Area student wins national snowshoe championship

2016 Mar 9

Matt Leichty of Unadilla, N.Y., became the first Paul Smith's College student to earn an individual national title at a U.S. National Snowshoe championships when he won the 5K Men's Junior Championships Saturday, Feb. 27, in Utah.

Leichty, who is majoring in environmental science at Paul Smith's College, finished the race with a time of 20:58.4. He held onto second place for the first two thirds of the race, keeping a handle on race leader Justin Miller of Lake Oswego, Ore.

With about 3/4 of a mile to go, Leichty shot for the lead on a long ridge climb. Miller battled back soon after and overtook Leichty, but he regained the lead and then switched to a long stride on the next descent, leaving Miller behind for good.

"This was an extreme, lung burning effort given that this was Matt's first time ever at elevation," said Jim Tucker, coach of the Paul Smith's College Striders.

Leichty also doubled up with another victory on Sunday, Feb. 28, to win the junior category of the half marathon in 2:18:00 in his first ever attempt racing the 13.1 mile distance.

ABOUT PAUL SMITH'S COLLEGE

At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. Paul Smith's, which was founded in 1946, is the only bachelor's-degree-granting institution of higher education in the Adirondacks. Our programs - in fields including hospitality, culinary arts, forestry, natural resources, entrepreneurship and the sciences - draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. For more information: www.paulsmiths.edu.