Bobcats Capture Nordic National Championship!

Lake Placid, NY ~ The Paul Smith's College Nordic Ski team delivered a championship performance for the history books.

After four days of racing at the 2026 U.S. Collegiate Ski & Snowboard (USCSA) National Championships, the men's team captured the 2026 National Team Championship - the second national title in program history - while the women's team finished National Runner-Up after an extraordinary week of racing. In total, the Bobcats compiled 10 team podium finishes, 29 All-American awards, two individual national champions, and the men's Overall Individual National Champion.

The victory adds to a growing legacy for Paul Smith's College Nordic skiing, which has quickly become one of the most successful collegiate programs in the country. Since 2021, the Bobcats have won two Nordic national team championships, the 2024 U.S. Biathlon National Team Championship, and 13 individual national titles.

"Early in the season I knew this team had something special — not just because of talent, but because of who they are as a group," said head coach Matthew Dougherty. "Over the past year they've endured so much: the loss of two parents to cancer, and one of our own teammates going through chemotherapy before returning healthy this season. Through all of it, they took care of each other, and our new athletes brought incredible energy to the team. We talk a lot about showing up every day as the best version of yourself and making the most of every opportunity. This team truly embraced that. What they accomplished this week was special — a true team effort."

Philip Matthews Wins Overall Individual National Championship

One of the defining performances of the week came from third-year Philip Matthews, who was crowned Overall Individual National Champion — awarded to the athlete with the best combined results across all championship races. He becomes the third Bobcat in program history to win the overall individual title, joining two-time champion Aidan Ripp and 2024 champion Dolcie Tanguay.

"This past week was a huge challenge for us as a team, but I think we handled it amazingly. For the first race I told the boys we needed to come out of the gate swinging and we carried that energy throughout the week," said Bobcat and National Champion Philip Matthews. "The highlight of the week was having myself, Sisu, and Griffin in the A finals together and going 1-2-4; definitely a huge accomplishment for us and the most dominating win for any men's team in the USCSA in the last 5 years. Winning the overall individual championship was something that I wanted to do since I was a freshman and really focused on that all year."

Sisu Lange Claims Individual National Title

The Bobcats' second title of the championships came in the Individual Skate Sprint, where first-year Sisu Lange delivered a commanding performance to capture the Individual National Championship in that event. Lange also finished fourth in the combined standings, helping power the Bobcats' team championship and showcasing his potential going forward.

"I think that this team was one of my favorite teams ever. Being able to compete on our home course that we have spent hours training on this year was also an incredible experience, even if the conditions were difficult at times," said Bobcat Sisu Lange. "Finally winning the skate sprint was so incredible. To be able to basically lead the whole race and cross the finish line first is truly a dream come true."

A Breakthrough Week for the Bobcat Women

The women's team delivered a national-caliber performance of its own, producing one of the strongest results in program history.

The Bobcats finished second in every race and second overall, demonstrating remarkable consistency across four days of competition. A core group of first-year athletes helped drive that success:

·      Greta Dickman finished 6th in the Classic and 4th in the 15K, placing 6th overall in the combined standings.

·      Rowan Tanguay, fresh off international competition, earned Second Team All-American honors in the combined standings.

·      Katya Koshkareva earned All-American honors in every race, including top finishes in the sprint and 15K.

·      Liv Caprio contributed a 15th-place All-American finish in the 15K.

With three first-year athletes among the program's top performers, the Bobcats' future appears exceptionally bright.

"It was a great first Nationals experience—couldn't have asked for a better team or atmosphere," said Bobcat Rowan Tanguay. "Lots of racing made for a tiring week, but nevertheless, a fun one. So happy the team could end the season with lots of accolades— hard work pays off and smiles and laughter go even further."

Building a National Powerhouse

For head coach Matthew Dougherty, the championship reflects the culture and community that has helped build the Paul Smith's College Nordic program into a national contender.

"Our athletes support each other through everything," Dougherty said. "And so does our college community, the broader Nordic community of the Adirondacks, our families, and so many others. Our alumni even showed up at Nationals to wax skis, test wax, hold poles on course, and so much more. It truly takes a team to help the team perform—and we have that here at Paul Smith's College."

"This championship is a powerful reflection of what makes Paul Smith's College special," said Paul Smith's College President Dan Kelting. "Our student-athletes combine determination, resilience, and a deep sense of community, and the Nordic team demonstrated all of that on the national stage this week. We are incredibly proud of our athletes and coaches for representing the College — and the Adirondacks — with such excellence."

A complete list of results can be found online at USCSA.org. Photos have also been provided online by USCSA.

You can follow the Nordic team on Instagram at @paulsmiths_nordic or you can head over to @smittynation for schedules, results, graphics, and much more!
 

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At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. As the only four-year institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith's provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences, and natural resources. We can draw on industries and resources available in our backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive, and adventurous individuals collectively provides experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at www.paulsmiths.edu.