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Paul Smith’s VIC to host college invitational

PAUL SMITHS — Last month, Paul Smith’s College was named the official East Coast training site for USA Nordic, the United States governing body for Nordic skiing. On the heels of this announcement, the college will host a major collegiate cross-country ski series on Saturday and Sunday at its Visitor Interpretive Center.

Numerous colleges and universities are set to compete in the first Stewart’s Shops Paul Smith’s College Bobcat Invitational Nordic Ski Races. Some 90 skiers will tackle the PSC cross-country terrain.

The ski network of trails on the school’s campus has undergone new development over the last 18 months and this has enabled Paul Smith’s College to create 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of new Nordic trails with the vision of becoming one of the top Nordic schools in the country. This new terrain is in addition to the 25 miles of trails that previously existed.

“We are very excited to open our new stadium with the Stewart’s Shops Paul Smith’s Bobcat Invitational,” said Matt Dougherty, Head Nordic Ski coach for Paul Smith’s College. “This represents a sea change for not only the Nordic ski program at Paul Smith’s but also the VIC. We are opening the doors for more people to discover one of the great hidden wonders of the Adirondacks. Some of the best snow and trails in the Adirondacks have been quietly used and loved by Olympians for decades. We are now excited to share them, and to grow Nordic sports at Paul Smith’s College.”

Men’s and women’s teams from Paul Smith’s College, West Point, Clarkson University, Cornell University, Castleton State, Hamilton College, University of Vermont, McGill University, Wellesley College and individuals from other programs will go stride for stride in these inaugural competitions.

On Saturday, the new Nordic stadium will host the 1.5-kilometer classic sprints, with seeding races starting at 10 a.m. and heats commencing at 11 a.m. The following morning, the schools move to the VIC finish in the stadium where 7.5-kilometer skate races are set for 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. 

Awards will be issued to the top three individuals in each of the men’s and women’s races, as well as the top three men’s and women’s teams.

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