Paul Smiths biathletes to compete in World U games

PAUL SMITHS | Two student-athletes from Paul Smith's College will compete in Biathlon and Nordic events at the 2021 World University Games. The international winter sport competition takes place in Lucerne, Switzerland from Dec. 11 to Dec. 21 this year after an 11-month delay. Dolcie Tanguay, of Fort Kent, Maine, and Diego Schillaci, of New Paltz, will compete, having trained through Paul Smith's unique on-campus collaboration with the U.S. Biathlon Association. "We are thrilled for Dolcie and Diego," said Max Cobb, US Biathlon president and CEO. "The opportunity to compete with the top student biathletes from around the world is incomparable, and we know it will inspire them and provide a tremendous educational experience. "They will represent Paul Smith's College and our country really well." Tanguay, 19, was among the first athletes to officially open the school's new biathlon range, according to PSC officials. She was one of only four students nationwide to win a a U.S. Biathlon scholarship last year. The E. Philip Saunders Nordic and Biathlon Stadium officially opened in January 2020 and is the only on-campus range in the country. "I am so excited to represent the U.S. at World University Games," Tanguay said in the release. "It will be my first time competing in Europe, and I'm looking forward to learning as much as possible as well as getting to race in a new place." The PSC partnership with U.S. Biathlon offers athletes the chance to continue to train while working toward a college degree. Schillaci, 18, is also pursuing a degree in environmental science. "I have never been to a competition of this scale before," he said, "and I have no idea what to expect. I may be a bit nervous, but I'm going to try to take it one piece at a time and remember to try my best. I am looking forward to meeting people from all different cultures and backgrounds connected by this awesome sport." Four-time Olympian and Paul Smith's native Tim Burke is the PSC/Biathlon director of athlete development. "These races will be an excellent opportunity for both athletes to experience international biathlon racing with other student athletes from around the globe," he said. "I'm sure this will be a motivating experience and a valuable stepping stone in their Biathlon careers." Tanguay and Schillaci are among 26 Nordic and Biathlon athletes currently enrolled at PSC. "We started this program in the hopes we could help more athletes pursue both Biathlon and a college education. To see athletes getting that opportunity two years in is incredibly special," said Matt Dougherty, PSC's Nordic coach. "I know both Dolcie and Diego will be great trailblazers for our program." US Biathlon and Paul Smith's College are looking forward to creating similar opportunities when the World University Games come to Lake Placid in January 2023.

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Paul Smiths biathletes to compete in World U games

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