The Journal

Issue date: 9/6/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: PHOTO COURTESY OF KEN NICKLESS Members of Team Webster Works pose for a photo before the 2006 Multiple Sclerosis Bike Race in Columbia, Mo.

Webster University staff and faculty will pedal hard and sweat profusely as the miles pass by in the Multiple Sclerosis Bike Ride in Columbia, Mo.

The cyclists call themselves Team Webster Works after Webster Works Worldwide, the university's community involvement day.
The team participated for the past three years in one of the MS Bike Races held in states across the country to raise money to find a cure for multiple sclerosis through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

According to the National MS Society, 200 people are diagnosed each week with MS, a disease that attacks the central nervous system. It can cause difficulties with coordination and speech, chronic pain and cognitive impairment, resulting in disability in more severe cases.

Team Webster Works was formed in 2005 by Ken Nickless, director of Planned Giving, and Chris Dwyer, former vice president of Development. Nickless, Webster Works' team captain, had participated in the race on his own for three years and wanted to get a Webster team together.

"It's such a fun way to meet people and benefit a good cause," Nickless said.

This year's MS Bike Ride will take place Sept. 8 and 9. Riders will have the choice to ride 40-, 75- or 100-mile courses. For cyclists, this is a way to meet and mingle with each other. Door prizes are awarded to participants, and those who raise certain amounts of money will be given recognition, plaques and gift certificates.

The team has been successful in raising money for the bike race in the past. In 2005, the team of 17 members raised $6,000. In 2006, the team had 31 members and raised $12,000. This year, its membership is down, but the team is hoping to continue raising more money and gathering more people to join them.

"Right now, there are 19 members, but more people will be signing up before the event," said Rachel Johnes, a department assistant in the development office who is in charge of the behind-the-scenes work such as registration, on the team. "Anyone who wants to is welcome to join the team."

Right now, the team consists mostly of Webster staff, a few faculty members, some alumni and members of the community. The members would like for students to participate, but understand it might be hard for them to be involved because each member must raise $250 to participate and the event is so close to the start of classes.

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