U.S. Biathlon and Paul Smith’s College Extend Education Partnership Through 2028

Midway, UT & Paul Smiths, NY — U.S. Biathlon and Paul Smith’s College today announced the extension of their strategic education partnership through June 2028, reinforcing their shared commitment to advancing the sport of biathlon in the United States and expanding 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 academic excellence 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," said Jack Gierhart, President and CEO of U.S. Biathlon. "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. Matt Dougherty, Head Nordic and Biathlon Coach at Paul Smith’s College, has served on U.S. Biathlon’s Collegiate Advisory Panel since its inception, playing an instrumental 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," said Matt Dougherty. "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," said Zack Luzzi, Director of Athletics at Paul Smith’s College. "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."

About Paul Smith’s College
Paul Smith’s College offers a unique setting for student-athletes, with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio and degree programs that emphasize experiential learning. Located within New York’s six-million-acre Adirondack Park, the college provides world-class Nordic skiing and biathlon training opportunities. In addition to its close proximity to iconic Olympic venues such as Mt. Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid, the college boasts 25 miles of groomed Nordic trails and an on-campus biathlon range—offering student-athletes unmatched convenience and daily access to elite training resources. The college currently supports one of the largest collegiate biathlon programs in the nation, with student-athletes pursuing degrees in fields such as environmental science, recreation management, and adventure hospitality. Learn more at paulsmiths.edu.

About U.S. Biathlon
As the Olympic sports organization for biathlon in the United States, U.S. Biathlon is recognized by the International Biathlon Union (IBU) and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) as the National Federation for the sport. U.S. Biathlon works with clubs and regional centers across the country to support grassroots development through elite international competition. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, U.S. Biathlon staffs and finances the U.S. Biathlon national and junior national teams and is dedicated to growing the sport across all levels. For more information, visit usbiathlon.org.