Peterson has just concluded his sixth season as the head coach of the Marian University Cycling Team. He also teaches in Marian’s School of Education. In 2011, he began his work as director at the Indy Cycloplex and leads a small staff and community volunteers dedicated to advancing the mission of cycling in central Indiana.
Peterson brings 29 years of bicycle racing experience and 23 years of teaching experience to Marian University and the Indy Cycloplex. He has coached, trained, or raced in Europe, Africa, and Cuba. He is a USA Cycling Level 3 coach and is a USA Cycling Category 1 cyclist.
In his first six seasons at the helm of the Knights Cycling team, Peterson has guided Marian to six straight USA Cycling Division I collegiate track cycling national championships, three straight collegiate road championships, and a collegiate cyclocross championship. He was the first Marian head coach to win national titles in road and cyclocross.
Peterson has grown the Knights’ success in off-road disciplines, and is also is now building the Marian BMX program in conjunction with the revitalization of the BMX track at the Cycloplex.
Coach Peterson also oversaw the development of the Paul J. Norman Cycling Center at in 2007. He developed the now-popular indoor training series known as PowerBooster, housed at the cycling center. He is known in cycling circles in Indianapolis and has cultivated sponsor relationships that culminated in the development of the center, the team, and the Cycloplex.
Peterson earned his bachelor of science degree from Purdue University in 1988 and his master of science degree from Butler University in 1997. He resides in Indianapolis with his wife and their two children.
Deborah Lawrence, Vice President for Administration and General Counsel
Deb Lawrence has been a part of the Marian University community since 2002 and has been involved in many aspects of the University’s development. She has a passion for historic preservation and the environment, and has been the lead agent in the restoration of the Allison and Wheeler-Stokely mansions, the Riverdale garden near Allison Mansion and the development of the Marian University Ecolab. In addition to her duties as general counsel, Lawrence manages the Office of the President and the Office of Conferences and Events, and has been deeply involved in many of Marian University’s key projects, including the Steffen Music Center, the Nina Mason Pulliam Nature Center, the Indy Cycloplex at Lake Sullivan Sports Complex, and the Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Lawrence graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts from DePauw University and received her J.D. from the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America. Lawrence is an active community volunteer, serving on several boards, including the Indianapolis League of Women Voters and the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir.
Julie Kukolla, Business Manager
Julie Kukolla joined the leadership team at the IndyCycloplex last spring when Marian University and the City of Indianapolis signed the 15 year lease for Lake Sullivan Sports Complex. She enjoys being a part of the Marian University community and revitalizing the Major Taylor Velodrome and the development of ICX. Julie finds working with Marian students, the ICX staff and community volunteers rewarding.
Julie taught journalism and English at Lawrence North High School for nine years before her children were born. She enjoyed her role as a stay-at-home mom and community volunteer before returning to the classroom as an avid tutor seven years ago. She is an Indiana University graduate (BS ‘79) and earned her master’s degree from Butler University in 1986. Julie resides in Indianapolis with her husband, Joe, and their two children.
Community Coaches
Nathan Schickel
Ken Hart – Ken has been coaching for 30+ years and is a longtime volunteer, official, and coach at the Major Taylor Velodrome. His background includes experience as a USAC resident coach at the US Olympic Education Center, national cycling champion, 2007; cycling national medalist 2003, 2004, 2005; National Commissaire-ranked cycling official; former cycling mechanic, worlds team 1985 & 1986.
Frank LaRondie
Cindi Hart- Cindi has been coaching cyclists for 25+ years, and has been named “Coach of the Year” by the US Olympic Committee, US Speedskating, and the National Council for Youth Sports. She is a former USAC resident cycling coach at the US Olympic Education Center, a cycling world medalist 1992, 2003, 2005 and a cycling national champion 2004 & 2005.
Staff Interns
Ally Higgenbottom
Nicole Svorinic
Allie Dragoo
Alex Cannon
John Hoopingarner
Michael Haley
CJ Karas
Bryce Hocking