PSC announces partnership with US Biathlon as Official Training Center

Olympic sport organization to use Paul Smith’s College as eastern education and training home

Paul Smith’s College and US Biathlon announced Thursday that the college will be the Eastern Education and Training Center for the Olympic sport federation, just two months after establishing a similar official relationship with USA Nordic. Biathlon’s national governing body, based in New Gloucester, Maine, competes domestically, as well as internationally in the World Cup, World Championships and Olympic Winter Games.

The team’s athletes will have the opportunity to attend classes on campus and train at PSC’s new 10-kilometer (6.2 mile) trail network that opened during the winter. This terrain is in addition to the previously existing 25 miles. A biathlon shooting range will be installed this summer.

“The education of our athletes is a priority for US Biathlon and we are so fortunate to be able partner with Paul Smith’s College where the training conditions are ideal for biathlon,” stated Max Cobb, President and CEO of US Biathlon. “We know the setting and the academic offerings will be very attractive to many of our athletes, and we are grateful for the generosity of the college and their donors who are making education more accessible for our athletes. Sport and education go together, and we look forward to having biathletes joining the Paul Smith’s College community.”

Under this new partnership biathletes will be eligible to receive a range of athletic scholarships.

When on campus, these individuals will attend class and use the brand-new training grounds. These athletes will also travel to competitions at times during the winter months and will be able to maintain their studies remotely.

“This relationship with US Biathlon is a win-win for both organizations” said Paul Smith’s College President Cathy Dove. “We will serve the team’s need to provide both a world class education and training ground for their rising stars. And for us, this will be an outstanding vehicle for Paul Smith’s to tell the world about the advantages of going to school and training right here in the Adirondacks.”

Tim Burke is another US Biathlon staff member who is keen on seeing this relationship come to fruition. Burke is a four-time Olympian who grew up in the Paul Smiths community and spent countless hours skiing and training at the Paul Smith’s College VIC.

“This partnership will be a great asset for both US Biathlon and Paul Smith’s College,” remarked Burke, who is the organization’s director of athlete development. “I am thrilled that our up-and-coming athletes will have a chance to pursue a college education while continuing to chase their athletic goals. With perfect training conditions right out the front door of the dorms, I know our athletes will have the resources to grow both on and off the field at Paul Smith’s College.”

Burke’s Olympic teammate, Lowell Bailey of Lake Placid, echoed the sentiments of Burke and Cobb. The vision of all three is to help biathletes couple education and sport. This concept dove-tailed with the college’s goal of using its stellar faculty and Adirondack setting to attract future contributing members of society and, hopefully, an Olympic medalist or two.

“Success of an organization like US Biathlon is based on the strength of its partnerships,” added Bailey, the team’s director of high performance. “It is very impressive what Paul Smith’s has accomplished in a relatively short period of time and I look forward to the ever-strengthening relationship.”

This is the second such partnership that the school has arranged with a U.S. national governing body. In December, USA Nordic named Paul Smith’s College its Official East Coast Training Site.

Subsequently, the college hosted a collegiate cross-country ski series in January at the Paul Smith’s College VIC. Numerous colleges and universities, totaling some 90 athletes, tackled the same PSC VIC cross-country terrain that will be used by US Biathlon and USA Nordic athletes in residence.

About Paul Smith’s College
At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. We are the only four-year institution offering broad-based higher education in the Adirondacks. Our programs – in fields such as natural sciences, sustainability, forestry, business, hospitality, recreation, and culinary arts – draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. For more information, visit paulsmiths.edu.

About US Biathlon
US Biathlon is an Olympic sports organization that leads the growth of biathlon in the U.S., developing champions seeking Olympic success. It promotes a thriving biathlon community in America that inspires a lifelong and passionate pursuit of personal and athletic excellence.