MILWAUKEE, WI – (December 13, 2011) – The 2012 U.S. Long Track Championships opened today at the Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee, WI. The first of four days of racing action, today’s races featured the ladies 3000m and men’s 5000m events.

Jonathan Kuck (Champaign, IL) won today’s 5000m, posting a time of 6:20.69.  Shani Davis (Chicago, IL) took second with a time of 6:30.83, and Brian Hansen (Glenview, IL) was third at 6:31.95.

Jilleanne Rookard (Woodhaven, MI) topped the ladies 3000m with a time of 4:11.35, Maria Lamb (River Falls, WI) was second at 4:13.37, and Nancy Swider-Peltz Jr. (Wheaton, IL) took third with a time of 4:15.41.

Tomorrow’s events will feature the Ladies and Men's 500m-distance beginning at 4:30pm (CST). Please visit the following link for today's complete results: https://webpoint.usspeedskating.org/files/Event_PDFs/2082_Event_OtherDoc2.pdf

The 2012 U.S. Speedskating will crown Sprint Champions, Allround Champions and overall National Champions for ladies and men, as well as naming the 2011-12 Winter World Cup team. Competition continues through Sunday December 18^th.