There are few things that distinguish Indiana University from the rest of the universities in the United States, but Breaking Away is one of them. The critically acclaimed film about the Little 500 is just one of two things Shannon Kerr’s father made a requirement before she got to Indiana University.
Three years later, Kerr is riding in her final Little 500 for her sorority’s team, Delta Gamma, alongside her three senior teammates. Like every other team in the 36th annual race, Delta Gamma is looking to bring home the title.
The difference?
This is their final opportunity to finish what they have come so close to doing in their time riding in the Little 500. Delta Gamma has been a consistent top five finisher in the race since 2015 and has continued that streak with a 2021 victory.
This year is no different. Delta Gamma finished in fourth place in this year’s qualifications race, which will ultimately decide their starting spot on the big day.
While a win would notch their Greek legacy in the Little 500 history books, it would only graze the bond that this team has developed since their freshman year.
“You don’t need people to get it because you just do it because you want to, and because your teammates love it, and you’re just committed in a way that doesn’t need like external approval, I think that’s really valuable,” said senior cyclist Becca Ronning.
That commitment is what keeps them focused on the end goal, but the little moments in between are what really shapes the depth of this team. Even though it will be all seniors mounting their bikes on race day, they have not forgotten about the rookies that will take over when they’re gone.
“I think the process of being on a bike team is kind of cyclical, we like to think of it and we’re just now watching our own what we call rookies is kind of the foundation like the first steppingstone of bike team,” said Kerr, “and it’s like, you train as a rookie, and then you rise up to become a senior. And like, you should have kind of more like, expertise, knowledge on riding and just like developing a team.”
Those full circle experiences are what will carry Delta Gamma to the finish line. One-hundred laps around the Bill Armstrong Track sounds like a large feat, but in reality, is one they have been preparing for since last year’s race. This intense training and time together have built their familial bond that will pedal them together across the finish line as one.
Delta Gamma cyclists when asked what word they would use to describe their team and why.
“I’ve never had a sibling to like connection,” said Kerr, “and I would compare that like what I would think it should be and that’s like these girls right here. And you know, like, I have older sisters now. I guess like who are cheering me on as alumni and it’s just like, it keeps growing like our family keeps growing and we care so much for each other.”
With countless more siblings from the Delta Gamma name, these seniors will become alumni. Alumni with potentially two titles to show, but countless memories to hold onto as they cheer on the next generation of Delta Gamma cyclists in the greatest college weekend in America.
