LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (AP) — Tony Benshoof is rejoining the U.S. national luge team.
Benshoof, the most successful men’s singles slider in U.S. history with 37 international medals, took an indefinite leave last October to be with his ailing mother in White Bear Lake, Minn. She died of lung cancer in March.
The men’s team also will include Chris Mazdzer of Saranac Lake, N.Y., and Robby Huerbin of Pittsburgh. Taylor Morris of Jordan, Utah, also earned a spot on the team after graduating from the junior ranks at the conclusion of last season.
Erin Hamlin of Remsen, N.Y., will lead the women’s squad and will be joined by Ashley Walden of Westborough, Mass. and Julia Clukey of Augusta, Maine. Emily Sweeney of Suffield, Conn. has also been selected for the team, though she is still eligible to compete as a member of the junior national team and is expected to split her time on both circuits.
The doubles team of Christian Niccum, of Woodinville, Wash., and Jayson Terdiman, of Berwick, Pa. will be joined by Matt Mortensen, of Huntington Station, N.Y. and Preston Griffall, of Salt Lake City.
