PARK CITY, UT (Sept. 25) The 2009 U.S. Disabled Cross Country Team roster will feature the return of all six athletes from the previous season, including World Cup winner Chris Klebl (sit-ski; Heber City, UT), according to Disabled Team Program Director Sandy Metzger.
“It's great to have all of our talent back to lead our Team to success in the 2009 season,” said Metzger. “The staff has done an outstanding job preparing the athletes for the upcoming season and the team is training hard in anticipation of reaching great heights. We have high expectations for a successful season and the right team to do it with.”
The group includes Paralympian Klebl, who led the team in 2008, finishing fourth in the season long World Cup standings. Entering his fourth year on the Team, Klebl had a win in a 10K and a second in a 15K in Germany.
Also highlighting the team for his second year is Andy Soule (sit-ski; Sun Valley, ID) who, after finishing 10th in a 15K in Finland, was just starting to realize his potential according to Head Coach Jon Kreamelmeyer.
The 2007 long distance champion Monica Bascio (sit-ski; Evergreen, CO) will be coming back to the team after taking a season away for the birth of her first child. Also returning is World Cup winner Greg Mallory (sit-ski, Portland, OR), who looks to be a bright spot in the team's hopes for success in 2009.
The team looks forward to a season of intense competition, including numerous World Cup events and the 2009. The season kicks off Dec. 30 – Jan. 8 with the U.S. Cross Country Championships in Anchorage, AK and continues with World Championships in Finland Jan. 21 – Feb. 2.
2008 U.S. Disabled Cross Country Ski Team Roster (birthdate; disabled category, hometown and * if Paralympian)
Men
Bob Balk (3/7/66; sit-ski, Long Beach, CA)*
Sean Halsted (11/24/70; sit-ski, Ephrata, WA)
Chris Klebl (1/5/72; sit-ski, Heber City, UT)*
Greg Mallory (3/23/68; sit-ski, Portland, OR)*
Andrew Soule (12/2/80; sit-ski, Sun Valley, ID)
Women
Monica Bascio (9/16/69; sit-ski, Evergreen, CO)*
