August 26, 2010 (Presque Isle, ME) – Paul Stone, who was just named the head ski coach at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, has added another title to his resume this week. He was elected by NCAA ski coaches nationwide to be president of the United States Collegiate Skiing Coaches Association (USCSCA).

The USCSCA is responsible for the professional development of ski coaches in the US and for advocacy on behalf of collegiate skiing within the NCAA. Stone was elected by the head coaches of the twenty-six NCAA ski programs nationwide. Maine, with its four NCAA Ski Teams (UMPI, Colby, Bates, Bowdoin), has more programs than any other state in the Country.

“Within a group of highly motivated, highly competitive people, Paul has gained the respect of his coaching peers for his easy manner and thoughtful leadership style,” said Bud Fisher, head coach of the Williams College Ski Team for twenty-seven years. “I look forward to Paul bringing that leadership to the USCSCA.”

“I am humbled to be recognized by my peers in this way,” said Stone. “The USCSCA has an important role to play in the growth of NCAA skiing and I am looking forward to working with the coaches across the Country to make that happen.”

Stone takes over the NCAA’s newest ski team at UMPI, and the only NCAA ski program in the University of Maine system. With tuition, room and board at less than half the cost of many NCAA ski schools, the world-class Nordic Heritage Center, early snow, and with so many of the nation’s top cross country skiers coming out of New England, Stone and the University of Maine Presque Isle staff are excited for the future of the program.

For more information please contact: Paul Stone at nordicski@umpi.edu, or Andy Shepard at mwsc@mac.com.