Amarillo and Canyon students will have an opportunity to be the first
in the panhandle to benefit from a unique opportunity. High school
students will have an alternative to earn Physical Education credits to
fulfill their academic requirements for graduation by riding their
bicycle. That’s right. Amarillo and Canyon Independent School Districts
have programs in place that allow students to participate in private
clubs that teach Olympic sports that are not available through the
public school system and to earn Physical Education credits for their
participation. Cycling is an Olympic sport not offered through these
public schools.
Students who participate in the program must have a coach certified by
the governing body of their sport. Chris Podzemny, coach of the
Amarillo & Canyon High School Cycling Club, is certified by USA
Cycling Inc. The goal of the Club is to prepare the students for
participation in competitive and non-competitive road and mountain bike
cycling events in collaboration with the Texas High School Cycling
League and USA Cycling Inc.
At a membership meeting Sunday, August 12th at Gold’s Gym in
Amarillo, Podzemny advised parents and students that the curriculum
will include bicycle safety, bike care and maintenance, proper training
techniques, handling skills, good nutrition, racing strategy and
tactics. They must complete a minimum of 5 but not more than 14 hours
per week of highly intense, professional, supervised training. This
training will consist of stretching, running, rides, spin classes, and
weight training. The Club will meet three times a week for these
supervised trainings. All traffic laws will be followed during training
rides, and routes will be predetermined to try to avoid main
thoroughfares and heavy traffic routes. Rides will consist mainly of
road cycling however some mountain bike rides will be considered.
Students will be encouraged, but not required to participate in
organized cycling events. As a member of the Texas High School Cycling
League, the Club will be participating in League events. The Club will
also participate in other American Cycling Association and USA Cycling
events unaffiliated with the League. Whenever possible the Club will
try to participate in local events as well.
The Amarillo & Canyon High School Cycling Club is a private
organization, unsupported and unsubsidized by the AISD or CISD. Each
student is responsible for providing his/her own equipment. Such
equipment will consist of no less than bike, helmet, suitable clothing,
tool kit, inflation device, spare tube and patch kit, gloves, and
sunglasses. Annual membership and monthly dues will be comparable to
other such local sport clubs.
Outreach Coordinator Cunningham attended this meeting and extended a
hardy welcome to this new endeavor and offered professional support and
encouragement to Coach Podzemny.
