Oct. 25, 2012

Former UCLA javelin thrower Andreas Drbal and former UCLA decathlon coach Nic Taylor were named to the 2012-2013 U.S. National Bobsled team on Thursday for the upcoming World Circuit. As push athletes in the bobsled, Drbal and Taylor were the only rookies selected for the 15-man team.

As a member of the Bruins' track and field team from 2007-2011, Drbal competed in the javelin all four years. In his senior season, he equaled his lifetime-best in the javelin with a new meet record throw of 198-10 for first-place against Tennessee. Taylor was a volunteer coach at UCLA from 2009-2010.

The U.S. National Bobsled Team is looking to carry the momentum from last season's success into the upcoming World Cup circuit. Reigning World Champion Steven Holcomb returns to drive the men's team USA I sled. Nick Cunningham will be at the helm of USA II, and Cory Butner (Yucaipa, Calif.) will pilot USA III.

The men's bobsled pool includes one more Bruin connection, as driver Nick Cunningham, a former sprinter at Boise State, was coached by UCLA Director of Track and Field Mike Maynard during his time leading the Broncos.

The World Cup tour kicks off in Lake Placid, N.Y. from Nov. 8-10.