At 9:30 a.m., on December 12, 2017, the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi firetruck arrived at the Flour Bluff Head Start preschool on Glenoak Drive. Several firefighters quickly exited the big red engine as the children standing on the patio of the Head Start building screamed and waved. These brave men (Captain Weston Beseda, Firefighter Phil Lala, Firefighter Shawn Kotal, Firefighter Eric Santillon, and Fire Inspector Otis Terrell), however, were not responding to a fire. They were delivering Christmas presents to the waiting children.
For several years now, the NASCC Fire Department has put smiles on the faces of the children enrolled in the Head Start preschool program in Flour Bluff. This program services families whose income falls below the federal poverty line by allowing the children to be in a preschool setting where their teachers prepare them for grade school. Many of these children’s parents often struggle with having enough money to give their children gifts for Christmas. That’s why the NASCC Fire Department decided to adopt – not just 1 or 2 of the children at Head Start -but all the children enrolled in the program. This year, there were four classes with almost 70 students in all.
Early each December, a representative from NASCC FD picks up a name card for each child. This card includes the age of each child and a list of items each needs or wants. Often clothing sizes are included because the children may need new clothing. Once these cards are in the hands of the Fire Department, they are disbursed among the firefighters who wish to participate and buy a present or two for a child in need. Presents are then wrapped, sorted, and prepared for delivery. In years past, Santa has helped in the delivery of the presents to the classrooms. This year he relied completely on the five firefighters to get the job done. They unloaded the firetruck and headed inside with presents galore.
There they greeted the children and began passing out the presents. They called each child’s name, and one-by-one, each went forward to receive beautifully wrapped packages. Once all the children were sitting down with their wrapped presents, Captain Beseda counted down for the children to tear open their gifts, “5…4…3…2…1…Go!” At the sound of “Go!” the wrapping paper began flying as the children ripped open their presents, bringing ear-to-ear smiles to every face.
Some say that giving is the reason for the season, and this community project taken on by the NASCC Fire Department proves just that. Not only do these guys take pride in serving our community, they also take pleasure in giving towards community projects such as this. The fire fighters of NASCC Fire Department look forward to continuing placing smiles on the faces of those less fortunate for years to come.
Katy is a paralegal, wife, and mother of two boys, both of whom ride BMX. Even Katy has been known to race a moto or two! She is also a freelance photographer in her spare time – SevenTwelve Photography.
James “J-Mac” McNeill is a military veteran and an avid BMX rider. J-Mac, a 52-year-old Corpus Christi resident, races class and cruiser bikes at his local BMX track, STX BMX Raceway. J-Mac, who joined the Coast Guard in 1988, served 23 years as a helicopter rescue hoist operator and Falcon jet drop master. He was also an aviation maintenance technician First Class. While he loved his life in the military, he continued to have a passion for riding bicycles.
When asked about his BMX beginning, J‐Mac put it this way, “I rode BMX before racing existed.” The first race that he ever rode was in a park that had one obstacle – a mud pit! This was just the beginning of his BMX racing career. It wasn’t until the 1980s at the Orange County YMCA racetrack that he started racing real BMX.
J‐Mac said that he liked BMX when he first started riding because it was not a team sport. It was a sport that depended solely upon the rider. In BMX, the success of the rider depends upon how hard the individual pushes himself. In the more than 30 years of riding BMX, J‐Mac has had many successes. According to J-Mac, his biggest achievement thus far is reaching two goals in one season. He ended the 2016 season at number 2 in District and State on his cruiser bike. His current goal for this year is to make Expert on his 20‐inch class bike. J‐Mac is currently sponsored by The Valor Club, an organization dedicated to military veterans and active duty.
Photo by Cyndi Asch
When asked what advice he would give to the younger generation racers and newcomers to the sport, J-Mac said, “Ride more. Ride the track until you can’t ride anymore, and ride all over town when you can. If I could ride as much as I want to, I would be so much better. Ride like crazy!”
This response clearly shows his passion for the sport. I know firsthand that this is truly how he feels because I am a rider at his local track. J-Mac suggested one day at practice that everyone do ten laps without stopping. It was tough, but we learned that it was doable. J-Mac is a great role model because he not only motivates other racers to set lofty goals and push harder to achieve them, he shows them how it’s done.
Katy is a paralegal, wife, and mother of two boys, both of whom ride BMX. Even Katy has been known to race a moto or two! She is also a freelance photographer in her spare time – SevenTwelve Photography.
The Flour Bluff Business Association held its annual Community Christmas event at Funtrackers on December 9, 2016. Santa and Mrs. Claus made a special appearance arriving by fire truck, courtesy of the Flour Bluff Fire Department. Santa gave out hundreds of gifts to the little children while his elves assisted. Local businesses, HEB, Walmart, the Fleet, and individuals gave toys or made donations for the purchase of toys. The Ethel Eyerly angels served cookies and punch. The FBISD Intermediate choir entertained the crowd with Christmas carols, and the Eisenhauer School of Twirling sparkled like the Christmas lights as they performed their routines. The FBHS National Honor Society provided games, arts and crafts, and opportunities to write last-minute letters to Santa. An old-fashioned cakewalk allowed attendees of all ages to win a scrumptious cake or cupcake to take home. There was even a sing-along where children and adults came together to sing favorite carols and usher in the Christmas season. Not a single child left empty-handed.
The Flour Bluff businesses were so generous that there were enough gifts for Santa to give out along the way as he traveled throughout Flour Bluff, Padre Island, and NAS on a float provided by the Flour Bluff Fire Department, a tradition since 1965. And when the call came in that Driscoll Children’s Hospital was short of gifts, there were even enough to make up for what was needed. Yes, the community of Flour Bluff knows how to celebrate Christmas and spread joy through giving. As the year ends, let’s remember some of the fun through a few pictures taken along the way.
Picture by Russell Warren
It was a merry Christmas for all! Have a happy new year!
Note: Unless otherwise stated, all photographs for this piece are the work of Katy Beseda of Seven Twelve Photography.
Katy is a paralegal, wife, and mother of two boys, both of whom ride BMX. Even Katy has been known to race a moto or two! She is also a freelance photographer in her spare time – SevenTwelve Photography.
I often tell people that it takes a special kind of person to be a first responder. As the wife of a fireman, I have become very familiar with the business of emergency services, and I realize that it is more than just a department with staff. These people become a family and establish a brotherhood. This kind of familial connection in the workplace is something many can’t comprehend because they typically don’t put their lives on the line for each other. That is the privilege of those in emergency services. So often, the only recognition the men and women within these kinds of departments get is for their heroism. That is, no doubt, a very big deal and should certainly be recognized. However, these people also deserve recognition for their “behind the scenes” accomplishments.
What I mean by “behind the scenes” is all of the countless hours of training, the multitude of classes that they attend, the numerous certifications that have to be completed as they advance in their careers. The list is lengthy, and rightly so. Naval Air Station Corpus Christi Fire Department has an outstanding group of guys who work together to make their services the best possible.
On October 19, 2016, I (along with several other family members and friends) had the privilege of attending – and being a part of – a special ceremony held in the bay of the fire department to recognize several men for their recent accomplishments. Fire Chief John Morris leads NASCC Fire Department, and he is winding down on a 29-year fire service career. This ceremony was special because it was his last group of guys to promote before he retires. The following awards were presented during the ceremony:
“On the Spot” Award – Captain Javier Morales and Weston Beseda
Fire Officer of the Quarter (3rd Quarter) – Chief Ward Hawkins
Firefighter of the Quarter (4th Quarter) – Brian Ray
Fire Officer of the Quarter (4th Quarter) – Chief David Flores
Fire Chief John Morris also recognized three men who are the last group of captains that he would promote. These three emergency service experts worked very hard to earn their new classification. Those individuals who were instrumental in helping them get to this point also need to receive credit for their encouragement and belief in their abilities. These mentors helped the new captains become strong and dedicated leaders. Captain Weston Beseda, Captain Shaun Lemon, and Captain Brian Ray are to be commended for the work they’ve done to earn the new rank.
Last, but certainly not the least, Fire Chief John Morris deserves recognition for his dedication to his fire department and staff. Without a strong leader, the fire department would be nothing. The department would not be what it is today without his efforts. I know that I can’t speak for the men within the department, but I appreciate Chief Morris’s service and his desire to make the individuals in his department the best that they can be. Thank you, for “protecting those who defend America.”
(All photos taken by Katy Beseda and Shirley Thornton)
Katy is a paralegal, wife, and mother of two boys, both of whom ride BMX. Even Katy has been known to race a moto or two! She is also a freelance photographer in her spare time – SevenTwelve Photography.
Citizens in attendance at organizational meeting for FBCC
A group of over 20 concerned Flour Bluff residents met on Monday, July 25, 2016, at the Janet Harte Library to take the first step to becoming a voice for their community, something all at the meeting agreed has been long in coming. Shirley Thornton, who led the meeting, likened what the group is doing to Benjamin Franklin’s Junto, a civic-minded group whose discussions fostered the creation of the first volunteer fire department and lending library. “We want to work with the city, with the county, and with the state to help make Flour Bluff the best it can be.”
Shirley Thornton
Chad Magill, who is seeking another term as an at-large city councilman and sees Flour Bluff as a “sleeping giant,” congratulated the group on its efforts saying, “I can’t say enough about how excited I am for you to start this process. I did work with the ISAC (Island Strategic Action Committee) on the Island initially to get that off the ground and sat in on some of their meetings. This step forward means a lot to the Bluff and the future of the Bluff.”
At-Large Councilman Chad Magill is running for re-election.
Greg Smith, a candidate for the District 4 seat of the Corpus Christi City Council and lifetime resident of Flour Bluff, assisted Thornton in arranging the meeting. He related how he had attended a Padre Island Business Association meeting where four sitting city council members, two county commissioners, the sheriff, the constable, and numerous candidates were present, something that he doesn’t always see at Flour Bluff gatherings. “One difference,” he said, “the Island has a PAC, and they vote with it. Now, let’s put it in perspective. Flour Bluff has 12,000 registered voters; Padre Island has 10,000 registered voters. In the most recent primary, Flour Bluff turned out 3,000 voters; the Island turned out 2,600.” Smith went on to say that there is a perception that Flour Bluff doesn’t vote, which the data shows is not the case. “The Bluff votes, so let’s quit kicking this Flour Bluff can down the road and get something started.” Smith suggested that a PAC for Flour Bluff be established first. (Note: The Island United PAC does not contribute funding as a PAC. They simply formalize the endorsement process and spend their funding on organization, communication, sign printing and placement on the endorsements.)
Greg Smith, candidate for Corpus Christi City Council District 4 seat
The first order of business was to settle upon a name for the group. After lots of discussion, the group came up with Flour Bluff Citizens’ Council (FBCC). The group is a grassroots committee representing the Flour Bluff community. The members determined that they have a vision of being “the voice of Flour Bluff” with a mission of “advocating a unified community interest.” Magill explained that to have the ear of City staff and seek an official designation through ordinance as an advisory group to the Council on Flour Bluff affairs, just as ISAC is, a separate SAC (Strategic Action Committee) could be one of the FBCC goals. “That could be the two large goals,” said Magill. “The duality of the strategic action committee and the PAC make a lot happen; they really do.”
The group decided to create a steering committee to drive the direction of the PAC. Everyone agreed that inviting all stakeholders in the community (i.e. residents, faith groups, existing civic clubs and organizations, Flour Bluff ISD, NAS, Flour Bluff Business Association, 4-H) is essential to success. “We need to get a steering committee and bring more people in,” said Smith. He suggested that each person present invite an additional 5 people to attend the next meeting. “The steering committee should make suggestions to the membership, so we need to be as inclusive as possible,” Smith said. The steering committee will be charged with deciding how to select a governing board, electing officers, writing by laws, and growing the membership.
The group discussed possible goals. These included:
research propositions and candidates to educate the voters
endorse candidates
review and revise the 1993 Flour Bluff Area Development Plan
weigh-in on City infrastructure projects in Flour Bluff area
clean up and enhance Flour Bluff
make a great place to live a greater place to live by inviting citizens to get involved in the community
Thornton suggested that the group try to get as many people on board as possible by August 11, 2016, the date of a Flour Bluff town hall meeting to be at the Ethel Eyerly Community Center where Congressman Blake Farenthold is scheduled to speak. The group hopes to increase its general membership at that time so that the voice of Flour Bluff is heard by all.
Thornton closed by thanking all who were in attendance, six of whom are running for office. In addition to Magill and Smith, four other candidates were present at the organizational meeting, three of whom signed on to play roles in the steering committee that will meet for the first time on Monday, August 1, 2016, at 5:45 p.m. at the Janet Harte Library.
“We are gaining momentum, and we don’t want to lose that,” said Thornton. “Look around. We invited a multi-generational group. When those of us who are on the short end of the stick fall off, there will be a group to carry on without losing that momentum. We are doing a good thing, something of which I hope those who came before us and those who come after us will be proud.”
Jeff Rank is running in Place 3 of the Flour Bluff ISD Board of Trustees.
Jennifer Welp is running Place 6 of the Flour Bluff ISD Board of Trustees.Michael Morgan is running for re-election in Place 7 of the Flour Bluff ISD Board of Trustees.Inna Klein is the Republican candidate for the 214th District Court race.
Update: This story has been amended to reflect a clarification that it was Greg Smith, not Chad Magill, who suggested the PAC be developed first.
Katy is a paralegal, wife, and mother of two boys, both of whom ride BMX. Even Katy has been known to race a moto or two! She is also a freelance photographer in her spare time – SevenTwelve Photography.
For those who follow The Paper Trail News, the article released last month about the vandalism at STX BMX Raceway was more than disconcerting since a State Qualifier Race was on the calendar. Those who participate in the sport of BMX understand how much it means for a track to be able to host a State Qualifier Race (SQR), a race that allows participants to earn points toward their rankings in the State of Texas for their age and group (i.e. Novice, Intermediate, Expert). During the race season, several tracks around the State host an SQR .
If riders want to earn a state plate, they must earn points by racing in a minimum four State Qualifier Races. Because tracks are only able to hold one SQR during a season, participants must travel to other tracks in Texas and participate in the SQR hosted by the other tracks. As a family that travels around the state to attend State Qualifier Races, it is amazing to see how the riders and their families build relationships as they re-unite at the various tracks. In most sports, befriending the competition does not always happen and is often discouraged. In the world of BMX, most of the folks are friendly and encourage all racers to do their best, even when racing against one another.
As the STX BMX racers encountered the usual racers at the other tracks, many of the parents left us wondering if they attend the SQR being hosted at STX BMX on July 3, 2016. It was very disappointing to hear, but we explained that the local BMX track was in the process of being repaired. From flooding rains to vandals leaving strategically-placed water hoses turned on to flood every part of the track, we were unsure if the track would be ready for the SQR.
Although the track was not in the best shape, the track owners and many volunteers put in numerous hours in the weeks prior to the scheduled SQR to rebuild the track and make it race-ready for the SQR. With extreme heat on the rise, the hard work and dedication of so many people from the local track made it possible for STX BMX to host the State Qualifier on Sunday, July 3rd. Furthermore, we had a good turnout.
The STX BMX racing family would like to recognize a special San Antonio BMX group that was kind enough to donate a CCH bicycle frame, handlebars, seat clamps, and sprockets for a raffle the day of the SQR, as well as a $200.00 cash donation for the track. Jerry “Bonzai” Fields, his wife Adrienne Chang-Fields, and their race teams, 1st Generation BMXer and The Valor Club, have always been supportive of STX BMX Raceway, even though their home track is Lone Star BMX in San Antonio, Texas. STX BMX is very grateful for their generous donations to help support our local track. On behalf of STX BMX, this writer says, “Thank you so much!”
Katy is a paralegal, wife, and mother of two boys, both of whom ride BMX. Even Katy has been known to race a moto or two! She is also a freelance photographer in her spare time – SevenTwelve Photography.
It’s no secret that Corpus Christi has seen a lot of rain over the last couple of months. The STX BMX track has been closed lately to allow it to dry out. With sun and heat on the rise, it was time to put some work into the track to prepare for the local riders, as well as the few riders who come from out of town. What was supposed to be a typical maintenance day after the rain turned into a nightmare for our local track owners. Vandals broke into the park and caused severe damage to the track.
When you hear about vandalism, you never think that it would strike a family-centered recreation facility, especially one that you and your family enjoy. Unfortunately, this became a reality for STX BMX on June 7, 2016. With the local track’s annual State Qualifier Race fast approaching on July 3, this is the last thing that the riders needed. This is the only track in the area for the riders to prepare for the race. The vandals broke the lock, tore the gates open, broke the wooden fence along the track, dumped out a paint bucket, tore the fire ring apart, and turned all four water hoses on, leaving them on and positioned to flood the entire track. If that wasn’t bad enough, the trespassers rode bikes (probably dirt bikes) through the water and left deep ruts all over the track.
It is one thing for the rain to damage the track, but it is a completely different thing for someone to intentionally ruin what so many kids and their families love and enjoy. With about two and a half weeks before STX BMX is to host a major state race where people from all over the state will come to race and visit our city, it is important for people to know that those of us who care about the sport and the local track aren’t calling it quits. The repairs have already begun, and we will continue working hard to rebuild and fix what was damaged.
Please share this article so others near and far know that senseless vandalism will not deter the volunteers who keep this track going. Even if you are not part of the track family, we hope you will consider helping us get the track in the best condition possible before the day of the big race. It would be greatly appreciated. Click here to contact the owners if you would like to assist with restoration of the track.
Katy is a paralegal, wife, and mother of two boys, both of whom ride BMX. Even Katy has been known to race a moto or two! She is also a freelance photographer in her spare time – SevenTwelve Photography.
First, Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms out there! I hope that the day was spent doing whatever it is that you love to do. It appears that many of us mothers of STX BMX riders enjoy what our children enjoy. Again this year, STX BMX honored the mothers of the local riders by hosting a free (and fun) Mother’s Day race of all the moms willing to take a lap (race) on the track.
This year the Track Owners decided to add a little more fun to the traditional Moms Only Race. They followed it with a Moms vs. the Kids contest. The following mothers took part in the event this year: Becky Click (mother of Colten Taylor, Kody Click, and Samantha Click) of Corpus Christi, Ashley Mormon (mother of Keegan Durbin) of Corpus Christi, Katy Beseda (mother of Owen Beseda and Riley Beseda) of Corpus Christi, Adrienne Chang-Fields (mother of Cheyenne Fields) of San Antonio, and Terry Mondragon (mother of Victor Mondragon) of Corpus Christi.
As the mothers passed the finish line,the children handed their mothers roses and congratulated them on a good race. The results of the 2016 Moms Only Race are as follows:
1st Place – Katy Beseda; 2nd Place – Adrienne Chang-Fields; 3rd Place – Terry Mondragon;
4th Place – Ashley Mormon; and 5th Place – Becky Click
This race is a lot of fun and really gives the moms an idea of what it is like to be out on the track. Many times parents will yell from the sidelines, “Pedal! Pedal! Pedal!” What they don’t realize is that sometimes the child’s legs are tired and he/she just cannot “Pedal! Pedal! Pedal!” anymore. This race, as well as the Father’s Day Race, put the parents in the shoes of their children. For the moment, the parent and children completely reverse roles. While the parent races, each child is given the opportunity (and encouraged) to yell from the sidelines “Pedal! Pedal! Pedal!” I am sure that the next time any parent who has participated in the Moms/Dads Only Race feels the urge to yell “Pedal! Pedal! Pedal!”, he/she will remember just how difficult it was just to complete one lap on their special day. Congratulations to all moms who made the day special just by being a good sport!
Katy is a paralegal, wife, and mother of two boys, both of whom ride BMX. Even Katy has been known to race a moto or two! She is also a freelance photographer in her spare time – SevenTwelve Photography.
The more people learn about STX BMX Raceway, the more we, as a track family, hear, “Is it the same track that was here years ago?” The answer to this question is no. STX BMX is not the same track as before. However, it is in the same area of town of the old track. With BMX out of the scene of our city for quite some time, it was the Click family who helped to revive it so many years later.
The current Track Owners are Jeff and Becky Click. They have four children: Tyler, Colten, Kody, and Sami, all of whom participate in the sport at one time or another. The Click family put in countless hours of hard work and dedication to make the track and facility what it is today.
In 2010, Colten and Kody began racing BMX in Camarillo, California, at Freedom Park BMX track. There they raced five to six times per week. Just as with anything else, the more they practiced and raced, the better they became.
It was in 2011 that the idea of opening a BMX track began. In July of 2011, Jeff retired from the military service. The Click family moved back to Texas in August of 2011. With a vision in mind, the Clicks met with the Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation in September of 2011 to discuss the possibilities of leasing land for the proposed BMX track.
For a little over a year, October 2011 until December 2012, the Clicks attended various meetings with City Council and the neighborhood where the track would be located. In December of 2012, the mayor approved the lease of the property, allowing the revival of the sport of BMX in South Texas.
As many may know, just because something is approved does not mean that the development and building of it happens overnight. On March 20, 2013, the Clicks got the “green light” from Development Services to break ground on what is now STX BMX Raceway.
In April of 2013, Lance Maguire Track and Jeff spent 4 days roughing in the track (building the berms and jumps without grooming the track). In the months after dirt was brought in (May 2013-August 2013) Jeff, Becky, Tyler, Colten, and Kody spent every waking, free second they had shoveling, raking, packing, and sweeping the 1,100 feet by 24 feet of dirt.
Two years after the process began, on August 5, 2013 STX BMX Raceway celebrated its Grand Opening along with its first official race. As the time went on, the number of riders increased and the races became more frequent. The word spread, and more families became members of STX BMX Raceway. In July of 2014, STX BMX Raceway held their first State Qualifier race (Note: In order to qualify to race in the State Championship Race, a rider must compete in at least four State Qualifiers during the season.), which saw over 350 riders over two days.
The 2014 season and the first big race at STX BMX Raceway was such a success, that in July of 2015 STX BMX Raceway held 3 races (Race for Life, Gold Cup Regional Race, and 2nd State Qualifier Race) in one weekend, welcoming over 400 riders over the three day period.
After a great 2015 race season, the track held their 1st Annual STX BMX Awards Banquet in February 2016. (Awards were covered in last month’s publishing of The Paper Trail News.) STX BMX Raceway has had a very strong start to the 2016 race season, with several new riders and BMX families joining the BMX life. The Clicks continue to dedicate their time to the operation and upkeep of the track in order for the kids (and adults) to enjoy their time with the STX BMX Family (because that is what we are).
Katy is a paralegal, wife, and mother of two boys, both of whom ride BMX. Even Katy has been known to race a moto or two! She is also a freelance photographer in her spare time – SevenTwelve Photography.
I originally set out to write an article on the history of the local BMX track, but after attending the STX BMX 1st Annual End-of-Year Awards Banquet, I decided that it would be nice to give recognition to the local riders. There has been very little media coverage on our local track, so I thought that this would be a good way to get the word out and congratulate those who put in countless hours of practice to be the riders that they are today.
First and foremost, I would like to recognize and thank the track owners, Jeff and Becky Click, for always working extremely hard to keep the track in good shape for riders to enjoy. During the 2015 season, STX BMX formed a Board of Directors in order to make decisions regarding the track, fund raisers, advertising, and especially ideas to make the first awards banquet a success. Thanks to those of you who have put in hours behind the scenes to keep the track running as smoothly as possible. The first year with a Board was a learning experience but a success! The track owners have decided that they will continue to have a Board of Directors and will make decisions as a group to improve the local track.
Before I move into the rider awards, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge some important individuals. Just as the Clicks stated at the awards banquet, there are a few people who are always there to set up before people arrive, greet people as they come through the gate, make the riders (new or old) feel welcome, and tear down and clean up at the end of the day. Thank you, Colten Taylor, Kody Click, Sami Click, Pat Parker, and Gerry Parker for your dedication to making the track an enjoyable place to be!
There were also a few businesses that helped make the awards that were given to the riders, and I would like to acknowledge them, as well. MJT Design put together the push bike awards and plaques. All Star Graphics, a local business, did the screen printing and stickers for the top rider awards. Cindy Asch with Tejas Insurance LLC (another local business) made the calendar awards. We thank them for their contributions and hard work.
2015 BMX Race Season Awards
The first group of kids is the future of the sport. They ride their bikes for nothing more than the enjoyment of being on the track like the big kids (and possibly the ring pop at the finish line). The youthful exuberance and passion for the sport is seen on their faces every time they push these little bikes around the track and over the finish line.
Push Bike Riders
Jett McNally
Rossi McNally
Catherine Mrazek
Riley Beseda
Kinzley Matula
Blake Wilson
Caleb Bueno
Makayla Bueno
Reagan Reyes
These next set of riders has spent many hours on the track over the past year. They are on the track during practice, which has helped them when it comes time to race. Their hard work has helped to make all of them the top riders at the track.
Top 10 boys:
Colten Taylor
Kody Click
Chayse Mrazek
Victor Mondragon
Dylan Brown
Owen Beseda
Derek Parker
James McNeill
John Asch
Benjamin Sanchez
Top 5 Girls:
Karlee Brown
Kaitlyn Dunn
Emily Bueno
Kiera Bueno
Ileanah Scott
The top three riders of each group received a little special recognition and award because they have definitely earned these awards for their hard practice and racing in 2015.
Boys
Colten Taylor
Kody Click
Chayse Mrazek
Girls
Karlee Brown
Kaitlyn Dunn
Emily Bueno
Lady Cruiser
Karlee Brown
Adrianne Chang-Fields
Katy Beseda
Cruiser
Chayse Mrazek
Victor Mondragon
James McNeill
Finally, there was a handful of awards that were created by the track board members. The riders awarded were nominated and voted on by the board members, and they deserve special recognition for their dedication and hard work.
Most Races Attended: Owen Beseda
Most Electrifying: Dylan Brown
Best Sportsmanship:Jack Hibbetts
Top Girl Rider: Karlee Brown
Top Boy Rider: Victor Modragon
Rider of the Year:Chayse Mrazek
In closing, I would like to congratulate each and every rider at STX BMX for being a part of the track family. Although some nights are better than others for every rider, these individuals never give up. They continue to put in hour after hour of practice to improve their riding. On behalf of the STX BMX Board of Directors, I would like to thank the riders and their parents for making 2015 a successful season. We also know that without the parents, these kids would not be on the track enjoying every minute that they do. With the new season in progress, we encourage everyone to continue to join us and spread the word. There are lots of good things happening with the local track, and we look forward to seeing what this season has in store for STX BMX. There are fundraisers in the works, events planned, and improvements to come this 2016 season. Please be sure to check back with The Paper Trail News next month for a history of the local BMX track.
Katy is a paralegal, wife, and mother of two boys, both of whom ride BMX. Even Katy has been known to race a moto or two! She is also a freelance photographer in her spare time – SevenTwelve Photography.
Some say that giving is the reason for the season, and this community project taken on by the NASCC Fire Department proves just that. Not only do these guys take pride in serving our community, they also take pleasure in giving towards community projects such as this. The fire fighters of NASCC Fire Department look forward to continuing placing smiles on the faces of those less fortunate for years to come.
