Editor's Note: USSA has changed the way it selects the US Ski Team for the coming year. The list of athletes below have been NOMINATED for the 2007 US Ski Team, but they are not yet on the team. As the USSA FAQ section states, “it is premature to assume that nominated athletes will be named to the Team.”
PARK CITY, Utah (May 4) — The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association has released its preliminary list of nominations for the 2007 U.S. Cross Country Ski Team. The nominations include those active athletes who qualified based on published selection criteria. USSA will announce the actual team roster this summer, naming those athletes who accept the responsibilities of being a part of the U.S. Ski Team and are planning to compete in the 2006-07 season.
“We’re adding a valuable new process between the traditional May nominations of athletes and the formal team naming this summer,†said USSA Vice President of Athletics Alan Ashley.
“It is a great privilege to be an athlete on the U.S. Ski Team. When we formally name our teams this summer we want to be sure that each athlete is committed to the standards of the U.S. Ski Team including both athletic training and competition programs and values the Team represents.â€
Team staff will now work individually with nominated athletes to provide education on Team responsibilities and program leading up to for formal Team announcement this summer.
Nominations for 2006-2007 U.S. Cross Country Ski Team
The nominations include those active athletes who qualified based on published selection criteria.
WORLD CUP TEAM
Men
Chris Cook (6/15/80; Rhinelander, WI; Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation/Northern Michigan University)
Kris Freeman (10/14/80; Andover, NH; Andover Outing Club)
Andrew Johnson (1/3/78; Greensboro, VT; Craftsbury Nordic)
Torin Koos (7/7/80; Leavenworth, WA; Leavenworth Winter Sports Club)
Andy Newell (11/30/83; Shaftsbury, VT; Stratton Mountain School)
Women
Kikkan Randall (12/31/82; Anchorage, AK; Alaska Pacific U. Nordic Ski Center)
CONTINENTAL CUP TEAM
Men
Matt Gelso (7/18/88; Truckee, CA; Auburn Ski Club)
Leif Zimmermann (10/3/83; Bozeman, MT; Bridge Nordic)
Women
Morgan Arritola (5/13/86; Fairfield, ID; Sun Valley SEF)
Taz Mannix (6/14/86; Talkeetna, AK; APU Nordic)
Morgan Smyth (2/10/86; Vernon, VT; Northern Michigan U)
Liz Stephen (1/12/87; Montpelier, VT; Burke Mountain Academy)
Lindsey Weier (7/2/84; Mahtomedi, MN; Northern Michigan U)
Lindsay Williams (6/16/84; Hastings, MN; Northern Michigan U)
Nomination vs. Naming: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference in being nominated and actually being on the Team?
Being named to the U.S. Ski Team is a two-step process. First, active athletes who qualify based on published selection criteria are nominated to be a member of the U.S. Ski Team. Secondly, the eventual team roster is based on athletes who accept the responsibilities of being a part of the U.S. Ski Team and are planning to compete in the 2006-07 season.
Can nominated athletes just join the Team?
No. It is a privilege, not a right, to be a member of the U.S. Ski Team. Athletes who are nominated must next understand and accept the responsibilities of being a member of the Team.
What are the responsibilities?
A member of the U.S. Ski Team is a part of an elite team that sets the standard for the sport. The responsibilities are twofold. First, nominated athletes must learn about the athletic training and competition program for that Team. And they must agree to participate fully in that program. Secondly, athletes must learn about USSA’s standards and core values, including the USSA Code of Conduct. And they must agree to adhere to those standards and values at all times.
Why are these responsibilities important?
USSA is the only Olympic sports organization in America to fully fund national team programs for qualified athletes year-round, every year. The money to support athletic programs including coaching, sports science, medical support, athlete travel and other benefits all comes from the American public.
The U.S. Ski Team consists of committed athletes who have earned a right to take advantage of this rare privilege. Out of respect for those Americans who have contributed to create this opportunity, and out of respect for teammates who honor this privilege, nominated athletes who choose to participate will be held to this high standard.
What are the next steps to accept the nomination?
Coaches in each sport will work with nominated athletes to first educate on the responsibilities and to discuss a personal commitment to the Team. Each athlete will then sign an athlete agreement that specifically details the responsibilities.
When will the Team be named?
The formal announcement of the 2007 U.S. Ski Teams in each sport will take place sometime this summer; there is no specific date. The team will include those nominated athletes that have formally committed to participation in the athletic program and have understood and agreed to the responsibilities of USSA’s standards and values.
Can nominated athletes be announced publicly?
No, it is premature to assume that nominated athletes will be named to the Team. Every athlete, from rookies to veterans, must agree to accept the responsibilities of being a member of the U.S. Ski Team before they will named to the Team.
Can athletes not nominated be named to the Team?
In some cases, yes, it may be possible. If some nominated athletes choose to not compete or to not accept the responsibilities of being a part of the Team, in some cases additional athletes may be nominated if permitted within the published selection criteria. This may vary from sport-to-sport.
Source: USSA
