U.S. Biathlon teames up with Paul Smith’s College to offer new scholarships

Biathlon at Soldier Hollow in Midway. Student athletes have a college in N.Y. which caters to biathlon competition to add to their short list of schools to tour. Photo: TownLift // Michele Roepke

MIDWAY, Utah — Biathletes interested in attending Paul Smith’s College. have new financial opportunities to continue their trajectory as student athletes in the form of scholarship programs announced on Tuesday by Midway’s U.S. Biathlon based at the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center.

“The U.S. Biathlon – Paul Smith’s College partnership provides an incredible opportunity for biathletes to pursue both their educational and athletic goals,” said U.S. Biathlon President & CEO Jack Gierhart in a statement. “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.”

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The new scholarship program recognizes the unique 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. Through this partnership, qualified biathletes will receive financial support to help make their college education more accessible while maintaining their competitive training regimen.

Interested students can contact Dougherty for application requirements and deadlines at Mdougherty@paulsmiths.edu.

“We’re thrilled to partner with U.S. Biathlon to support the next generation of biathlete student-athletes,” said Matthew Dougherty, Head Nordic and Biathlon Coach at Paul Smith’s College in a statement. “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.”

Paul Smith’s College, nestled in the snow-rich Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, offers an unparalleled setting for biathlon training. 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 world-class training opportunities.

The college’s commitment to experiential learning and small class sizes provides student-athletes with the flexibility and support needed to balance rigorous academic coursework with competitive training schedules.

Qualified recipients for the scholarship program will have considering 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 logistics.

Applicable age group biathletes in Northern Utah train with teams Which include:

• Park City Ski & Snowboard
• The Utah Nordic Association (TUNA)
• Team Soldier Hollow (SOHO)

Below is a photo of Biathlon in Norway. Norwegians dominated the World Cup podium held in Soldier Hollow two years ago. The nation is so savvy about the sport they televise the sold out summer competitions for men and women on roller skis on the nightly primetime networks.