PAUL SMITHS — U.S. Biathlon and Paul Smith’s College recently announced the extension of their strategic education partnership through June 2028, with the intent to advance the sport of biathlon in the United States and expand opportunities for collegiate athletes.

As the official education partner of U.S. Biathlon, Paul Smith’s College will continue to provide a pathway for student-athletes to pursue academics while training and competing at the highest levels of the sport. The renewed agreement will further support scholarships, internships and enhanced training opportunities-ensuring that aspiring biathletes can thrive both on the trails and in the classroom.

“Our partnership with Paul Smith’s College is a cornerstone of our collegiate strategy and the broader growth of biathlon in the United States,” U.S. Biathlon President and CEO Jack Gierhart said. “Paul Smith’s has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to creating an environment where student-athletes can succeed athletically and academically. We are excited to continue building this model for other colleges and universities to follow.”

Since the partnership was established in 2020, Paul Smith’s College has become a national leader in collegiate biathlon. The college helped launch the U.S. Biathlon Collegiate National Championships and has fielded the largest team at each edition of the event to date.

Saranac Lake native Matt Dougherty, the head Nordic and biathlon coach at PSC, has served on U.S. Biathlon’s Collegiate Advisory Panel since its inception, playing a role in shaping the collegiate biathlon landscape.

“At Paul Smith’s College, we view biathlon as more than a sport it is an opportunity to develop resilience, discipline and leadership,” Dougherty said. “Our athletes have access to unparalleled training in the heart of the Adirondacks, combined with an education grounded in hands-on experience and real-world application. We look forward to continuing to grow the sport and welcome more student-athletes to our program.”

“Paul Smith’s College is proud to continue our partnership with U.S. Biathlon and to serve as a model for integrating athletic and academic excellence,” PSC Director of Athletics Zack Luzzi said. “We are committed to providing biathletes with the resources, coaching and academic support they need to reach their full potential. This partnership reflects our broader mission to deliver an education that works in the classroom, on the trails, and throughout life.”