Author: Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) presented more than 120 pounds of Dunkin’ coffee to the Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T.) at Saratoga Race Course on Monday, Sept. 6 – closing day of the 2021 racing season. 

The 126 pounds of coffee was donated based on a pledge from Dunkin’ to supply B.E.S.T. with one pound of coffee for every win by the leading owner, trainer, and jockey of the 2021 Saratoga meet. 

Klaravich Stables was the meet’s leading owner with 21 wins, while Chad Brown claimed the H. Allen Jerkens training title with 41 wins. Luis Saez captured the Angel Cordero Jr. riding title with 64 wins. 

NYRA Community Relations Manager Vanessa Rodriguez Payne presented the coffee to B.E.S.T. Saratoga Program Director Nancy Underwood and numerous volunteers from the non-profit organization during a special winner’s circle ceremony on Monday. The presentation followed the day’s second race named “The Backstretch Employee Service Team runs on Dunkin.’” 

“What is special about running,” said Hislop “is that these women are balancing work and families and still make time for it.” 

ALBANY — The elite field for the Freihofer’s Run for Women is beginning to take shape, with Ballston Spa native Megan Hogan among the pack. 

The 43rd Freihofer’s Run for Women is set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 25 starting at 9 a.m. The elite field is typically made up of about 15-25 runners and the masters, for women 40+, is about 10 runners. Kristen Hislop, Event Director of the Freihofer’s Run for Women, said that this year they are looking at a more regional group of competitors. 

“The course is fun and enjoyable for a variety of women,” said Hislop. “Its strategic though, as it starts on a hill and finishes on a downhill. Its not a record-setting course, but it will have a great finish.”

Megan Hogan, a two-time NCAA All-American and two-time Atlantic 10 Cross Country Performer of the Year at George Washington University, will be competing in the race. The Ballston Spa native and Saratoga Catholic graduate was the first American to finish the race in 2014, and finished 11th at the 2015 race with a time of 16:18. 

Hogan has previously spoken alongside Benita Willis and Melody Fairchild in an elite runners panel hosted by Hislop. All three women are well-known runners, with career heights at different stages throughout life. Hogan now lives in Boston, MA. She is working as a full-time interior designer and strategist, studying to be a wine sommelier, and runs on the side. 

“What is special about running,” said Hislop “is that these women are balancing work and families and still make time for it.” 

Hislop mentioned that they have already started planning the 44th Freihofer’s Run for Women for June 22, hoping that before next year’s race they can resume having these collegiate and post-collegiate competitors visit and speak with local high school athletes. 

“The Freihofer’s race sheds a light on runners from this region.” Hislop continued, “out of all the sports, this region produces some of the most successful runners.” 

New Fall ’21 – Challenger Soccer 

Following the tremendous success of Saratoga Little League’s Challenger Baseball Program and the Saratoga Springs City School District’s Unified Athletic programs, Saratoga Rec. is excited to announce that it will be introducing an adaptive Soccer Program that gives players with specialized needs a place to join in and play the game of soccer in our community. 

This program, for ages 4 to 22, is structured to educate participants about the game of soccer, develop the physical skills needed to play the game, and compete against their peers in a weekly game. 

Challenger Soccer will be held on Saturdays from Sept. 11 to Oct. 30 from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. at the Saratoga Casino & Hotel (34 Jefferson St, Saratoga Springs). Players will need to bring water and wear sneakers/cleats – no jewelry or watches. Fees are $45 for city residents and $65 for non-city residents, and a t-shirt is included in the fee.

Volunteer coaches are needed. 

Field Hockey 

Drive up your skills! The Field Hockey League is geared towards the individual looking to learn the sport through drills and team play. Tuesday’s session will focus on skill development and Saturday’s sessions will focus on team play. 

The Field Hockey League is for ages 8 to 14. The league will run from Sept. 14 to Oct. 23 on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Rec. Center Field (15 Vanderbilt Ave). Players will need a water, stick, shin guards, and mouth guard; the Rec. Department will supply each participant with the necessary equipment if they do not own it. 

Fees before Sept. 6 are $55 for city residents and $65 for non-city residents. Fees after Sept. 6 are $80 for City residents and $90 for non-city residents.

Coordinator is Jenna Cappezutti, Elmira College four-year starter and former Scotia-Glenville coach.

Volleyball

Serve up your best! The Volleyball Program focuses on skill development and the teaching of rules and strategy in order to become a better volleyball player. Two sessions will be offered, one for 8 to 12 year-olds and another for 13 to 16 year-olds. 

The Volleyball Program will run from Sept. 15 to Oct. 20 at the Rec. Center (15 Vanderbilt Ave). Ages 8-12 will play on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and ages 13-16 will also play on Wednesdays from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Participants will need a water and sneakers. 

Fees before Sept. 6 are $55 for city residents and $65 for non-city residents. Fees after Sept. 6 are $80 for city residents and $90 for non-city residents. 

Pickleball Workshop

This fall, the Rec. Department will be hosting four workshops on Sept. 16. Two are geared towards Beginners, one is geared towards Advanced Beginners (those with knowledge of the game and who have some playing experience), and one geared toward those players at an Intermediate level.

The Beginners workshop for ages 16+ is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Beginners workshop for ages 18+ is from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. The rest of the workshops are for ages 18+ with the Advanced Beginners from 12 to 12:30 p.m. and the Intermediate from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The workshops will be held at the East Side Rec Pickleball Courts (226 Lake Avenue). Fees before Sept. 13 are $45 for city residents and $65 for non-city residents. Fees after Sept. 13 are $70 for city residents and $90 for non-city residents. 

Participants will need a paddle, water and sneakers. Coordinator: Ken Henderson, Traveling Pickleball Pros.

Contact the Recreation Department at 518-587-3550 x2300 or recreservations@saratoga-springs.org with questions. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Rotary Clubs throughout the Capital Region are sponsoring the 23rd annual Gift of Life International Golf Tournament on Monday, Sept. 20 at Pinehaven Country Club in Guilderland.

The fee is $130 for individuals or $500 for a foursome. The tournament will follow a handicap scramble format with a 10 a.m. shotgun start. Players may pick up a box lunch on the patio. Happy Hour begins when each player finishes golfing. Prizes will be awarded for low and net scores, putting, longest ball, and closest to the pin. Awards and raffle winners will be named after Happy Hour. 

The golf tournament raises money for pediatric heart patients. People and companies can help raise money for this cause by being a lunch sponsor, golf cart sponsor, purchasing a tee sign, and/or by golfing. You may sign up as a single or a foursome. To register to play, or support the event through sponsorships or program advertising, go to events at www.giftoflife7190.org. 

Rotary District 7190 includes 41 local clubs and stretches from Albany to Warren Counties to the north, and east to west from Rensselaer to Montgomery and Fulton Counties. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Blue Knights is hosting a Try Hockey for Free Day on Sunday, Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Weibel Avenue Ice Skating Rink. 

Do you have family, friends, or neighbors who have wondered what participating in youth hockey is all about? The Saratoga Blue Knights invites boys and girls between the ages of 4-9 to a Try Hockey for Free Clinic where they can experience ice hockey for the first time and learn the basics of the sport in a fun, safe environment. Equipment and skates will be provided; if you have your own bring them along too. 

To register go online to tryhockeyforfree.com/event_detail/249. For more information about Saratoga Blue Knights and Saratoga Youth Hockey visit www.saratogayouthhockey.org and follow their Instagram page @saratogablueknights, or Facebook page @saratogayouthhockeyinc. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs 1st Annual Charity Golf Scramble, sponsored by Saratoga Financial Services and The Adirondack Trust Company, will take place Sept. 17 at McGregor Links Golf Club in Saratoga.

Entry fee of $100 per person ($400 per team) includes 18 holes, cart, lunch, raffle prizes, 50/50, and a chance at hole-in-one prizes. 

Registration is at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Entry forms are available through email at saratogarotarygolf@gmail.com or contact Nathan Towne (802-734-5154). Return completed forms with payment information via email, or with checks made payable to Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs, P.O. Box 1307, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866.