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Todd Lodwick opened up the Nordic Combined World Cup Season on Friday with another top finish.

Big surprise.

Lodwick has more World Cup top-15 finishes than any skier in American history. He also has 23 World Cup podiums, including six victories.

In 2005, he finished in the top 10 an additional 12 times, bringing the total to more than 100 in his career. Let's all hope his ninth place finish in Kuusamo, Finland, is the start of another streak for the veteran ski team member.

But even if he doesn't back it up with another top 10, the results prove that Lodwick continues to be the most consistent skier on the American team.

He is one of three American skiers who are expected to contend for a medal in February at the Winter Olympic Games and should be part of the squad that makes a run for a team medal, as well.

During his career, Lodwick has brought more to the U.S. team than just results.

His swagger and confidence are among the reasons the U.S. team is where it is today. At times, his sharp tongue may make him seem a little overconfident, but I've learned that Lodwick is a straight shooter who isn't about to hide behind words.

As he heads into 2006, most likely his last on the World Cup Tour, Lodwick will tell you that some of his priorities have changed, but his goal has not.

That's why he trained so hard this summer preparing for this season and his final shot at the Olympics.

Anyone who has followed Lodwick's career knows he hates to lose. They also know an Olympic medal would complete an outstanding career.

Years from now, Lodwick's career will not be measured by Olympic medals but by what he has brought to the team.

Many of the skiers who will follow him -- including Johnny Spillane, who won the sprint event at the 2003 World Championships, and Bill Demong, who won a World Cup in 2002 -- have been influenced by Lodwick.

Rising stars such as Jed Hinkley, Carl Van Loan, Alex Glueck and Brett and Eric Camerota can only dream of having the type of success Lodwick has enjoyed throughout his career.

But after 13 years on the national team, Lodwick seems ready to step away from the demands of year-round training and the stress that comes with competition.

That's why everyone in Steamboat should show up for the Showdown at Steamboat World Cup B event at Howelsen Hill, Dec. 8 to 11.

Thanks to a break in the regular World Cup schedule, Lodwick and several of his teammates plan to compete in Steamboat Springs, Park City, Utah, and Lake Placid, N.Y.

Who knows what is going to happen at the end of the 2006 season? But if you want to have one last chance to see why Lodwick is the greatest Nordic combined skier in American history, you should be at Howelsen for this one.