Mike McKeand, Head Coach
Mike grew up just west of Mound riding hand cut trails through the woods and racing BMX at the Maple Plain track. During his college years, he worked as a mechanic at a bike shop, rode his bike to class every day regardless of the weather, and raced at Buck Hill. After graduating, he spent 12 years in Milwaukee, part of that working as bike mechanic. Once back in Minnesota, he developed an interest in coaching as a way to enjoy sports with his kids. He coached hockey for 3 years, biking at Loppet for 3 years, and the Orono MTB team last year. He has a son currently on the team. When he’s not biking, he is traveling the U.S. planning to see all 50 states before his kids graduate.
Kelly Jeremiason, Team Director
Kelly grew up on a farm in southwest Minnesota where his bike was the best way to get around quickly. In the early 90’s, he discovered urban mountain biking while studying Music Education at NDSU in Fargo. Kelly has been teaching Music for 28 years with 24 of them being at Orono's Schumann Elementary. He rediscovered biking when his son Riley joined the Orono MTB Team in 2020. Kelly has been obsessed ever since, and while most of his miles are put in locally at Lake Rebecca and Monarch, Bentonville, AR is hands down his current favorite destination riding.
Kris Clover, Core Coach
Kris grew up with an active family in the hills of Southern California, and has been mountain biking and surfing for as long as he can remember. Kris’s love of water sports and background in industrial design led him to found Mission Boat Gear in 2014. Kris has put his design background to work for the team as well – he’s responsible for the design you see on our kits, our logo, and our team tent. Kris and his wife Lindsey have three children, two of whom are currently on the team.
Clifford Owen, Core Coach
Clifford’s racing career began on a BMX bike in 2nd grade, and he’s been racing bikes in one form or another – road, triathlon, and mountain – ever since. Clifford has completed an Ironman Triathlon and has raced the Duathlon World Championship several times. He has been a staple on the coaching crew and excels at teaching the team the finer points of the technical aspect of mountain biking. Clifford is currently serving as the Head Coach of the Orono High School Mountain Biking Team.
Jeff Perry, Core Coach
Jeff grew up in Northeast Iowa and moved to Utah at the age of 19, becoming a pro snowboarder and getting the opportunity to shred with some of his childhood heroes. Jeff initially began racing bikes as cross training, and eventually competed at the pro level in cyclocross races out west as well. Jeff has coached snowboarding at every level, including pro Bode Merrill and Olympic gold medalist Sage Kotsenburg. Jeff is quick to point out the value of mountain biking as a great cross training activity and skill builder for downhill winter sports. Jeff loves riding out west, but enjoys exploring the trails in Minnesota and is recently loving the riding in Duluth.
Joe Wilcox, Core Coach
Joe grew up in Maple Plain, spending most of his youth at the BMX track that was once located there. After graduating from Orono H.S., his love of biking transformed when he bought his first mountain bike and explored the bluffs of Winona. Upon moving to Vail, CO to complete his internship in Exercise Science, Joe competed in mountain bike races and Xterra triathlon. Joe spent many years teaching children’s ski and snowboarding lessons. Joe truly enjoys being able to give back to the community he was fortunate to be raised in by helping kids build lifelong skills in a fun atmosphere.
John Withrow, Core Coach
Until 10 years ago, John was more at home on a wrestling mat than on a bike saddle. John wrestled for the University of Pittsburgh and coached at the collegiate level for both Pitt and Duke University. He began competing in triathlons in 2010, and has since completed 11 Ironman races, including two finishes at the Ironman World Championship, most recently in 2019. John considers himself “retired” from Ironman racing and is focused on competing in the Lutsen 99er and Leadville 100. He enjoys working with the more experienced kids on the team, helping them find that “extra gear” they might not realize they have. John also helps coach the youth wrestling team at Orono.
