Their star-studded past placed the St. Helen Unicycle Drill Team in Newbury on the map and these one-wheeled wonders are back.
Their star-studded past placed the St. Helen Unicycle Drill Team in Newbury on the map and these one-wheeled wonders are back.
“I spent nearly eight years riding in parades and performances north and south and east of the Mississippi,” said Steve Kekedy, coach and organizer of the St. Helen Unicycle Drill Team. “I believe it gave me the confidence in myself that if I put my mind to something, I can accomplish anything. My hope is the same for all the kids that ride with us.
“I just love the look of excitement a child has when they first actually learn to ride and know what it’ll do for them in the future.”
The St. Helen Unicycle Team consists of 60 riders ranging in ages from 6 to 60 and they are on their way, with the help of fundraising, to performing at the Citrus Parade on Dec. 30 in Orlando, Fla. — showcasing the upcoming televised Citrus Bowl.
“In 2013, after my own 30-year high school reunion, my friends that went with me to Newbury said we should get our class together from St. Helen’s eighth grade graduation from 1978,” Kekedy said. “Before we knew it, it had developed into a reunion for St. Helen’s grads and unicyclists from 1965-1985.”
One-hundred and forty-five people showed up, and with the permission of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, the parish and Rev. Jay McPhillips, the team began a journey that was originally started in 1965 under Rev. James Moran’s direction.
“We ride for the enjoyment of others and for ‘the Honor and Glory of God,’” Kekedy said. “I was a shy uncoordinated kid when I came to St. Helen in 1975. But the kind people of the parish took us in as one of their own, with open arms and showed us this amazing legacy that is the Unicycle team.”
On a recent Saturday afternoon, riders gathered for practice under sunny skies at Punderson State Park’s tennis court parking lot in Newbury Township.
Heidi Parhamovich, mother of Blake and Jillian on the team, sauntered around and smiled as she shielded her eyes from the autumn sun and reflected on the genuine passion she has for the faith-based team.
“The nice thing about this is they provide people with so much joy,” said Heidi, who is from Solon. “Anyone who has watched a child take their first steps and experience that excitement will understand we get to experience that excitement on a regular basis.”
She added, “Much like a toddler taking their first step, there are some attempts and some falls, but then it clicks and you start to see progress and then their excitement when they finally get it.”
A whistle soon sounded as Kekedy directed his team to attention as they seemingly effortlessly locked arms across the parking lot.
“From a parent’s perspective, it is fun and exciting to be part of the St. Helen’s unicycle team because of how unique it is,” said Kevin O’Reilly. “Growing up in Chardon, I can remember hearing about them and seeing them in parades. It is definitely a conversation starter when you meet people and tell them about what your daughter does. Also, the excitement that I have experienced from the crowds as they watch the kids perform is very exciting.”
Daughter and team member Rachel O’Reilly, a member for almost four years, agreed with her father.
“I first joined in fourth grade after I went to practice with a friend,” Rachel said. “I loved it so much that I have been riding ever since.”
Kekedy ends each practice bringing everyone into a circle, highlighting the accomplishments of the day.
“We then ask everyone present, who we should pray for, as I believe that our prayer circle is a powerful wonder, and we understand that we do all this for ‘The Honor and Glory of God’— a phrase that Father Moran instilled in us,” Kekedy said.
The team’s last two events this year are Nov. 24 at the Tree Lighting in Burton Square and Dec. 30 performance at Florida’s Citrus Parade in Florida.
The St. Helen Unicycle Drill team will hold a 2017 Chili Bash Oct. 28 from noon until 6 p.m. at the Hungarian Cultural Center of NE Ohio, 12027 Abbott Road in Hiram, to help raise funds for their trip to the Citrus Bowl.
Tickets will be available at the door for $18 each or $34 per couple.
