U.S. squad 'strongest ever'

PARK CITY — In a season where athletes landed never-before-seen tricks, earned record-breaking scores and continue to grieve the loss of two of the sport's top contenders to frightening injuries, the U.S. snowboard team promises the best is yet to come.

"I have nothing but the utmost confidence in what these athletes are going to deliver at the Olympics," said U.S. head coach Mike Jankowski after six members of the 2010 U.S. Snowboard team were announced in Park City. "We're going to Vancouver with the strongest team ever."

The men's team is: Olympic Gold medalist Shaun White, Louie Vito and Scotty Lago. The women's team is Kelly Clark, who won Olympic Gold in 2002, Gretchen Bleiler and Hannah Teter.

For 21-year-old Lago, it was a bitter-sweet realization that he'd made the team after Friday's second-place finish because two of his friends are hospitalized rather than riding this weekend.

Kevin Pearce suffered a severe concussion in Park City while training, and Danny Davis, who was the only competitor to beat Shaun White in a Grand Prix this season, suffered a fractured spine last weekend in an ATV accident.

"It definitely is," said Lago. "I saw myself making it for sure. Danny being out is one spot. I am confident he would have made it. It's bittersweet."

Still, he is savoring something he's worked so hard to achieve.

"For the last two years, it's been a dream of mine," Lago said between hugs and high-fives. "I'm doing everything I can right now not to get emotional. It hasn't really set in yet, I got the chills all over. I'm so excited."

He said he will be riding with his friends in his heart.

"When Kevin comes to, he's going to be so proud," said Lago. "I'm stoked to be doing it for the Frends crew (the I is intentionally left out to emphasize the unity). They'd be stoked."

White, who earned a record-setting 49.5 in his first run Saturday night, said his spot on the Olympic team has been secure for a couple of weeks, but he still feels the need to push himself.

"It didn't really feel real until tonight when I put this jacket on and am sitting next to these fine gentlemen and ladies," said White with a grin. "I'm a very, very competitive person. It doesn't matter if it's a card game, or what. I want to do my best."