Sept. 14, 2004

Columbia, MO - This weekend, the University of Missouri Swimming and Diving Team will participate in the National City MS 150 Bike Tour. A team of riders, lead by Head Coach Brian Hoffer, will bike the 150 miles over two days this weekend, while the rest of the team will work as volunteers at three rest stops, offering refreshments and encouragement to the riders.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the National City MS 150 Bike Tour. An expected 2,500 riders will participate in this scenic journey through rural Missouri. Although the ride itself was voted "#1 Group Ride by STLBiking.com for the second year in a row, the true motivation for many riders is the chance to help those diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Approximately 400,000 Americans acknowledge having MS, although for the Swimming and Diving team, MS hits closer to home. Hoffer, who has been participating in this ride for six years, says that he "got involved after a swimmer whom I had coached was diagnosed with MS." In addition, several parents of Hoffer's athletes have also had MS.

Furthermore, Hoffer believes that "this is a great cause, and a wonderful opportunity for the team to give back to the community." Each rider who enters the race must raise at least $200 for the cause, and all of the funds go to helping people in Missouri who have been diagnosed with MS.