PAUL SMITHS — Paul Smith’s College and U.S. Biathlon announced Tuesday a partnership that will provide scholarships for qualified biathletes to attend Paul Smith’s College while continuing their pursuit of excellence in competitive biathlon.
The new scholarship program recognizes the demands faced by student-athletes in biathlon, a sport that combines the rigorous training requirements of cross-country skiing and rifle marksmanship with the pursuit of higher education, according to a recent news release.
Through this partnership, qualified biathletes will receive financial support to help make their college education more accessible while maintaining their competitive training regimen.
“We are thrilled to partner with U.S. Biathlon to support the next generation of biathlete student-athletes,” Matthew Dougherty, head Nordic and Biathlon coach at Paul Smith’s College, said. “Our location in the heart of the Adirondacks provides the perfect training environment for winter sports athletes, and this scholarship program demonstrates our commitment to helping these dedicated individuals achieve both their academic and athletic goals.”
“We are incredibly excited to renew this partnership,” Zachary Luzzi, athletic director at Paul Smith’s College, said. “It not only helps us grow the sport of biathlon on campus, but also reflects our deep commitment to expanding athletics at Paul Smith’s College.”
Paul Smith’s College offers an unparalleled setting for biathlon training, officials stated in the news release.
The college features its own Nordic Center, complete with an 8-point shooting range specifically designed for biathlon training.
Additionally, student-athletes have access to all the Olympic venues in nearby Lake Placid for training opportunities.
The college’s commitment to experiential learning and small class sizes provides student-athletes with the flexibility and support needed to balance academic coursework with training schedules.
“The U.S. Biathlon — Paul Smith’s College partnership provides an incredible opportunity for biathletes to pursue both their educational and athletic goals,” U.S. Biathlon President and CEO Jack Gierhart said. “The generous scholarship program offers financial assistance and access to a flexible, high quality, and relevant college education in an environment conducive to winter sports training, creating a unique opportunity for our biathletes to succeed both in the classroom and on the snow.”
Paul Smith’s College and U.S. Biathlon believe the scholarship program and the comprehensive support it provides will be key to developing world-class athletes.
The scholarship program will consider factors including competitive biathlon experience, academic achievement and demonstrated commitment to the sport. Eligible students will be able to pursue any of Paul Smith’s College’s degree programs while maintaining their biathlon training and competition schedules.
Interested students can contact Dougherty for application requirements and deadlines at Mdougherty@paulsmiths.edu.