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Kearns • J.R. Celski and Jessica Smith finished first in their overall classifications at the U.S. Short Track Single Distance Championships on Sunday, earning spots on the fall World Cup speedskating team.
Joining Celski on the men's team are Chris Creveling, Jordan Malone, John-Henry Krueger, Eddy Alvarez, and Jeff Simon.
Malone, who is 29, made the team after winning the 1,000 meters Sunday and finishing third in the overall standings. Last year, Malone dealt with injury and illness, and nearly quit the sport.
"I'm basically having to shake a lot of the rust off," he said.
Joining Smith on the women's team are Alyson Dudek, Emily Scott, Sarah Chen, Lana Gehring and You Young "Sally" Chea.
The first World Cup meet of the season is Sept. 26 in Beijing.
The short track program has been plagued by organizational infighting in recent months.
National coach Stephen Gough says he thinks the staff has been able to create a more positive and respectful atmosphere and he's happy with the progress the skaters have made.