(DOTHAN, Ala. & HIXSON, Tenn.)- The Truett McConnell University cycling team had a great weekend of racing for their season opener, which featured the Bears at two locations Sunday at the Gold Cup Championship Series in Dothan, Alabama and the Nut Busters Opener in Hixson, Tennessee.

Sophomore Foster Hutchings represented TMU and dominated at the Gold Cup Championship Series placing first in three individual races to place first on the southeast region for Bicycle Motocross (BMX). The remainder of the cycling team competed in the Nut Busters Opener where sophomore Gabriel Loper led with a second place finish in the Category 3 men’s race, while sophomore Brennah Griggs took fifth in a grueling 21 mile Category 2 women’s race. Freshman Ethan Walker made his debut as a Bear by placing eighth, his first ever mountain biking competition.

“This was a challenging seven mile course with over 500 feet of elevation change per lap,” said Head Coach Jeff Branyon. “Our athletes completed two or three laps depending on their category and I am proud of the way they competed and represented TMU. It’s always great to bring home medals. Way to go Bears.”

The Bears are back in action on Sunday, October 11, to compete at Don’t Fear the Squirrel in Coker, Alabama.