamed knowing he was a part of a great team who had stood behind him 100%. In top organizations, every member on the team is going for the championship. |
