January 22, 2010 (Park City, UT) – Following the naming of the US 2010 Olympic Nordic Combined Team on Thursday with no less than three world champions on board, a teleconference was held with journalists from around the country. Here are some of quotes and comments by some of the athletes and coaches.

On the Team
Veteran and 2009 double World champion Todd Lodwick perhaps said it best – they believe in their team and their coach. “Dave Jarrett has a lot of belief in us and, we even competed against him,” said Todd Lodwick at the USSA/USOC teleconference. “We are a strong and mature program. And through the years many people have helped greatly along the way.”

We don’t have many options when you have only five guys,” said head coach Dave Jarrett, “The team relay uses four athletes. The Games are still a month away, we need to see who is healthy and who’s jumping well on the hill.” He wouldn’t speculate beyond that.

On Resouces
When asked about how the team became a world power Jarrett said, “Our expectations are high, our goals are high. It speaks to what tools we have available to us today – the new Center of Excellence provides all that we need. It’s taken good results to get those resources coming our way – and we can continue to get better.”

Lodwick agreed, “If you take an Indy car driver that works on his car by himself and fuels the car himself it doesn’t matter how good the driver is – you need team work. We have a team effort, after we jump the coaches test skis while we sit and relax. It takes dedication – sometime we have three wax techs, so we can perform on the fastest ski we have available. All of this takes time and money from our sponsors and donors. Now we have all the tools to perform. We dedicate ourselves to loving our sport, without them we would not have the tools necessary.”

On Taylor and Camerota
Coach Jarrett said, “Taylor is in Europe and will do a World Cup this weekend followed by the World Junior Championships. He’s got a lot going on. Many of the guys have taken him under their wing, so we’re not worried about him. Both Brett Camerota and Taylor each cracked into World Cup points this season. Camerota was 18th at a December World Cup in Ramsau, Austria and Fletcher scored his first points at a Continental Cup in Lake Placid in January.

On 2010 Podiums
When asked if we might see US skiers on the podium in Whistler, Jarrett said they hope for at least one team medal and one individual medal.

Veteran Johnny Spillane commented, “So far it’s been a really good season for me and the team – good and consistent. We’re always trying to fight for the top of the podium. I think we’ve learned that the Olympics are about three days every four years, and have to let the chips fall where they may.”

On the Team Competition
Regarding the team competition many insiders see a great probability of a US medal. “There’s pressure, but it doesn’t always come down to the fourth guy, he needs to be the best that he can be on that day…but Todd, Bill and Johnny need to be the best guys on the hill,” said Dave Jarrett.

On Maturity
Bill Demong, making his fourth Olympic appearance commented, “In 1998 I was wide-eyed and learning, in 2002 we had a lot of hope and belief but….now we feel like we can really fight for a podium. I’m not trying to find something special, it just feels that we’ve matured, and that we are ready now.”

“It’s a pretty special feeling (to get the recognition) and not get asked what Nordic combined means anymore. The tone is changing, we all take this as a sign of the success we have had. Yes, there are more obligations, but we feel like ambassadors of our sport,” added Demong.

On Winning at the Games
Lodwick offered that to be prepared an do well we need to stick to the plan. “I’ve talked to the guys, we want to go have fun and enjoy these Games. Remember 2002 when we had a lot of pressure to win a medal, now we are fighting for the top spots regularly. We’ll go in with a clear mind, and fight for the top spot.”

On the Preparation
The preparation has already been done says Demong. “When I hear that question – it’s a two-step process. For those guys who are capable of a medal – the ten or 15 guys – they know they’re going to be fighting for a medal. You just need to have a good day and enjoy it. It’s about not making any errors. It’s about the preparation that is already done.”

Things seemed calm, straight forward, and yes, mature. Exactly what will be needed at the Olympics in Vancouver.