The 2024 South Kent School Mountain Biking team may have been small in number, but their impact was anything but. Competing against much larger squads from schools like Trinity-Pawling and Hotchkiss, our boys brought skill, determination, and heart to every race, often punching above their weight to make a lasting mark on the circuit.

The season culminated in a thrilling finale at Norbrook, where Max Gerbilsky ’25 captured a 1st place finish in Category 3, cementing his place as one of the top riders of the year. Teammate Bodhi Walsh ’25 delivered a gutsy performance in Category 2, earning a strong 4th place finish despite battling minor equipment issues and injuries earlier in the season.

A Unique Home Course with Rave Reviews
South Kent’s mountain biking program boasts a distinct edge: a technical and downhill-heavy course unlike the cross-country tracks favored by other schools. This season, competitors and coaches alike praised the thrilling terrain, which added excitement and a unique challenge to the league. Many expressed eager anticipation to return next year.

Spotlight on Our Seniors

Max Gerbilsky ’25
Max is a fearless competitor and a true force on the trail. Whether racing downhill or tweaking the course’s technical features, Max’s adrenaline-fueled approach has elevated South Kent’s mountain biking program. His work on the school’s trails, particularly the tabletop section, has not only improved the course but also left a lasting legacy for future riders.

This season, Max’s skill, leadership, and passion earned him a Varsity Letter, an honor well-deserved for a rider who has consistently pushed boundaries and inspired his teammates.

Bodhi Walsh ’25
Bodhi brought determination, resilience, and infectious positivity to the team this year. A true outdoorsman at heart, Bodhi’s leadership as a school prefect and his family’s deep connection to wilderness adventures made him a vital part of the team.
While still honing his technical skills, Bodhi’s steady improvement and unwavering spirit propelled him to a stellar 4th place finish at Norbrook. This season, Bodhi, too, earned a Varsity Letter, a testament to his dedication both on and off the trail.

Looking Ahead
As the season closes, South Kent bids farewell to Max, whose legacy as the team’s most passionate and skilled rider will leave big shoes to fill. However, his influence has sparked new enthusiasm in younger riders like Yurii and Pavlo, ensuring a bright future for the program.

With efforts underway to recruit more mountain bikers and the steady guidance of Coach Eric Leitz, the program is poised for continued growth and success. Coach Leitz’s leadership and ability to inspire the boys have laid a strong foundation for the seasons to come.

Gratitude and Hope
Congratulations to the Mountain Biking team for a remarkable season of triumphs, challenges, and camaraderie. As we celebrate Max and Bodhi’s contributions to the program, we look forward to welcoming new riders and continuing to grow the legacy of mountain biking at South Kent School.

Keep pedaling forward. #GoCardinals

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South Kent School proudly celebrates the achievements of our Cross Country Team, recognizing the dedication, hard work, and resilience displayed by our athletes throughout the season. The 2024 season brought exceptional performances, growth, and team spirit. We are thrilled to acknowledge the following students for their outstanding contributions:

2024 Cross Country Award Recipients:

Anne Funnell Cup for Most Valuable Runner
Awarded to Zijie Zhou ’27
Recognizing Zijie’s exceptional talent, consistency, and leadership on the course.

Arthur W. Brown Award for Most Improved Runner
Awarded to Vas Gray ’27
Honoring Vas’s dedication to improvement and determination, resulting in remarkable progress this season.

Cross Country Coaches’ Award
Awarded to Aidan Sherlock ’26
Celebrating Aidan’s exemplary sportsmanship, commitment, and teamwork, which made him a true asset to the team.

Varsity Letters in Cross Country
We are also proud to award Varsity Letters to the following runners, who have shown unwavering commitment and contributed to the strength and spirit of our team:
Zijie Zhou ’27
Aidan Sherlock ’26
Jaewon Kim ’27
Nekhel Mckella ’26
Gerd Pflucker ’27
Vas Gray ’27
Yeung Yik Wu ’27

JV Certificate in Cross Country
Senior Vignesh Paila ’25 is recognized for his dedication and hard work with a JV Certificate in Cross Country. We are excited for his continued success.

Each of these student-athletes has shown remarkable dedication and perseverance, representing South Kent with pride. Congratulations to all on an inspiring season and well-deserved recognition.

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