2005 US Snowboard Team

PARK CITY, Utah (July 21) - The 2005 U.S. Snowboard Team, featuring superstar riders Steve Fisher, Hannah Teter and Lindsey Jacobellis, was announced Wednesday by U.S. Snowboarding Program Director Jeremy Forster. In addition to a deep list of accomplished riders, the announcement also includes an historic first: USA's first snowboardcross (SBX) team.

On the alpine side, it was a bookend season as the U.S. roster opened and closed the '04 World Cup tour with momentum. Leading the team was Olympic bronze medalist Chris Klug (Aspen, CO) and Michelle Gorgone (Sudbury, MA). After the pair started the season with wins on the NorAm circuit, Gorgone went on to post five World Cup top-five finishes, while Klug ended his season with four top 10s in five weeks including a third place on the 2006 Olympic course at the World Cup Finals.

"Our goal has always been to put American riders on the Olympic podium," said Forster. "As we move towards Torino in 2006, I believe we are on track to achieving that goal."

This year also marks a change in the alpine coaching staff. Jan Wengelin, who coached the 2002 Olympic Team, returns to head up the women's alpine team and Jeff Archibald, in his second year coaching full-time with the team, will head up the men's side. Archibald also is a former U.S. Snowboard Team member.

"Jan worked with us for several years prior to the 2002 Olympics," said U.S. Snowboarding Head Coach Peter Foley, "but as head alpine coach during the Games, he fielded a team of seven athletes, put two in the finals and brought home one bronze medal. Many of our athletes experienced great results under his guidance and we're looking forward to seeing him make that impact again."

The program will operate under the direction of Foley, who also will take up the reigns as head SBX coach. Departing is Nick Smith, head snowboard alpine coach, who leaves with an accomplished record.

"As a coach, Nick was someone the athletes always knew they could rely on and trust," said Foley, who worked with Smith for four seasons - two of which while Smith served as head coach. "As a co-worker, he was always willing to share the responsibility and pull his weight.

"Nick came from a grassroots club and because of his background, he never lost sight of the importance of building and supporting the domestic programs while still keeping an eye on World Cup victories."

2005 US Alpine Team

MEN
A Team: Chris Klug, Adam Smith
B Team: Ryan McDonals, Eric Warren
C Team:Zac Kay, Tyler Jewel, Justin Goto, Pete Thorndike

Women
A Team: Lisa Kosglow, Michelle Gorgone
B Team: Stacia Hookom, Rosey Fletcher
C Team: Erica Mueller

Congrats to all the athletes! Best of luck this upcoming year!