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Schuylerville Boys and Girls Soccer Win Sectional Title

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, Sports.


Schuylerville High School Girls’ Team After Winning the Section 2 Class B Title (Courtesy of John Schmitz)

The Schuylerville High School girls’ soccer team won its first Section 2 Class B title on Monday, Nov. 2, with a 1-0 double-overtime victory over top-seeded Mechanicville.

Not to be outdone by their counterparts, the Schuylerville boys’ soccer team captured the Section 2 Class B title on Tuesday, Nov. 3 in a single overtime win against Broadalbin-Perth, a second Sectional title in program history. 

In the girls’ game, after over 100 minutes of play, junior Vaughn Reilly broke the deadlock from a corner kick. The ball was crossed to the near post by junior Juliet Letzring and flicked to the back post by senior Alexandra Hill for Vaughn Reilly to strike the ball on the volley to win the game. 

The girls currently have a record of 15-3-2 and will face off at noon in the regional final against section seven winner Ausable Valley on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Stillwater. 

In Schuylerville’s third meeting with Broadalbin-Perth this season, the Black Horses paralleled the girl’s team by winning in overtime from a corner kick set up by junior Thomas Tyler and dispatched by junior Colden Harrison.

The Boys are now 14-3-2 overall and will face off against section seven victor Saranac at 2 p.m. on Saturday at La Salle in the regional final.


Schuylerville High School Boys’s Team After Winning the Section 2 Class B Title (Courtesy of David Gauci)

Annual Saratoga Springs Fire & Police Holiday Hockey Classic

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

The Saratoga Springs Firefighters and the Saratoga Springs Police PBA are teaming up once again this holiday season for the annual Saratoga Springs Fire & Police Holiday Hockey Classic on Saturday, December 5, 2026. The event will support the Franklin Community Center’s Holiday Assistance Program.

The game will be held at the Weibel Avenue Ice Rink, 30 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Doors open to the public at 6:00 p.m., and puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. After the game, everyone is invited to King’s Tavern, 241 Union Avenue, to celebrate another successful event.

Admission to the game is the donation of a new, unwrapped toy or a monetary contribution. All proceeds directly benefit the Franklin Community Center and its efforts to help local families in need. The Holiday Assistance Program helps nearly 1,000 local children each year through two initiatives:

• The Adopt-A-Child Program: Local families submit a child’s wish list, and anonymous donors shop directly based on those requests. 

• The Holiday Shop: Local families can visit the Franklin Community Center directly to pick out gifts from the generous donations provided by the community.

The Holiday Hockey Classic is a way for Saratoga Springs firefighters and police officers to support our neighbors before they ever have to call 911. The event will also feature a wide range of raffle items for attendees to win, offering a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and spread holiday cheer.

For those who cannot attend the game but would still like to contribute, toy collection boxes will be available at various locations throughout Saratoga Springs and the surrounding area beginning the week of Oct. 26. 

Drop-off locations include all three Saratoga Springs Fire Stations, the Saratoga Springs Police Department, King’s Tavern, Croteau and Son’s Service Center, Saratoga Bread Basket Bakery, and Charlie’s Stay and Play. Collection boxes will remain out until the morning of Dec. 5.

In previous years, our community’s generosity has allowed us to donate hundreds of toys and thousands of dollars directly to the Franklin Community Center. We are hopeful that this year will be just as successful. 

Reflecting on a Historic Season: Saratoga Central Catholic Ladies Soccer

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.


Saratoga Central Catholic Ladies Soccer Team After Sectional Semifinal Versus Fort Ann (Courtesy of Tony Nucera)

The Lady Saint Soccer team completed one of the most successful seasons in Spa Catholic history, finishing 9-6-2. 

The Saints lost to defending champions Fort Ann, 3-2 in a thrilling section 2 class D semifinal. Trailing 2-0 at halftime, the Ladies rallied in the second half to tie the game 2-2 with goals from Addison Quail and Grace Schaefer.

Fort Ann would get the go-ahead goal off a corner kick and successfully fend off late pressure from the Saints, highlighted by an incredible save by Fort Ann’s goalkeeper from a direct free kick by Addison Quail. 

The Saints are currently ranked #25 in NYS Class D rankings. Overall, the team scored 49 goals while giving up 26 goals over 17 games this season. 

During their historic season, the team had exciting wins over Gloversville, Whitehall, and Bolton Landing while remaining undefeated at Skidmore over the last two years while playing 5 games at Wachenheim Field this season, going 3-0-2.

The team will lose its most talented class of seniors in school history including Grace Schaefer, Jill Venn, Lily Guidon, Addison Quail, and Sophia Ryan. However, the group is leaving a lasting impression and a solid foundation for the future of the Lady Saints Soccer program.


Spa Catholic Seniors Left to Right, Grace Schaefer, Jill Venn, Addison Quail, Lily Guidon, and Sophia Ryan (Courtesy of Tony Nucera)

At their end-of-season banquet on Nov. 2 at the Bunker awards were given out including the Dan Cogan award winner: Addison Quail, Coaches Award winner: Jill Venn, Team MVP: freshman Sophia Brunner and Most Improved player: freshman goalkeeper Autumn Briggs.

Additional awards included defensive MVP: Julia Dejnozka, newcomer of the year: freshman Annabella David, Midfielder of the year: Sophia Ryan, and Golden Boot winner: Grace Schaefer.

The Lady Saints Coaches Brian Venn and Tony Nucera would like to thank the Spa Catholic soccer community and administration for their incredible support of the program. The coaches would like to extend a special thanks and recognition to the athletic team at Skidmore College and the team at Gavin Park. The team plays their day games at Gavin park and night contests at Skidmore throughout the season.

The team has 15 returning players and is poised to build on this successful season and carry their momentum into 2027. 

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.

NYSPHSAA Boys’ Basketball Championships Return to Glens Falls in 2028

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.


 (Harding Mazzotti Arena)
(Courtesy of Quintin Soloviev via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0”)

Glens Falls— Harding Mazzotti Arena announced that the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Boys Basketball Championships will return to Glens Falls, NY beginning in 2028 with a three-year deal through 2030.

The return of the championships continues Glens Falls’ longstanding tradition of hosting high school basketball’s biggest moments, welcoming student-athletes, coaches, families and fans from across New York State for a memorable championship experience.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome the NYSPHSAA Boys Basketball Championships back to Glens Falls in 2028,” said Tadd Sipowicz, Interim General Manager of Harding Mazzotti Arena. “This community has a special tradition of championship basketball, and Harding Mazzotti Arena is proud to be part of the experience for these student-athletes, their families and fans from across New York State. We look forward to bringing the energy back to Glens Falls and showcasing our arena and community on a statewide stage.”

New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Boys Basketball Championships will be played at Harding Mazzotti Arena on March 16-19, 2028, March 15-18, 2029, and March 14-17, 2030

Additional details regarding ticket information and event schedules will be announced at a later date.

The Harding Mazzotti Arena is a 4,850-seat multi-purpose arena located in downtown Glens Falls, New York. Built in 1979, it was originally the home of the Adirondack Red Wings, the former American Hockey League affiliate for the Detroit Red Wings. It is now the home of the Adirondack Thunder, the ECHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils.

This versatile multi-purpose complex includes an arena for sporting events, concerts, and family entertainment as well as dance, theatre and trade shows. Also included under the Harding Mazzotti Arena roof is a 6,189 square foot banquet facility appropriately named Heritage Hall as it highlights the rich history of athletics in Glens Falls, NY.

For more information, visit www.hardingmazzottiarena.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. 

Annual Revolutionary Run in Schuylerville

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Saratoga County officials are calling runners and walkers of all ages to sign up for the 14th annual Saratoga County Revolutionary Run for Veterans. The 5K will be held on Saturday, November 7, at Fort Hardy Park in Schuylerville.

The day will begin with an opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m., followed by a cannon-blast start at 10 a.m. Hosted by the Saratoga County Veterans Services Agency, the event brings together Saratoga County officials, local Revolutionary War-era, and members of The American Legion.

Participants are welcome to run or walk—this event is open to all fitness levels and typically attracts more than 200 runners from across the capital district. All registered 5K runners will receive a commemorative race T-shirt and refreshments. Awards will be presented following the race. The Saratoga County American Legion Posts will serve hot dogs and hamburgers following the race.

A free children’s fun run will take place immediately after the 5K. Children participating in the fun run don’t need to register. Only children participating in the full 5K are required to register and pay the fee.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Saratoga County Veterans Trust Fund, which supports projects dedicated to veterans’ welfare, including training, education, healthcare, housing, and essential services.

The Revolutionary Run 5K takes place at the historic site of British General John Burgoyne’s army encampment. On October 17, 1777, British forces laid down their arms in surrender to the Americans—an event remembered today as the Turning Point of the American Revolution.

To register, visit veteranspeertopeer.org and select the Events page. Veterans can use discount code Veteran250 at checkout. For more information, call the Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency at 518-884-4115.