pPARK CITY, UT – In an unexpected turn of events, nearly every team ahead of the US on the quota selection declined to use any of their allotted spots for the Vancouver Games, allowing a glut of one hundred seventy (170) positions to be afforded to the US. Spirits are high in Park City. “We’re taking the athletes we feel have a chance at success.” Described John Farra in a telegraph sent to the JohnnyKlister.com offices early on Tuesday morning. “95 men will attend the games, while 75 women will represent the US.” “Holy Crap!” Explained Max Durstchi, who is sitting just inside the cutoff for men. (Durtschi is 89th on the most recent USSA list.) “When I came down with consumption at the Nationals races this year in Anchorage, I never thought I had a chance. Lucky for me Norway is folding for the games!” Conversely, a disconsolate Corinne Prevot, currently racing for Middlebury College and sitting 78th on the points list is frustrated with how close she came to Olympic selection. A tearful Prevot, who owns the colorful Ski-Da hat company described, “BUT DO THEY HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MANY HATS I COULD SELL THERE???!!” Prevot’s plight isn’t the only downside of the quota reversal. Unfortunate side effects of the Olympic quota shift include an major entire shut down of collegiate skiing, as well as bankruptcy declared by Bjorn Dahlie clothing, the official supplier to the USST. “With each suit costing us over $700 to manufacture, the new influx of US athletes is more than we can keep up with.” Dahlie described on his Twitter site Tuesday at noon. An increase in staff is required for the Olympic Games and positions are posted via the Utah Craig’s list. “We have roughly 16 or 17 applicants for only 8 positions.” Described USST Head Coach Pete Vordenberg. “We’re planning on having a racquetball tournament to determine viable candidates.” Reactions to the tournament are mixed. Dan Weiland at Ski Club Vail agreed claiming, “It really is the only fair way.” Roger Knight of Boulder Nordic Sport dissented claiming. “This is wrong. I’m out.”/p
