Coach Profile:
Mark Rossney, Team Director
(Level 3 Coach)
2023 is Mark’s 7th season with Downingtown. In addition to mountain biking, Mark enjoys softball and skiing, but his mind is often on a bike even when he is not riding one. Mark may also be found thinking about being on a bike while playing the bass, rooting for the Steelers or the Phillies, or enjoying time with his family.
What is your role with the team?
As Team Director, I oversee all the off-the-bike tasks required to make the team run. That means coordinating with a small army of amazing parent volunteers who actually do all of that work. And I send lots of emails on TeamSnap.
Were you involved in mountain biking before getting involved with this team?
I didn't start mountain biking until I was out of college (because the wheel had only recently been invented!). I really got into it about 20 years ago with some co-workers who were avid mountain bikers. My son was getting into it when we came across a team practice at Marsh Creek. Seemed like something fun to do, so we both signed up.
What do you like most about mountain biking?
Hard to list one thing I like most. Freedom, the mental and physical challenge, enjoying our area's natural beauty, the MTB community, it's a sport our family can do together, I get the same rush I got as a kid riding around my neighborhood.
What do you like least about mountain biking?
Having to stop!
What do you enjoy about being a coach?
First and foremost, watching our students improve as riders and achieve their goals. It's endlessly rewarding. I also love the camaraderie at race weekends. Oh, and it gives me a sweet excuse to ride a couple of times a week!
How has mountain biking positively impacted your life?
I met some of my best friends through mountain biking. And I've never derived as much satisfaction from my own meager accomplishments on the bike as I have from watching our student-athletes improve.
Do you have a favorite memory of a past season?
No way I can list one. I get as much (or more) joy watching new riders finish their first race as I do from seeing a dominating race win. We've seen plenty of both on our team over the years.