DURHAM, N.H. – The University of New Hampshire ski program has announced that a new scholarship has been established in recognition of former UNH ski coach Paul Berton, commemorating his 33 years of service to the University’s ski program. The Paul E. Berton Scholarship Fund was created to provide meritorious scholarship support to members of the UNH men’s ski team.
The Paul E. Berton Scholarship Fund honors coach Berton’s commitment and dedication to the UNH ski team and his contributions to the sport of skiing in the state of New Hampshire and beyond. Berton served as the coach of the UNH ski team from 1976-90. Berton, hired by Director of Athletics Andy Mooradian after graduating from Plymouth State College with a degree in physical education, went on to oversee the alpine, jumping and Nordic teams in the early part of his career and later led the men’s and women’s alpine teams. Berton coached 12 All-Americans, eight UNH Hall of Famers, seven U.S. Ski Team members, three Olympians and a national champion. Coach Berton has also raised the profile of UNH skiing, especially during the four years the University hosted the NCAA Skiing Championships (1984, 92, 95, 2008) and the three years he served as the alpine “Chief of Race.”
“Paul Berton is the reason for our current success,” UNH ski coordinator and Nordic head coach Cory Schwartz said. “He stabilized the team in the late 70s and, through his leadership, grew the team into a Top-10 national contender. We are very proud that the alumni have honored Paul with the naming of his endowment fund that will allow us to recruit athletes who hopefully will help us meet our goal of moving UNH into the Top-5 nationally. I was proud to ski for Paul and to work beside him, and I cannot wait to award the first recipient of the scholarship in his honor.”
Coach Berton is an active member of the Friends of UNH Skiing Board of Directors. Since 1992, he has served as the chair of the Friends of Ski NH. He was also instrumental in establishing the UNH ski team’s endowment fund in partnership with the N.H. Ski Operators Association.
The Paul E. Berton Scholarship Fund was established by former UNH skier John LoMedico (’80), his wife Lisa, former UNH skier Gordy Hall (’79) and his wife Linda. The announcement was made Nov. 12 during a gathering of more than 80 UNH skiing alumni and friends at the Whittemore Center Skybox Lounge.
