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Saratoga Rowers Star at the U19 World Rowing Championships

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

Team USA’s Mixed 8 Rowing Team (Courtesy of USA Rowing)

Olivia Lill and Parker Mansfield at the Olympic training center in Chula Vista, California (Courtesy of Christy Lill)
Team USA Men’s 8 Rowing Team (Courtesy of USA Rowing)

Plovdiv, Bulgaria— Two local Saratoga rowing athletes, Olivia Lill and Parker Mansfield, won silverware at the under 19 World Rowing Championship this past weekend for team USA. Both rowers train with Saratoga Rowing Association.

Olivia Lill won the bronze medal in the inaugural mixed 8 competition. Her boat completed the 2,000 meters race in 6 minutes and 02.64 seconds, earning them a spot on the podium. 

This new competition combined the men’s and women’s four teams.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to compete with my crew against the best in the world. It is so cool to line up against other crews who speak different languages and come from different countries, but we all have one thing in common, a passion for rowing and racing,” said Lill.

Lill will be attending the University of Central Florida in the fall.

“I couldn’t have gotten here without the support of my friends and family, especially my home program, SRA, for always pushing me to be the best version of myself. I also want to give a shoutout to our phenomenal coach, Caitlin McClain at USRowing, who developed our four this summer. Hard work truly pays off!”

Mansfield participated in the Men’s 8 A Final and helped team USA win second place with a final time of 5 minutes and 36.46 seconds.

It was an exhilarating race as after 1,500 meters, team USA’s boat was down over half a second to eventual third place Germany with 500 meter to go. 

Mansfield attributes their final sprint to the adjustment the team made after the heat the day prior. 

“We worked a lot on our timing, we shortened our stroke,” Mansfield said. 

Program director for Saratoga Rowing Association, Mike MacMinn underscored the feat. 

“In the 8s it’s very difficult to overcome a deficit like that,” MacMinn said. But “that matches up with our race plan and the way we train. We stress the concept that we are a second half team; we close really well when other teams often have emptied the tank too early.”

Mansfield is entering his senior year at Saratoga Springs High School and is excited to see where Rowing will take him in the future. 

“It was truly amazing representing the country,” Mansfield said. 

Sales Record Smashed at the 105th Saratoga Sale

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

Hip 136, sold for $4,200,000 on Tuesday Night
(Courtesy of Fasig-Tipton)

For the second year in a row, the Saratoga Sale at Fasig-Tipton shattered record sales in all categories, notably $118,215,000 gross sales. A total of 35 yearlings were sold for seven figures over the course of two nights, also breaking the record established last year, when 25 horses hit that marker.

“[I] Genuinely believe it was the greatest horse sale I’ve ever seen in my life,” Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning said. “I joined Fasig-Tipton in 1988. We’ve had some wonderful moments, and some not so wonderful moments, and last night and tonight were simply incredible.

The most expensive horse of the night, hip 136, went for $4,200,000.

Hip 136 is a descendant of American Pharoh, who won the Tripple Crown and the Breeder’s Cup in 2015, and infamously had his eight-race win streak snapped at the Traver’s Stakes. 

Other notable sales from the night included:

• A Gunrunner Colt (hip 200), the second foal out of the multiple Grade 3 winning Majesticperfection mare, Four Graces, sold for $4,000,000

• Colt by Nyquist (hip 83) sold for $3,200,000

• Colt by Not This Time (hip 227) sold for $3,000,000

• Mischief colt (hip 140) sold for $2,800,000

The average sale was $777,730, up 24.2% over the highwater mark set last year of $626,366. The median rose 16.6% for another record, to $525,000 from last year’s $450,000.

The Leading Consignor by gross was Taylor Made Sales Agency, which sold 29 yearlings for a total of $22,705,000.

“Mark my words on August 11, 2026, you’re going to look up two years from now, three years from now, and see some of the best horses in the world are graduates of this horse sale,” Browning said. 

Saratoga Bridges Raises over $60,000 during Annual Golf Classic

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.


Jane Mastaitis, CAO of Saratoga Bridges, Addressing Golfers (Courtesy of Saratoga Bridges)

Saratoga Bridges, A Chapter of the Arc, New York, raised over $60,000 during their 23rd Annual J. Michael Fitzgibbons Memorial Golf Classic which took place last Monday, July 27th. Held at the McGregor Links Country Club, this event raised vital funds for Saratoga Bridges’ underfunded programs and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Saratoga County for more than 60 years. A portion of the proceeds also benefit the J. Michael Fitzgibbons Memorial Scholarship fund, which is given to a Saratoga Bridges employee seeking to further their education in college.

The event honors the late J. Michael Fitzgibbons, a long-time Saratoga Bridges’ Board of Directors and community member who passed away in 2005. The Fitzgibbons family continues to play a large role in the golf committee and continues to uphold his legacy and his lasting impact here in Saratoga County.

Saratoga Bridges’ event season will continue with their 36th Annual Travers Day at the Races fundraiser at the Saratoga Racetrack on Saturday, August 29th at the Easy Goer Restaurant. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.saratogabridges.org.

A Loss of Sight, Never a Loss of Vision

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Sports.


Camp Abilities Saratoga Campers and Coaches Tandem Biking 
(Courtesy of Aidan Clark)

Mixed in among the various summer camps on Skidmore’s campus last week was Camp Abilities Saratoga, a weeklong sleep away camp for the blind and visually impaired. This year, 15 campers were paired one-to-one with a coach, many of whom are former campers themselves. 

Camp abilities Saratoga is a service project of the Saratoga Lion’s Club which started in 2013. The camp is modeled after the original Camp Abilities Brockport, founded by Brockport Professor, Dr. Lauren J. Lieberman in 1996.

Currently there are 29 other camp abilities around the county and the world.


Camp Abilities Saratoga Campers Learning Baseball
(Courtesy of Aidan Clark)

The camp welcomes kids aged 10 through 16 to stay on Skidmore’s campus from August 1st through the 8th. Activities include ice skating, tandem biking, baseball, bowling, soccer, and tennis.

“The goal is to work on their confidence, self-esteem, and learn to advocate for themselves,” said Camp Abilities Saratoga Vice President, John McDonald. “Lots of times in their school districts they may be the only child that’s blind or visually impaired. Here, they’re with other kids that face the same daily challenges.”

There is no cost to the families for the camp. It is made possible through grants from the New York Commission for the Blind and fundraisers by the Saratoga Lion’s Club.

This year, The Western Sun Foundation, a community of popular jab band Goose, donated $10,000 dollars in support of Camp Abilities Saratoga.  

Donations are the foundation for Camp Abilities Saratoga to allow a sense of independence for the blind and visually impaired. Those interested in making a charitable contribution can do so at www.campabilitiessaratoga.org/donate/.

Saratoga’s First Annual Chocolate Milk Mile

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.


(Runners Starting their Chocolate Milk Mile)

Despite the sweltering August heat, runners of all ages lined up at noon to participate in the first annual chocolate milk mile on the track of Saratoga Spring’s High School last Saturday. All proceeds went towards the Saratoga Springs City School District boys and girls cross-country programs.

Organizer and Saratoga High School alum, Cole Harris, had participated in a chocolate milk mile in high school, but was disappointed to see it discontinued when he went away to college.

“I think it’s a really cool event for the community and I’m happy to bring it back to the area,” said Harris.

All the chocolate milk for the fundraiser was donated by Stewarts shops. Participants drank 12 ounces of chocolate milk every time around the track, four times. 

Harris hopes to make the Saratoga chocolate milk mile a tradition.

Randi Morris Wins Silver

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.


 Randi Morris throws opponent, blue uniform
(Courtesy of Roy Nanjo)

Ft. Lauderdale, FL— Burnt Hills High School Sophomore, Randi Morris from the Jason Morris Judo Center took a silver medal in the 70kg under 18 division at the Jr. US Open held at the Broward County Convention Center on Sunday, July 26.

Randi is the daughter of Olympic Silver Medalist, Jason Morris and Teri Takemori who was down there to coach Randi. This win was a sweet birthday present for Teri as she celebrated in Florida. Randi also moved up a category and took fifth place in the 70kg under 21 division. 

New Thoroughbred Championship Series Includes Saratoga Springs

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

On Monday, August 3rd the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and Churchill Downs Incorporated announced the formation of the “Thoroughbred Championship Series.” A new season-long championship for 3-year-olds that will include six races across Saratoga Race Course, Belmont Park, and Churchill Downs Racetrack. 

The inaugural season commences next year in 2027 which includes the Kentucky Derby and newly created Championship Race at the Churchill Downs Race Track, the Belmont Stakes and Matt Winn Stakes at Belmont Park, and the Jim Dandy Stakes and Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. 

This season-long championship is the first of its kind in horse racing, targeted at a younger generation of sports fans according to Churchill Downs Incorporated CEO Bill Carstanjen.

“Today’s fans experience sports differently than they did a decade ago. They want stories that unfold over time. They want rivalries, standings, and meaningful competition that builds from one event to the next. They want a championship they can follow throughout an entire season, and they want to see a champion crowned each year to celebrate.”

The Thoroughbred Championship Series aims to provide enticing storylines for fans; and a five-million-dollar prize pool to incentivize owners and trainers to participate. 

This new championship series puts Saratoga in the spotlight of it all, using the Jim Dandy Stakes and Travers Stakes amid a larger championship. 

Notably the Preakness, the second Stake in the racing calendar for the Tripple Crown is excluded from the Thoroughbred Championship Series. 

Churchill Downs Incorporated tried to purchase the rights to the Preakness Stakes and Black-Eyed Susan Stakes last month. However, the former owner of both Stakes, 1/ST Maryland LLC had a deal that Maryland could match any offer to buy the rights, and that’s exactly what they did. 

The Maryland Economic Development Corporation finalized the rights of the Preakness Stakes and Black-Eyed Susan Stakes for 85 million dollars. This came less than a week before NYRA and Churchill Downs Inc. announced the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series. 

Time will tell if the Thoroughbred Championship Series establishes itself with the same prestige as the Tripple Crown, or if it will captivate a younger demographic. 

As for Saratoga Race Course, each race in the series will be nationally broadcasted, furthering its reputation as a worldwide destination for premier horse racing. 

Alliance Saratoga Wrestling Club Shines in Atlantic City

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

Olive Till, Jaxson Fittson, and Brenden Voland with Coach Dan Ladd (Dan Ladd)
Damien Snyder with Coach Dan Ladd (Dan Ladd)

Alliance Saratoga Wrestling Club sent four of their students to Atlantic City on July 21st to compete in the NuWay Combat National Wrestling Championship. All four wrestlers made the podium and two are national champions.  

Damian Snyder won the 135lb under 13 open division, going 3-0, including a thrilling triple overtime win with a late reversal. 

Brenden Voland won the novice 10 and under 130lb division, going 3-0, with a pin in the final to win the division. 

Jaxson Firstiun came in as runner-up in the Novice 12 and under 90-95lb division, going 3-1 with 2 pins on the day

Olive Till came in fourth in the girls 12 and under 90-95lb division, going 0-3. Till had a great match against former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar’s daughter. 

Till’s coach Dan Ladd, a black belt in Alliance Jiu-Jitsu had high praise for her outing: “Half of life is showing up and that girl grinds.”

All four athletes hold rank with Alliance Jiu Jitsu Saratoga and Snyder won the WBC Muaythai Championship last year. 

Alliance Jiu Jitsu Saratoga recently expanded their training spaces to the Wilton Mall in 2023. Anyone interested in learning the art of self-defense through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or any of the other arts they offer can sign up for classes at https://saratogajiujitsu.com. 

Saratoga Springs Little League Team Wins Second in New York State 

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

(Saratoga Springs All-Stars after winning Second in the State)
(Saratoga Springs All-Stars After Winning the Section)
(Saratoga Springs All-Stars After Winning the District)

The Saratoga Springs Little League U11 all-stars came back home as New York State Little League Runners-Up. The group traveled to Baldwinsville last week to compete in the New York State Little League 9-11 Championship.

At the end of the spring season, an all-star team of 12 players is selected from the five little league teams in Saratoga. The kids and coaches then practice seven days a week in preparation for the win or go home tournament from late June through July. 

The team first won in the divisional round against Rotterdam both home and away. Then the team traveled to Utica to compete for the Section 2 title. Saratoga completed a clean sweep, beating New Hartford and North Central to attain the Section 2 trophy.

The team then traveled to Baldwinsville to compete against the seven other sectional winners in the championship from Saturday, July 18th through Wednesday the 22nd.

“You were guaranteed at least two games, and then we just kept winning,” Coach Brandon Ture told Saratoga TODAY. “The families just kept extending their stay. Some days we wouldn’t even know if we would be staying until we finished the game at like 8 o’clock at night.”

Saratoga started off their tournament with a walk-off win against Pearl River. Max Annese tied the game 4-4 in the sixth with an RBI single to set up River Bianco to complete the comeback in the bottom of the seventh with another RBI single.

In the second round on Monday, July 20th, Saratoga lost to the eventual winners, Massapequa, sending them to the consolation bracket. 

Later that Monday, the boy’s defense and pitching shined, beating Penfield Little League 2-1 in a cagey affair. Beck Miller and Ryder Pollock combined for an outstanding performance on the mound, allowing just one run while striking out six. Combined with flawless defense, turning a double play and committing no errors, the team advanced.

Then on Tuesday, both teams’ offences showed up to the plate, but a 5-run inning allowed the Saratoga boys to emerge victorious. The final score was 10-7 against the Great Kills. Beck Miller had a standout performance, going 3 for 3 at the plate with a home run, a double, single, and two RBIs.

In the semi-final, the Saratoga all-stars were on a roll and would not be denied a finals appearance, batting in 15 to Smithtown’s 4 to claw back from the consolation bracket. 

Since the tournament was double elimination, Saratoga needed to beat Massapequa twice in a row to win the tournament. As fate would decide, Saratoga finished their outing in Baldwinsville as runners-up, a proud accomplishment and life-long memory. 

New Regional High School Girls’ Wresting Team Includes Saratoga Springs

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Sports.

Queensbury 2025-26 Girl’s Wrestling Team (Photo from Queensbury Union Free School District’s Website)

Faced with small rosters but growing interest in girls’ wrestling, the Queensbury Union Free School District has spearheaded a unified girls wrestling team to include Saratoga Springs, South Glens Falls Central, and Hudson Falls school districts. 

Queensbury wrestling coach John Favata has been the architect behind the formation of a multi-council girls’ wrestling team for the upcoming school year. 

“The main goal is to highlight and grow girls’ wrestling. I’m really just excited to have the opportunity for girls to wrestle,” Favata said. “The biggest thing that I’ve found was the roadblock for girls to get into wrestling was that they had to wrestle boys in practice.” 

The tentative name for the team is “Northern Peaks,” and the wrestlers will sport black and grey singlets. 

Favata realized the interest in girls’ wrestling in the 2024-25 season when then junior Lillie-Mae Sheldrick was wrestling with the boys’ team. She then went to the girls’ sectional tournament held at Guilderland High School that postseason.

“I was like, we’re missing something here. This is something that we as a school should be a part of,” Favata recalled. 

The next year Favata and Sheldrick started the first girls’ wrestling team at Queensbury. Sheldrick even qualified for the first girls’ state tournament held last year in Albany. 

Now, going into the 2026-27 school year, Favata successfully campaigned for a unified girls’ wrestling team. 

“There’s no better way to collaborate with local schools to help grow a female sport, but we also want to make sure that we have representation from every school,” said John Martin, who will replace retiring Athletic Director Richard Keys.

During Queensbury’s inaugural girls’ wrestling season in 2025-26, the team started with about ten athletes and ended the season with seven. The merger of the four teams should help fill the 15 weight classes and continue the growth of the sport, Keys said.

“It will allow us the training partners that we need in the practice room, and it’ll allow us more girls to fill the various weight classes,” Keys said. “There’s nothing more frustrating in wrestling than to train all week, then not have a match because they don’t have somebody in that weight class. So, when you schedule an opponent, you always try to schedule teams that have a full roster.”

Queensbury will act as team host, and practices will take place at Queensbury Middle School. Organizers plan to schedule one match at each of the respective schools to showcase the program and generate interest in the sport. 

“It’s one of the fastest growing sports in the country,” Keys said. “And I think now that Division 1 collegiate wrestling has bonafide girls’ teams, it’s taken off. There’s quite a bit of talent within the region, within Section 2, within the capital district where girls are having some opportunities to continue wrestling beyond high school.”