Squaw’s Bennett second at U.S. Championship in downhill

By USSA

COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. — Jared Goldberg and Jacqueline Wiles conquered the U.S. Ski Team Speed Center at Copper Mountain Friday to capture U.S. Championship downhill titles.

Bryce Bennett of Squaw Valley was second for the men.

Traditionally held in February, the premier speed titles were shifted to December in order to take advantage of the world class facility at Copper, which is operated by the U.S. Ski Team until Dec. 15.

Goldberg proved to be the pace setter for the week after winning a pair of NorAm downhill races leading up to the championship event. Wiles danced with the top spot earlier in the week by taking third in each of the two warm up NorAm downhills before capitalizing during the big show.

The remaining U.S. titles – super G, giant slalom, slalom and combined – will be determined March 20-24 during the Nature Valley U.S. Alpine Championships at Squaw Valley.