June 20, 2008 – The following is USSA’s preliminary list of nominations for the 2009 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 2008-09 season. Team staff will now work individually with nominated athletes to provide education on Team responsibilities and program leading up to the formal Team announcement this summer.

Athletes nominated to the 2009 U.S. Cross Country Ski Team are:

U. S. Cross Country A Team

Men

– Chris Cook (Rhinelander, WI; Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation)
– Kris Freeman (Andover, NH; Andover Outing Club)
– Torin Koos (Leavenworth, WA; Leavenworth Winter Sports Club)
– Andy Newell (Shaftsburry, VT; Stratton Mountain School)

Women

– Kikkan Randall (Anchorage, AK; Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Center)

U. S. Cross Country B Team Nominations

Men

– Matt Gelso (Truckee, CA; Auburn Ski Club)
– Noah Hoffman (Ketchum, ID; Sun Valley SEF)
– Garrott Kuzzy (Hayward, WI; Team CXC)
– Leif Zimmermann (Bozeman, MT; Bridger Nordic)

Women

– Morgan Arritola (Ketchum, ID; Sun Valley SEF)
– Rosie Brennan (Park City, UT; National Sports Foundation, Park City Nordic Ski Team)
– Lindsey Dehlin (Mahtomedi, MN; Mahtomedi Ski Club/Minneapolis Ski Club/Northern Michigan University)
– Tazlina Mannix (Talkeetna, AK; Denali Nordic Ski Club, Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Center)
– Morgan Smyth (Vernon, VT; Northern Michigan University)
– Liz Stephen (East Montpelier, VT; Burke Mountain Academy)
– Alexa Turzian (Sun Valley, ID; Sun Valley SEF)
– Laura Valaas (Wenatchee, WA; Alaska Pacific University Nordic/Leavenworth Winter Ski Club)
– Lindsay Williams (Hastings, MN; Northern Michigan University)