Graves is the president of the HSU Cycling Club. "He worked hard and so deserves the title of national champion," said cycling club coach and faculty adviser Vicky Sama. "This is such an honor for Humboldt State University. We're getting the reputation as one of the best division two cycling schools in the country."
HSU got on the podium on Saturday when Kevin Pabinquit finished fourth in the Men's Div. II 4x (four cross) race, where four riders compete on a trail at the same time in an effort to be the first to cross the finish line.
HSU had three students competing in the national championships. In addition to Graves and Pabinquit, Joe Mulleary raced in the cross country and short track events finishing mid-field. It was Mulleary's first national championship and his first season of mountain biking.
Mountain bike fans who want to see the team in action can come out to the Race for the Ridge Trail Festival on Oct. 30 at Redwood Park in the Arcata Community Forest.
The national championships were held at Northstar Ski Resort in Truckee, Calif. Full results from the national championships can be found here: http://www.usacycling.org/results/index.php?permit=2010-2447.