Young Cyclists Enjoy Success in Second Season

Years after the disbanding of the Deerfield cycling team in the early 2000s, science teacher Rich Calhoun is stepping in to coach and brings a new cycling team to life.

Tom Burrow ’10 had already cycled for three years before the re-creation of the team and in his sophomore year, he managed to get an athletic exemption to cycle.

Along with many other interested students, he joined Mr. Calhoun in the reforming of the team. The new Deerfield cycling team has pedaled its way to success in just two seasons.

Although this spring was just the second season for Deerfield cycling, the team showcased a strong performance this spring, winning three out of six races.

However, a crash in a time trial competition late in the season saw them finish last in the competition on that day, ultimately hurting their final New England results.

With these results, the team still managed to finish second overall out of 19 teams in New England.

“We definitely wanted to do better,” admitted Burrow, “but the [time trials] kind of ruined it.”

However, Mr. Calhoun did not let a single day’s performance overshadow an impressive overall performance.

“Luck has a huge role in cycling and it went against us that day,” said Mr. Calhoun, “I couldn’t be happier to finish second after only two years of racing.”

Described by Mr. Calhoun as “a gifted aerobic athlete,” Burrow was a large contributor to the team.

He finished in the top three in five out of six races—good enough to give him second place in individual scoring. In addition to his athletic success, Burrow filled the role of captain exceptionally.

“He inspired the team through selfless dedication,” said teammate Rhys Louis ’12, “and motivated the rest of the team through his own effort.”

Next year, Burrow will test his abilities at the collegiate level, where he will cycle at MIT, a highly competitive program.

Burrow’s contributions both as a cyclist and a captain have been crucial towards the success of the team, and will be greatly missed. However, Mr. Calhoun looks at the future quite optimistically.

The team is losing three fantastic seniors [Burrow, Andy Harris, and West Hubbard],” admitted Mr. Calhoun, “but we are returning Rhys Louis, a potential New England individual champion.”

Burrow agrees, calling Rhys, “a big favorite for next year.”

Within the team, Louis finished behind only Burrow in terms of points, and overall, he finished fifth in the New England championship.

In addition to Louis, Mr. Calhoun will coach a team of cyclists he describes as, “a young group of riders who grew tremendously this season.”