Westminster University’s appointment of Nic Sims as the new Mountain Biking Coach is seen as a pivotal moment for the future of collegiate cycling in the West.
Jackson Carlson, a prospective team member, believes Sims will set a standard for other schools to follow. “I think he’s going to break new ground for many other schools. Over the next few years, people will see his success and want to replicate it,” Carlson said.
Collegiate Cycling, governed by USA Cycling, is divided into 11 conferences across different regions. The teams are categorized into club and varsity teams. While club teams are self-funded, varsity teams, like Westminster’s, receive financial support from their schools and have paid coaches. The structure of each school’s cycling program varies. For example, Utah State University has both a club team in Logan and a varsity team in Price, while Weber State and the University of Utah only have club teams.
Westminster’s new varsity cycling team is part of the IMCCC (Intermountain Collegiate Cycling Conference), which includes Utah Valley University, Weber State University, and regional schools like the University of Wyoming. The racing season runs from the third week of August until the MTB nationals in Powderhorn, Colorado, from October 9-12, 2025, with at least four races each season.
Sage Martin, Westminster’s former coach, expressed his support for Sims, emphasizing his enthusiasm and solid background. “His enthusiasm stood out to me. With his NICA experience, he’s well-equipped to build a strong roster. As the numbers grow, people will want to be part of the team and see what it’s about,” Martin said.
However, Martin acknowledged that Sims will face challenges in his first year, particularly in recruiting and team-building.
“The first year is always the toughest. You’re selling a vision more than a team. But with his experience and contagious enthusiasm, I believe he’s off to a good start. His industry connections will help him find resources to support his riders,” Martin added.
Sims himself is aware of the hurdles ahead. His short-term goal is to recruit riders and build a positive team culture. “I just need riders right now. My focus is on creating the right culture. I can make them stronger and faster, but they need the right attitude. Building that environment and recruiting riders is the challenge,” Sims explained.
Another challenge Sims faces is the lack of financial aid and outreach for mountain biking. “Cycling isn’t an NCAA sport, and it doesn’t generate significant revenue for the school. We don’t have the budget for scouts or national race coverage. It’s all on me,” Sims said. He also pointed out that high schools and national leagues are restricted from sharing contact information, making it harder to connect with potential recruits. “How do I reach these people?” Sims asked.
Despite these challenges, Sims remains determined to build a strong foundation for Westminster’s cycling program.