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Author: Aidan Clark

Schuylerville Boys Soccer in Sectional Final

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Sports.

The Schuylerville boys’ soccer team came back from behind to defeat Ichabod Crane 3-2 on Tuesday, October 27. The Black Horses will face Broadalbin-Perth in the Section 2 Class B final on November 2 at Bethlehem. 

Coach Dave Gauci did not expect to be in this position at the start of the season. 

“We are young and I didn’t know what to expect from our freshman. But they’ve really been pulling their weight, playing big roles,” said Gauci. “We have a senior goalkeeper that’s playing really well and a lot of juniors and sophomores. It’s a very diverse mix of students and they blended well together.”

The team finished second in the Foothills Council with a record of 7-1-2.

Last year Broadalbin-Perth bounced Schuylerville out of the sectional tournament, this year the two are 1-1 against each other.

In the game against Ichabod Crane “there was a lot that happened in the first half, we should adjust and overcome some things and get that final goal,” said Gauci. “The first goal we scored, we held it for like 30 seconds. I said, ‘are you guys kidding me?’ We need to de better and they did that.”

Gauci believes that if the team can clean up concentration errors, they can prevail against Broadalbin-Perth on Monday night.   

Saratoga Springs Tennis Duo Makes Appearance at Home of US Open 

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Sports.

Coach Kevin Crotty, Nazek Gheith and Brooklyn Kelling
(Courtesy of Rich Johns)

Doubles teammates Nazek Gheith (Junior) and Brooklyn Kelling (Eighth Grade) of Saratoga Springs girls’ tennis competed at the New York State Tennis Tournament held at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens on Monday, October 26. 

The team punched their ticket to NYC in the Section 2 doubles tournament by upsetting number two seed Shaker in the third-place game. 

“They were very excited! Coach Crotty and I were happy for them and proud of them,” said Coach Tim Obrien. 

The pair performed well in the New York State tournament, defeating a tough duo from Bayport-Blue Point High School in their first match. Unfortunately, their run ended in the round of 16 against Fayetteville-Manlius Senior High School.  

Coach Obrien said it was a great experience for Nazek and Brooklyn to get their first experience at the State level and play in the home of the US Open.  

A Section 2 Clean Sweep

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

Saratoga Springs Boys’ High School Golf Team Winning the Section 2 Class A Championship
(Courtesy of Jake Zanetti) 

On Wednesday, October 21, Saratoga Springs won the Section 2 Class A boys’ golf championship, completing a Section 2 trifecta on the season. 

The team achieved a perfect 15-0 regular season record, subsequently winning the Suburban Council championship, and now boasts a Section 2 title. 

“It’s been a goal that’s been passed down from team to team over the last few years,” said Coach Jake Zanetti. “Even last night I was texting some of the boys who last won the sectionals in 2022.”

That team went 11-1 in the regular season, only losing to eventual Suburban Council champions Shaker.

This year the Blue Streaks were led by Sophomore Francisco “Ceko” Cupp who shot one under par of 71. Overall, the team displayed a dominant performance, finishing 15 strokes under runner-up Bethlehem.   

Senior Cole Whitman was happy to see the team get over the line in his last year.

“Golf at its core is an individual sport, but as a team we have been hungry for this now for four years,” Whitman wrote. “We all wanted this not just for ourselves, but for one another and it feels awesome not to just finally get the win, but to go out as a champion!”

Saratoga Modified Soccer Raises Over 1,000 Dollars for St. Jude Hospital

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Sports.

Saratoga Springs Modified Soccer Team with Coach Tony Devissio (Middle) and Principal Michael Lopez (Right) (Aidan Clark)

The Saratoga Springs Modified Soccer team wrapped up their season with a fundraising challenge for St Jude hospital. In total, the team raised $1,220 for the children’s hospital. 

“The reason why I do the fundraisers is to help the kids feel proud of themselves and get a good feeling of helping others,” said Coach Tony Devissio. “If they take it into adulthood and become a caring and giving person, then as a coach, you’re doing what you can to help your kids learn and grow.”

During practice on Thursday, October 22, the students took shots from various places on the soccer pitch including the 6-yard, 18-yard and halfway line. Scoring from each position corresponded to varying points based on the difficulty of the shot: halfway line=50 points, 18-yard line=25 points. 

The student athletes then equated the points they scored on the field to donations from family members. For example, some families choose to donate 15 cents per point. 

First year principal, Michael Lopez, who previously coached varsity soccer at Queens Metropolitan High School, came out to see the friendly competition and was proud to see the team bonding.

“I think they learned to push their abilities and talk with the community about being able to connect with the team for a good cause, but also about enjoying and having fun with it,” said Lopez. “Throughout the week they were really excited about it. I think it’s a way for them to see the fundraising aspect and what it could be if you work as a team.

Malta Drive-In Theaters Added to Historic Business Preservation

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Business.

Entrance to the Malta Drive-In Theater (Aidan Clark)
From left to right: Cordell Reaves from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, Tom and Ed Caro, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (Aidan Clark)

The Malta Drive-In Theater was added to the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry (HBPR) on Saturday, October 24.  

The 77-year-old business, nominated to the registry by Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D-113), will be displayed on an online interactive map designed for heritage tourists. 

“A Heritage tourist is somebody who travels to communities to understand the American History of them,” said Assemblywoman Woerner. “[The HBPR] is a way for tourists to get a sense of the institutions which make up a sense of community to get a unique sense of place.” 

The HBPR launched in 2022 and now contains over 350 businesses which have operated over 50 years in the same municipality.   

Brothers Ed and Tom Caro have spent their lives in the drive-in theater business, beginning as teenagers at the Greenville Drive-In. In 1988 they agreed to purchase the Malta Drive-In from their former boss, Thomas Thornton, who owned both theaters at the time.  

“We had a furniture store in town, and we wanted to find a permanent location,” said Ed Caro. “We bought [the Malta Drive-In Theater] with the intention of keeping it running and using the parcel in the front to build the furniture store.” 

The Caros operated their furniture shop in the building along route 9 until 2001 when they sold it to Menneto’s Wildhorse Powersports. In 2008 the brothers expanded the Drive-In by building a second screen.  

The Malta Drive-In wrapped up their 2026 season last weekend with Christmas in October screening “The Polar express,” “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Elf,” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” 

The theater will re-open in April of 2027 for their 78th season. 

To view all the business in the HBPR, visit parks.ny.gov.

Saratoga’s Latest Viral Sensation: Cheesesteak Alley

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Business, Featured.

In an effort to retain summer workers through the winter at 15 Church, Chef Michael Mastrantuono devised a solution – start selling Philly cheesesteaks.  

“Originally I thought if I sell 25-30 cheesesteaks out the back door, I can keep four of my line cooks that I normally have to let go,” said Mastrantuono.  

In their first weekend on October 17 and 18, Cheesesteak Alley sold 750 cheesesteaks, proving the business venture is more than sustainable.  

“If I could have sold 10,000 this weekend, we would have sold 10,000,” said Mastrantuono.  

Cheesesteak Alley operates from 15 Church’s dormant patio Wednesday through Saturday from 3:30 to 10 p.m. or until they sell out. 

The $24 cheesesteak features shaved Australian wagyu beef, confit Vidalia onions, poblano peppers, pickled peppers and cooper sharp cheese on a 12-inch semolina roll sourced from New York City.  

Accompanying the cheesesteak on the menu are $8 house cut curly fries fried in beef tallow which overflow in the bag.   

Social media videos have contributed to the overwhelming success and have put a hold on upcoming menu items like drunken street noodles and a smoked cheddar hot dog.  

For the time being, Mastrantuono says he is focused on consistently delivering the best cheesesteak before expanding the menu. 

“As 15 Church, because you have that reputation, it has to be the best Philly Cheesesteak these people have ever had,” said Mastrantuono. 

Eventually Mastrantuono expects to release more menu items, whether it be a limited supply or on specific day. 

Now the question on his mind is what to do during the track season when the patio will be used by the restaurant? 

“It looks like I have to open up a cheesesteak restaurant in Saratoga,” Mastrantuono said. “I don’t know if I will be able to pause for the 12-week track season because this has become a massive thing.” 

Ultimately, Cheesesteak alley is serving its purpose for the restaurant industry, by the restaurant industry.  

“The most warming part about this whole thing is it feels like it’s bringing more of a community feel to 15 Church,” said Mastrantuono. “People who work in restaurants can’t always get an $89 dollar filet mignon. But they can roll up after work and grab a really great cheesesteak, have a really awesome meal, with that 15 Church touch.” 

Cheesesteak Alley is available for pick up or delivery. Customers can order ahead on their website to lock in a pick-up time at thecheesesteakalley.com. 

Calling All Adrenaline Hunters! Polar Plunge at Saratoga High

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Featured, Sports.


The Mobile Polar Plunge (Courtesy of Colleen Belanger)

“Special Olympics runs a lot of programs up here in our area for their community teams. There’s a track program, bowling program, they go swimming and they have people that ski at West Mountain,” said Belanger. “We are really just reaching out to our whole community to support Special Olympics and all the things they do.”

Saratoga Springs Schools have been an advocate for individuals with disabilities, offering integrated physical education classes in the middle and high schools, earning the school national recognition in their efforts to promote unified sports. 

Now the unified community is seeking support from the greater Saratoga Community.

“It’s a big project to take on in the fall at the beginning of school, but I have a really strong group of student leaders who are super motivated,” said Belanger. “My students are reaching out to companies for sponsorships. It’s a great leadership opportunity for our students to take on an event like this.”

One of those students, Averyll Gilcreast, who has been participating in unified sports at Saratoga since she was a freshman, reached Saratoga TODAY to inform us about the event. 

The minimum donation to take the plunge is $25; participants can sign up as a team or do it solo. Once registered, a personal page is created so supporters can back your plunge. To register, scan the QR code attached to this article. 

The plunge is open to everyone, even those not willing to brave the chilling water. However, everyone is invited to cheer on the adrenaline hunters. A block party fit with a DJ, yard games, and food vendors will accompany the plunge. 

https://events.nyso.org/site/TR?fr_id=3842&pg=entry

Business sponsorships are still available for this valiant cause, email Coach Belanger at c_belanger@saratogaschools.org for more information. 

New GlobalFoundries Fabs Will be Co-Owned by United States and Japanese Governments

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Business, Featured.


Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick Speaking at GlobalFoundries’ headquarters in Malta, NY (Aidan Clark)

“This is something that no one’s ever thought of before,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, at GlobalFoundries’ celebration of Japan’s 21-billion-dollar investment into two new semiconductor fabs on Wednesday, October 21 at Luther Forest Technology Campus in Malta. 

This investment comes from the administration’s strategic trade and investment agreement in which Japan will invest a total of 550 billion dollars into American industries at President Trump’s discretion, in exchange for a lower tariff rate of 15%. 

“Japan and the United States have agreed to support this project with an initial investment of approximately 10 billion dollars, which has the potential to expand up to 21 billion dollars,” said Council General of Japan Ambassador, Satoshi Katahira. 

During the ceremony Secretary Lutnick announced the upcoming fabs will be evenly co-owned by United States and Japanese governments.

“Not only does the United States of America make money from the tariffs, but we also make money on 50% of the cash flow profits of this 20-billion-dollar investment,” said Secretary Lutnick. “On top of that, because of the scale of this investment, GlobalFoundries has agreed to give us 7% of the company, which at current market value is about 2 billion dollars.”

The publicly traded company, with its majority owner a sovereign wealth fund of the United Arab Emirates, began commercial operation of its Fab 8 in Malta in 2012. A plan for multiple fabrication facilities has been envisioned since the beginning of its investment in Malta.

Kickoff Winter at the Expanded Northeast Winter Expo

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

The 62nd annual Northeast Winter Expo is returning to Saratoga Springs October 24-25 at the Saratoga Springs City Cetner. Show hours are Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with free admission. 

Highlights include:

100 exhibitors and resorts, and 8,000 active attendees featuring gear and clothing sales, interactive demos, prizes, inspiring films, motivational speakers, and après ski food/drink.

At the booths, learn about club memberships, activities, events and races, and sign up for day, weekend, and weeklong alpine and cross-country ski trips from many clubs and organizations. 

Sign up for the free Ski & Ride Passport for any 3rd, 4th or 5th grader to enjoy winter at most NY resorts when accompanied by a paying adult. Learn more: iskiny.com.

With entry to the Expo, receive a prize ticket for entry to win one of 40 prizes. Prizes include lift tickets from alpine ski resorts, trail passes from cross-country ski resorts, season passes, a snowboard, ski/binding packages, snowshoes, and much more. Many ski resorts will also be offering special deals in their booths. Winners will be drawn after the show and notified directly by show organizers. Must be 18 or over to enter.

Saratoga Photobooth Company will offer a free souvenir photo from the Upstate Sports Winter Expo. 

Quality skier-friendly food and drink options available for purchase from local vendors, including local craft beer. 

There will be many hands-on fun and educational activities for kids and adults of all ages.

Saratoga Springs High School Golf Poised for a Section 2 Clean Sweep 

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Sports.

Saratoga Springs Boys’ High School Golf Team Practicing at Saratoga National Ahead of Section 2 Individual Qualifiers (Aidan Clark)

Saratoga Springs High School Golf Team at the Section 2 Individual Qualifiers on October 14 (Courtesy of Coach Jake Zanetti)

The Saratoga Springs Boys’ High School Golf team has attained a perfect, 15-0 record in the regular season. The team is aiming to pull off a clean sweep of team achievements: a perfect regular season, Suburban Council Championship, and Section 2 Championship. 

In the seven seasons Coach Jake Zanetti has coached the team, they have never captured all three. 

In their final match against Shenendehowa on October 1, their winning streak was almost snapped. After all golfers had finished their game; it seemed Saratoga Springs lost by one point. 

On hole five, Wyatt Dolinsky’s ball was on the fringe. When he putted his ball, he inadvertently hit teammate Brady Greiner’s ball. When Dolinsky asked the coaches at the next hole if it was a penalty stroke, they told him it was.

However, a 45-minute conversation after the round, it was determined that if Dolinsky was on the green then it would have been a penalty, but because he was on the fringe, it was not. Therefore, the penalty was removed, and Saratoga retained their perfect season. 

The Section 2 team championship will be held on October 21 at the Fairways of Halfmoon. Saratoga has been runners up in the Section 2 Championship for the past three years.

Senior Cole Whitman has been on the team for all their runner-up finishes and is encouraging the team to stay focused. 

“I’ve been in this situation now many times, so the main idea is just to stay dialed in and be at the best of our game when it comes,” Whitman said.

In between the regular season and the Section 2 Championship, four of Saratoga Springs golfers qualified for the State Tournament for Section 2 in the Spring: Eliott Meyers, Michael Hakewill, and Matthew Nawrot, and Francisco Cupp who was the Section 2 Champion.

The state tournament will be held on June 6-7. at the Mill Creek Golf Course in Churchville, NY. 

Cupp, a sophomore, has been a section 2 star in his high school golf career so far, and took fourth place last year in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association boys golf championship.