12/11/2003 Press Release
CLIF BAR TO SPONSOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA HIGH SCHOOLS MOUNTAIN BIKING LEAGUE
December 11, 2003. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.
Contact: Matt Fritzinger fritz@berkeley.k12.ca.us Tel: (510) 325 6502 www.norcalhighracing.org
BERKELEY, Calif. — The Northern California High School Mountain Bike League today signed a deal
with Berkeley-based organic energy and nutrition manufacturer Clif Bar Inc. to be the presenting sponsor
of the league for the 2004 season and beyond.
The partnership will likely extend over several years, and is a substantial, multifarious agreement
intended to grow the League and help spread the word about the successful high school racing program.
Clif Bar’s commitment includes organizing and hosting a fund-raiser at the new Clif Bar Media Center,
providing product, cash & co-branded promo items for the athletes, on-site support at events, and
appearances by the Clif Bar Ambassadors at training camps.
The director of the League, Berkeley High School math teach, Matthew Fritzinger, described it as a major
boost to the development of high school cycle racing in northern California. “This is very important for us,
there is considerable symbolic significance in a company sponsoring high school competition. This is a
good sign for the sport and for other high school mountain bike racing leagues across the nation. In
practical terms, this deal means that we will continue growing. Our events are going to look more colorful,
we will provide more substantial prizes, and students will have more exposure to elite athletes in their
sport.”
Clif Bar Sponsorship Coordinator, Dylan Seguin, said: "I'm very excited that Clif Bar will be working with
the Nor Cal HS MTB League in '04, we're going to have a good time. Clif Bar's involvement in cycling
runs the gamut from the grassroots to the pro ranks, and by supporting high school mountain biking, in
this case as the presenting sponsor of the NorCal High School Mountain Bike League, Clif Bar is eager to
help grow cycling at the junior level where support for programs is needed and is crucial if we hope to see
the sport of cycling grow at other levels.”
The League, started in 2000 by Berkeley High School math teacher Matthew Fritzinger, is entering its
fourth year and continues to grow steadily.
“Berkeley High Mountain Bike Team had already had two seasons' racing in regular local events, and
students from other schools were approaching us to ask about other high school teams. It seemed like
there was sufficient interest to form a league, so I went ahead and set it up." Fritzinger explained.
In the first year of operation, seven teams and individual riders from more than 20 schools competed in
the six-event championship series. Going into 2004, the League expects 15 schools to field sizable
teams, as well as individual riders from a similar number of schools. The total number of participants is
expected to swell from 140 students in 2003 to over 200 in 2004.
“Mountain biking was already a widespread sport in the Bay area in 2000 when we started the league, so
it was not surprising to see a broad uptake in its first year. What we are seeing now is some depth coming
in it as students are beginning to realize that mountain biking is an elective sport in which they can
represent their school." Fritzinger pointed out.
The League comprises six events each year within a span of 16 weeks, a period that provides a clearly
defined racing season, yet is a suitable duration for junior athletes. Points are earned at each race, and
the winner is the one with most points at the end of the season.
“The points system was designed so the kids could feel a sense of accomplishment, and see their scores
progress. Everybody who finishes a race earns points.” Explains Fritzinger.
While the need for a focal point in regional high school competition was a primary factor in the origination
of the League, Fritzinger points out that it is not exclusively competitive. “Through our camps, rides and
competitive activities, we act as a facilitator for any high school student with a desire to go mountain
biking, be it competitive or not. We aim to make all aspects of the sport more accessible and more
stimulating.”
With Clif Bar’s presenting sponsorship support, 2004 is hoped to be a watershed year for the League. A
sponsor for the past two years was USA Cycling's National Development Foundation. The director, Steve
McCauley, commented that: "There are a number of States and USA Cycling promoters around the
country which organize high school team races and state championships, but NORCAL has the highest
levels of participation and they are definitely setting the stage for the growth of the sport in other parts of
the U.S.”
The Nor Cal High School Mountain Bike League is a non-profit organization operating under the umbrella
of the Nicole Reinhart Memorial Fund. It is open to students from both public and private schools. The
league provides coaching and camaraderie to assist students achieve both competitive and noncompetitive
cross-country mountain biking goals in a safe and enjoyable manner. The calendar of 2004
events begins January 31st and includes weekend riding camps, summer riding camps, a 6-race series,
and a coaches’ conference. League registration opens in December.