Who We Are
Metro East Composite (Team Phoenix!) is a cross country mountain bike race team for school grades 6 thru 12. The team competes in the Missouri Interscholastic Cycling League (MICL), a league of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). There are more than 35 teams throughout the state, with 15+ in the St. Louis Metro area.
We are a “composite” team because we have student-athletes from more than one school throughout the Metro East area. Our composite team includes the Illinois Counties of: Madison, Monroe, St. Clair, Bond, Clinton, and Washington. This also includes home-schooled student-athletes!
Why We Are Different
Many traditional youth sports follow a pyramid model, where only a select few make it to the top. This system leaves many young athletes behind, whether due to late development, financial or access barriers, or ability level.
The NICA model is different, we embrace a model that creates lifelong athletes at all levels. Instead of a narrow path to elite competition, we strive to build a broad foundation of physical literacy and offer recreational, competitive, and elite opportunities for everyone.
No tryouts. No cuts. Just more kids on bikes, for life.
Who We Why Join A Mountain Bike Team?
Mountain biking is fun, and when you ride with a team, riding and training is even more fun! We focus on fostering a love of mountain biking, improving skills, and increasing fitness so that each student-athlete can meet their goals. Athletes are not required to race to participate in NICA. You will receive the same valuable coaching and technical instruction whether you race or not.
We set both individual and team goals and work collaboratively to attain these goals. These goals range from having a good time riding with friends, learning skills to ride on technical terrain, or competing at races. And our main goals are always to have fun and stay safe!
Who Can Join?
Students in grades 6-12 in Fall 2026. Home-schooled students are eligible! There are no tryouts, cuts, or sitting on the bench – everyone rides. Absolutely no experience necessary! In fact, 74% of NICA coaches and athletes have never ridden a mountain bike before joining NICA!
We teach student-athletes everything they need to know to ride and race. Everyone gets to ride and participate in all events and practices. No one is required to race. Some student-athletes may choose to only ride, play games, and cheer on their teammates during races. Both racing and riding for fun are part of who we are.
Our Community
Our team strives to embody and promote the core NICA values:
Community: NICA unites diverse people, families and communities through cycling by creating fun and welcoming experiences.
- Fun: NICA inspires friendship, joy, and adventure.
- Inclusivity: NICA believes everyone should be able to participate in our programs and feel welcomed, respected, and supported.
- Equity: NICA is committed to fair treatment, equal access, opportunity, advancement, and elimination of barriers to encourage participation for all.
- Respect: NICA expects consideration for all others, oneself, and the outdoors.
Our Coaches
Our volunteer coaches are trained in risk management, concussion protocols, and abuse awareness. Additionally, coaches must undergo criminal background checks. Many coaches are also parents of NICA student-athletes, so they are fully invested in a safe and fun experience for every team member. NICA requires a coach-to-athlete ratio of 6:1, so we need a lot of coaches to make our team run smoothly. Absolutely no experience is necessary to coach – we will teach you everything you need to know to become a Level 1 coach.
We had 11 volunteer coaches in 2024 and always welcome new coaches. It is a great way to contribute and for parents/adult family members to ride with student-athletes! We have former student-athletes return as coaches after graduation!
Our team leadership is:
- Team Director
- David Archer
- david@metroeastcomposite.org
- Head Coach
- Jeffrey Groby
- jeffrey@metroeastcomposite.org
Our Season
The NICA season runs from July 1-November 9. We have some pre-season events that occur from April to June to prepare for the upcoming season. We have two practices per week on Tuesday evening and Saturday morning, starting July 1. We make adjustments based on weather conditions to ensure safe activities.
There are 5 races throughout the Missouri/Metro East region from late August through October and a regional event in Arkansas in early November. Racing is not required to join the team and there are race categories for all skill and experience levels!
Joining Fees
- NICA and MICL Fees (due upon registration) $375
- Team Athlete Fee (due by July 15) $50
- Total Athlete Fees for 2026 $425
- Need-based scholarships are available for NICA, MICL, and team fees.
Interested In Joining The Team?
Want to join the team, request information, or just ask a question?
Contact our Team Leaders directly. We’re here to talk and share!
David Archer – Team Director – david@metroeastcomposite.org
Jeffrey Groby – Head Coach – jeffrey@metroeastcomposite.org