2009-2010 US National Team Announced
The US Telemark Ski Association (USTSA) is proud to announce the 17 members of the US National Team for the 2009-2010 season.
Four time National Champion Kelsey Schmid-Sommer and silver medalist at the Junior World Champions Lorin Paley make up the women’s “A” Team. They both finished extremely strong last season with the US National Championship decided by a margin of 2 seconds over 4 events. Both women are working towards the goal a World Cup podium spot next season.
The men’s “A” Team is expected to be very strong again this next season. The team will be led by Drew Hauser, the 2009 National Champion and Junior World Champion. Drew had an incredible season last year in Europe and at home with these two titles demonstrating his training and dedication to the sport. Also returning to the team are Shane Anderson and Peter McMahon who both had some great top 10 finishes on the World Cup circuit last season. Ben Paley finished last season in 3rd place overall at the US National Championships and has moved up from the “B” team to the “A” team. Charlie Dresen, is a former US Team member who has returned to the team after a 6 year break. He raced to several top 10 World Cup finishes during his previous tenure as a team member. Eric Lamb will be returning to the “A” team again this year rounding out this very strong group.
Named to the “B” Team are returning members Suzanne Pattinson and Erika Walters for the women’s team. Ken Recker is returning for the men as well as David Hobbs who took last season off to focus on his college education. Jeffrey Gay is an exciting new member of the “B” Team, having moved up from the Development Team. Jeffrey shocked his teammates and the international competitors when he earned the bronze medal in the Telemark GS at the Junior World Championships in Kreishberg Austria last January. Jeffrey will be a racer to watch in 2010.
The Development team for young racers includes returning member Cory Snyder from Franconia, NH. Joining Cory will be Madi McKinstry and Elizabeth Klemer both from Steamboat Springs. Zöe Taylor of Atlanta, GA was also named to the Development Team. Due to Zöe’s dedication to the sport and the lack of snow in Atlanta, Zöe will move to Steamboat Springs in the winter to attend school and to train with the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club.
Members of the US National team raise their own funds to travel and compete. Many of them train on their own without a coach. Those fortunate enough to live in Steamboat Springs are able to train with the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club where team members Shane Anderson and Ken Recker are coaches. “I believe that USTSA is fielding one of the strongest teams we’ve had in recent years, with the quality and experience of our veteran racers and the strong development of our younger racers. I am excited to see the results this next season”, said Russ Hobbs, President of USTSA.
A Team
Shane Anderson, 30, Cody, WY and Steamboat Springs, CO
Charlie Dresen, 45, Steamboat Springs, CO
Drew Hauser, 20, Silverthorne, CO
Eric Lamb, 28, Boulder, CO – Formerly Whitefish, MT
Peter McMahon, 39, Whitefish, MT
Ben Paley, 18, Steamboat Springs, CO
Lorin Paley, 17, Steamboat Springs, CO
Kelsey Schmid-Sommer, 33, Whitefish, MT
B Team
Jeffrey Gay, 16, Steamboat Springs, CO
David Hobbs, 20, Whitefish, MT
Suzanne Pattinson, 30, Sandpoint, ID
Ken Recker, 38, Steamboat Springs, CO
Erika Walters, 17, Steamboat Springs, CO
Development Team
Elizabeth Klemer, 15, Steamboat Springs, CO
Madi McKinstry, 15, Steamboat Springs, CO
Cory Snyder, 17, Franconia, NH
Zöe Taylor, 14, Atlanta, GA and Steamboat Springs, CO