USST 2004-05 season wrap-ups

USST 2004-05 season wrap-upsThe 2004-05 competition season is officially history, and all eyes will now turn to the 2006 season and the Torino Olympic Games. But lest memories of the season fade as quickly as the disappearing snow pack, the U.S. Ski Team has issued recaps of the season for all its disciplines. So if you got wrapped up in Bodemania, and the exploits of the mighty freestyle or disabled teams slipped beneath your radar, here’s a chance for a refresher.

ALPINE

The alpine team climbed another rung in the Nations Cup ladder (from third to second), and now looks up only at the Austrians, who, despite what sometimes seemed like an unspectacular season, quietly dominated the standings, more than doubling the point total of the Americans, their nearest competitor. Still, the U.S. Team registered a series of historic firsts, a successful world championships and ended the season with two men and two women in the top 10 of the World Cup overalls. And presumably to the delight of television producers for the upcoming Olympics, the U.S. Team has legitimate star power with Miller, Rahlves, Kildow, Mancuso and Schleper leading the way. Check out the Ski Team’s site for the season recap.;

FREESTYLE

The U.S. freestyle team left little room for other nations on the podium all season. When Jeremy Bloom wasn’t rolling over everybody in sight in men’s moguls, teammates Nate Roberts, Toby Dowson and Travis Mayer were picking up victories. The foursome, along with Travis Cabral, all finished in the top seven in the season standings. And the women weren’t far behind, with Jillian Vogtli and Hannah Kearney earning wins.

Aerialist Jeret Peterson couldn’t quite match Bloom’s dominance, but he did match his World Cup overall title. Check here for more freestyle team news.

CROSS-COUNTRY/NORDIC COMBINED/JUMPING

Big hopes for the nordic squads were somewhat derailed by injury and illness, but the ever-steady Todd Lodwick extended his streak to eight straight seasons in the top eight in the nordic combined standings. A back injury cut short Johnny Spillane’s promising season, but he’s expected to contend next season. Cross-country sprinter Andy Newell made big strides and registered some historic finishes for an American. Check here for more on the Nordic teams.

DISABLED

The Nations Cup belongs to the U.S. Disabled Team after an impressive season that netted 55 podium finishes. Sit-skier Laurie Stephens was dominant all year, as was nordic skier Steve Cook, who took home two World Championship gold medals and the World Cup title. Check here for more from the disabled season.