MONTREAL, QC — Ari Berliner (23) and Melissa Myers (26) from the Glenville, NY based Jason Morris Judo Center took silver medals at the 47th Annual Quebec Open held at the Claude Robillard Sports Complex in Montreal on Nov. 14. Berliner continues his hot streak going 5-1 on the day in 66kg to win a silver medal, adding this to his bronze in Malaga, Spain last month. 

Myers turned in her best result to date, also picking up a silver going 3-1 in 70 kg. When Ari made the final, he became the 100th JMJC athlete to medal in the Quebec Open in its 21-year history. Ramon Hernandez (20) went 5-2 to take 5th place in 81kg losing to fellow American Nick Yonezuka (20) for the bronze. Max Alaynick (21) placed 7th at 81kg, going 4-2 on the day. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Peak Performance, a premier gym among local athletes, has changed ownership. 

Dr. Bryan Briddell who is widely regarded as one of the top certified personal trainers and fitness experts in the Capital Region, has sold his gym Saratoga Peak Performance to long-time trainer JR Michael. Michael has been helping Briddell grow the business for the past ten years as the head trainer. 

“Bryan has been a mentor to me,” said Michael. “I started with him in my early 20s and he has helped me through a lot of life lessons, including teaching me how to maintain a business.” 

Saratoga Peak Performance offers training to athletes of all ages, including sport-specific training and injury-reduction programs, to help all clients reach their individual fitness goals. Peak Performance has trained many successful athletes such as Kristi Wagner, Olympic rower from Saratoga Springs who competed for Team USA in Tokyo; Kelsey Bridell, Saratoga Springs graduate and daughter of Bryan, and Carrie Hanks, Niskayuna graduate, who were both named to the 2021-2022 U.S. National Women’s Field Hockey Team; and Joe Girard III, Glens Falls native and guard for the Syracuse University Men’s Basketball Team. 

Michael has plans to give the gym a “face-lift” with some new equipment, as well as more modern marketing tactics. The good reviews about Peak Performance usually spread by “word of mouth”, but Michael has more tech-savvy ideas, such as an app for the gym. The app, which will be powered by Mindbody, will make the training experience at Peak Performance more streamlined, allowing clients to book classes, pay for classes, view openings, and more. Peak Performance will continue to stay open during the renovations. 

For more information about Saratoga Peak Performance, check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/togapeakperformance. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs Girls Cross Country Team brought home their 15th State Championship. The New York State Cross Country Championships were held at Chenango State Park on Nov. 13. 

Saratoga outran Fayetteville-Manlius by 20 points to capture the Class A Team Championship, with five runners placing in the top 11 led by sophomore Emily Bush (17:50.2) in second place behind Fayetteville-Manlius freshman Izzie Sullivan (17:40.8). 

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Sophomore Alycia Hart came in fourth (18:02.4) and senior Mackenzie Hart came in fifth (18:03.6), with junior Sheridan Wheeler crossing the line in 10th (18:15.6) and senior Ella Kurto following in 11th (18:21.8). 

To round out the top 30, Anya Belisle (18:34.8) and Claire Cuneo (19:24.3) also scored for Saratoga. 

Team results: Saratoga Springs 26, Fayetteville-Manlius 46, Northport 117, Cornwall 130, Corning 139, Churchville-Chili 150, Clarence 159, Suffern 205, Syosset 221.

NEW ROCHELLE — Melissa Myers (26) led the way for the Glenville, NY based Jason Morris Judo Center (JMJC) by winning two golds at the NY State Judo Championships held at the Salesian High School in New Rochelle on Nov. 7. Myers went undefeated in the 70kg and 78kg categories. Kell Berliner (27) was also a double medalist, capturing a gold in the 100kg division and a silver in the 90kg weight class, going a total 7-1 on the day. Dani and Randi Morris (11) picked up silver medals in their respective divisions. Dani’s medal came in the 11-12yrs. +52kg weight class and Randi won hers in the 11-12yrs. 47kg category. To close out the NY State Championships the president, Wisler Jaques, presented JMJC owner and coach, Teri Takemori, the NY State “Coach of the Year” award for 2021. 

SCHUYLERVILLE — Schuylerville defeated Voorheesville in the second round of playoffs, keeping Voorheesville off the board with 48-0 final score. 

The first and fourth quarter were scoreless for the Black Horses. In the second quarter: O. Sherman scored on 21 yd. TD and the 2pt. conversion was completed by O. Sherman to L. Cumm, L. Sherman scored on a 4 yd. TD and completed the 2 pt. conversion, L. Sherman scored again on an 18 yd. TD and the 2 pt. conversion was completed by R. Dow, and O. Sherman threw a 22 yd. TD pass to Dow and the 2 pt. conversion was completed by O. Sherman. 

In the third quarter, Z. Bowen scored on an 8 yd. TD and the 2 pt. conversion was completed by O. Sherman. To round off their scoring, M. Flanders scored on a 23 yd. TD and the 2 pt. conversion was completed by O. Sherman to S. Stiassney. 

Schuylerville had a total of 431 yards, 287 of them rushing. Top rushers for the Black Horses were L. Sherman with 11 carries for 101 yds. and 2 TDs, Flanders with 7 carries for 63 yds. and 1 TD, and O. Sherman with 6 carries for 57 yds. and 1 TD. Passing, O. Sherman was 8 for 15 for 144 yds. and 1 TD. 

Receiving, Dow caught 3 passes for 63 yds. and 1 TD, O. Bolduc caught 3 passes for 49 yds., Cumm caught 1 pass for 23 yds, and Bowen caught 2 passes for 9 yds. 

On defense, C. Patrick, A. Prouty, Bowen, and J. McGarrahan all recorded sacs, with N. Abruscato recording 2. A. Luzadis and McGarrahan had a fumble recovery each. 

Voorheesville had 136 total yards. Top rushers were Tomlin with 20 carries for 69 yds. and Conley with 8 carries for 44 yds. On defense, Clark had two fumble recoveries. 

Schuylerville advances to play Fonda-Fultonville on Friday, Nov. 12 in the Section 2 Class C Finals. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. Skidmore College Men’s Basketball Team plays host to the Potsdam Bears. 

The game has an added element of excitement. Kaleb Lewis, a 2021 SSHS graduate, plays on the Potsdam men’s team as a guard. Kaleb started his career as a 3rd grader playing in the Saratoga Springs rec. leagues, went on to the CDYBL, then played for Saratoga Springs Freshman, JV, and Varsity teams. During his senior season for Saratoga, Kaleb displayed an all-around game: 3rd in scoring, 2nd in rebounding, and 1st in assists, steals, and blocked shots. His best outing was against Niskayuna scoring 17 points and collecting 12 rebounds while leading the team in steals and assists. 

Intro to Ice Skating 

Build your skills! From your first steps on the ice through more advanced moves, one Intro to Ice Skating program will prepare you for more specialized forms of ice skating. Classes consist of a 15 minute warmup, 30 minute group lesson, and 15 minute practice. 

For ages 3-99. Winter dates are Jan. 4 through Feb. 12. Winter times (choose one) are Tuesdays 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. or Saturdays 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Adults are Tuesdays 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. or Saturdays 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Location is Saratoga Springs Ice Rink, 30 Weibel Avenue. Fees are $65 for City residents and $85 for non-City residents. Fees after Dec. 31 are $90 for City residents and $110 for non-City residents. Skate rental fees are $5 per class or $25 for Punch Card (purchase through your Community Pass account and good for current session). Participants will need a mask, snow or fleece pants, warm jacket, mittens or gloves, bike/ski/hockey helmet (required for all participants); adults do not need skates. A responsible adult must accompany beginning skaters on the ice to assist with instruction. 

Coordinator is Jill Ramos, USFS Quadruple Gold Medalist, over 25 years experience. Instructors are Amanda Shelburne (Regional and National Coach, PSA Master Rated, over 40 years experience), Pat Kenkel (Regional and National Coach, over 35 years experience), Kelsey Clechenko (over 7 years experience), Gwen Craig (over 6 years experience), and Mary Magnus (US Speed Skating Coach, nationally ranked speed skater).   

Boxing 

This non-contact clinic will teach proper boxing technique and conditioning. Light contact will be available for those who want to take it to the next level. Full safety equipment and coaches approval required. 

For ages 8-15. Runs from Feb. 21 to Feb. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Saratoga Youth Boxing Gym (Weibel Avenue Ice Rink, 30 Weibel Avenue). Fees are $55 for City residents and $65 for non-City residents. Fees after Feb. 15 are $80 for City residents and $90 for non-City residents; t-shit included. Participants will need a mask, sneakers, and water. Coordinator is Saratoga Youth Boxing. 

Pickleball Workshops 

Mark your calendar for another round of pickleball workshops on Tuesdays, Nov. 16. The Rec Center will be offering a Beginner, Adv. Beginner, and combination Beginner/Adv. Beginner class. Focus will be on players who are new to the game or have some experience playing the game. You will learn the fundamentals and technique for dink shots, volleys, serve and return. You will also learn what is involved in playing a match including scoring, positioning, and strategy, Those with some experience will learn how to build on skills already learned and how to improve your game strategy. 

For ages 18+ (Beginner and Adv. Beginner), 16+ (Beginner/Adv. Beginner). Beginner will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Adv. Beginner will be from 12 to 2 p.m. Beginner/Adv. Beginner will be from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Location is the Rec Center (15 Vanderbilt Avenue). Fees are $45 for City residents and $65 for non-City residents. Fees after Nov. 14 are $70 for City residents and $90 for non-City residents. Participants will need a mask, paddle, sneakers, and water. Coordinator is Ken Henderson, Traveling Pickleball Pros. 

Volleyball 

Serve up your best! The volleyball program is starting the new year off with an expanded age range and enhanced programming. Two sessions will be offered, one for 7-11 year olds and another for 12-16 year olds. The program for 7-11 year olds will focus on skill development, while the program for 12-16 year olds will combine skill development with game play. 

Runs from Jan. 5 through Feb. 9 at the Rec Center (15 Vanderbilt Avenue). Ages 7-11 will play Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and ages 12-16 will play from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Fees are $55 for City residents and $65 for non-City residents. Fees after Dec. 28 are $80 for City residents and $90 for non-City residents; t-shirt included. Players will need a mask, sneakers, and water. Coordinator is Willie Davis, USA Volleyball Sanctioned Coach. 

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

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Varsity Boys Volleyball held their banquet on Nov. 7. Seniors Zach Bell and Brendan Young were the recipients of the 1st annual scholarship award from the DiFusco Family Foundation Trust. Brendan will be playing in the exceptional senior game. Zach is a 1st Team Suburban Council All-Star and an exceptional senior game participant. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161 will hold its annual Hoop Shoot basketball free throw shooting competition on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue, Saratoga Springs. 

This event is free and open to boys and girls ages 8-13. Boys and girls will be divided into separate divisions and by age group of 8-9 year olds, 10-11 year olds, and 12-13 year olds. Participants’ eligibility will be determined as of their age on April 1, 2022. Pre-registration is not required. 

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in all age groups in both divisions. Local winners will advance to the District Championship, and have the opportunity to advance to Regional, State, and National Championship competitions. All national champions will be enshrined in the National Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA. 

For more information, contact Saratoga-Wilton Elks Hoop Shoot Director Steve Dorsey at 518-369-1985. 

SOUTH GLENS FALLS — The Mike Nolan 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run/Obstacle Course was held at the South Glens Falls High School on Sunday, Nov. 7; named after Mike Nolan, a longtime teacher and coach who passed away in 2010. Mike’s words, “No Excuses – Do the Work” – continue to drive many students in the district to do their best, giving their best. Money raised benefits the South Glens Falls Faculty Association Scholarship Fund; each year a minimum of six students are chosen to receive a two-year scholarship.