SARATOGA SPRINGS — Out of an abundance of caution, Saratoga Bridges will host their 21st Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge virtually again this year. This popular community event features a 5K and 10K with proceeds benefiting their essential non-funded or underfunded services and assisting with the unanticipated expenses incurred by the pandemic. 

The organization invites the community to join them to run, walk, & move “Together But Apart.” By being virtual, the 5K and 10K can be run, jogged, or walked anywhere and anytime between Oct. 16 and Oct. 30. Although they do not have an official course this year, participants can stay on their Saratoga State Park course – https://bit.ly/2SOK1a1 – and look for the designated mile markers. Otherwise, www.mapmyride.com provides alternative routes. They encourage people to drive the route first to check the safety of the shoulders and sight lines. 

Individuals, friends, families, coworkers, and corporate are welcomed to register at tinyurl.com/SBGPC21 and receive a long-sleeve moisture wicking shirt. Once finished, participants need to report their time by Oct. 31. Race shirts can be picked up at the administrative office (16 Saratoga Bridges Boulevard, Ballston Spa; M-F 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Please use their official hashtag #SBGPC21 and tag them @saratogabridges. Prizes will be awarded for: Most Business Team Participants, Most Family Team Participants, and Most Spirited Participants. For more information, contact Brigid at breilly@saratogabridges.org or 518-587-0723 ext. 1242. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Sunday, Oct. 17, Saratoga Casino Hotel will host a “Racing Under Saddle” exhibition race during its matinee racing program. The race, sponsored by the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association (SHHA), will have an estimated purse of $6,000 which will be equally distributed among the participants. 

Racing Under Saddle (RUS) is immensely popular in many European countries. Also known as Monte Racing, RUS involves Standardbred racehorses (usually trotters) being raced under saddle instead of pulling a sulky. Wagering is not permitted on RUS races in the United States. 

This year, all participants in the RUS event are women. Michelle Crawford, spokeswoman for the RUS group, said “Since the race is being held in October, we decided to make it a breast cancer awareness race. The blanket awarded to the race winner will be black and pink.”

Crawford added, “RUS puts a spotlight on the versatility of the Standardbred horse. After racing, many Standardbreds go on to succeed in a variety of disciplines including Dressage, English, and Western pleasure, pleasure driving, and hunting/jumping. Standardbreds really can do it all.” 

Saratoga Casino Hotel looks forward to hosting this exciting RUS event and hopes it will draw a large crowd. Fans in attendance will have an opportunity to enter to win a photo in the winner’s circle or a ride in the starting car, sponsored by the SHHA. 

Saratoga Springs v. Bethlehem 

Saratoga Springs had a 27-7 victory over Bethlehem, after a scoreless second half for both teams. 

In the first quarter, Nate Siewert, who was involved in all four of the Blue Streaks touchdowns, got the scoring started with a 38 yd. TD run. Siewert, senior quarterback, then made a 46 yd. TD pass to Chris Youngs, senior receiver. 

In the second quarter, Bethlehem scored their first and only touchdown of the game on a 22 yd. pass from Landen Kawczak to Anthony Gibbs. In response, the Blue Streaks scored twice more on 37 yd. and 44 yd. TD passes, both from Siewert to Christian Mello. Siewert ended the game with 204 passing yds. and 91 rushing yds. 

The Blue Streaks are now 2-3. They play CBA next on Friday, Oct. 15 at home, while Bethlehem will face off against Schenectady. 

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake v. Albany

BH-BL faced off against Albany in their homecoming game, defeating the Falcons 49-0 to continue their winning streak. 

Spartans’ Michael Puglisi scored off the first drive of the game with a 2 yd. TD run. Also in the first quarter, Rocco Mareno had a 44 yd. TD run. 

The score was 42-0 at the half, after Puglisi scored on 34 yd. and 3 yd. TD runs, Quarterback Tyler Manning scored on a 1 yd. TD run, and Manning threw a 60 yd. TD pass to Puglisi, all in the second quarter. 

The Falcons offense had the ball the entire third quarter but failed to score. 

In the fourth quarter, the Spartans capped their scoring with Michael Frattarola’s 62 yd. TD run. 

Manning was for 4/5 for 114 yds. and 2 TDs. Frattarola rushed for 101 yds. on 8 carries. Puglisi rushed for 81 yds. on 6 carries, 4 for TDs. Jaleel Joseph had 5 carries for 53 yds. Mareno caught 3 passes for 61 yds. 

Other highlights include: 

Luke Zoller and Kevin Carney each had an interception. Michael Sbuttoni was perfect for extra points. 

BH-BL’s record is 4-1; their only loss was to Shaker the first week of the season. They will face their rivals, the Ballston Spa Scotties, at home on Friday, Oct. 15.

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Corinth/Hadley-Luzerne Mountaineers v. Johnstown

Johnstown had a 44-0 shutout win over Corinth/Hadley-Luzerne on Friday, Oct. 8. 

Highlights for the Mountaineers:  Rushing, Devin Robarge (#11) had 15 carries for 67 yds., and Avery Wood (#27) had 2 carries for 8 yds. Quarterback Colin Berg (#8) completed 4 passes for 21 yards. Receiving, Robarge caught 2 passes for 13 yds. and Anthony Sarnelli (#13) caught 1 pass for 8 yds. 

Johnstown stats were unavailable. 

The Mountaineers play Hoosick Falls on Friday, Oct. 22 for their senior game. Johnstown is on the road in Fonda-Fultonville on Friday, Oct. 15.

TROY — The Troy Turkey Trot, presented by Pioneer, have opened registration for the event’s 105th anniversary on Thanksgiving morning (Thursday, Nov. 25) at TroyTurkeyTrot.com. The Trot is the nation’s 12th oldest road race and attracts thousands of runners and spectators to historic Troy for the Capital Region’s largest Thanksgiving Day road race. 

A signature event of the Collar City’s holiday festivities, the Trot begins at 8 a.m. with the Capital Regions’ only Thanksgiving Day 10K. The 10K course will close at 9:30 a.m. to facilitate the start of the Grade School Mile and Turkey Walk at 9:30 a.m. The shorter 5K distance kicks off at 10 a.m. Both the 10K and 5K feature “out and back” course configurations which start at 4th and Fulton Sts and finish at River St’s Monument Square. 

“Since its humble beginnings in 1916 when six runners entered, the Trot has grown to become one of America’s largest road races with more than 7,000 participants,” said longtime Event Director George Regan. “It’s important for people to recognize this event is steeped in history and tradition, and they can experience that during our anniversary year.” 

Besides offering a welcome return to in-person racing, this year’s Trot will again feature a virtual option for those concerned about being around others or who plan to be away. Virtual participants will use a custom mobile app, which allows them to race with others, real time, regardless of their location. Last year, 14 other Troy communities across the nation, including elected officials from Troy, KS, Troy, MI, and Troy, IL took advantage of the app during the event’s three-day virtual running window. 

While registering online, participants are encouraged to donate to the event’s two main charities, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Joseph’s House & Shelter, a Troy-based not-for-profit whose mission is to prevent and alleviate homelessness in the Capital Region. They can also support 15 local non-profits participating in the event’s Volunteer Incentive Recruitment Program, an initiative in which local charities receive a cash donation in return for supplying the event with volunteers. 

“Although the Trot drew 41 percent of its 2019 field last year, runners donated a record total of $18,500 to support the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Joseph’s House & Shelter,” said Troy Mayor Patrick Madden. “We hope Trotters’ giving spirit continues this year as the event returns to in-person this Thanksgiving. This year’s fundraising goal of $20,000 will help support these organizations that play a vital role feeding hungry families and providing warm shelter to homeless men, women, and children.”

For those looking to stretch out their muscles before their event takes place, Choice Physical Therapy will offer a series of warm-up sessions at 4th Street and Broadway at the following times: 9-9:15 a.m. (Grade School Mile/Turkey Walk), and 9:20-9:40 a.m. (5K). 

Free event parking is available at a number of Front and River Street parking lots. A comprehensive map of Troy parking lots can be found at troyny.gov/parking. 

Unofficial results will be available within minutes upon finishing at TroyTurkeyTrot.com via ChronoTrack Live and will also be posted at the awards tent. A personalized finisher’s certificate will be available online at TroyTurkeyTrot.com/results by 3 p.m. 

Runners of all abilities looking to get in shape for the Troy Turkey Trot can still sign up for the 10-week, co-ed Trot Training Challenge. The program, which began Sept. 27 at Hudson Valley Community College’s outdoor track (80 Vandenburgh Ave, Troy) is designed to train participants to complete a 5K or 10K and features injury-prevention, nutritional, strength, and flexibility elements. Group runs will be held Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 8 a.m. with virtual training options throughout the week. For more information and to register, visit www.runsignup.com/Race/NY/Troy/TurkeyTrotTrainingChallenge 

For more information or to register, visit www.TroyTurkeyTrot.com 

Saratoga Springs v. Guilderland 

Guilderland defeated Saratoga Springs 33-0 in a Class AA matchup on Oct.1. The Flying Dutchmen honored lineman/linebacker Troy Berschwinger at the start of their homecoming game by carrying his jersey onto the field; Berschwinger was recovering from emergency surgery at Albany Medical Center. 

After going 73 yards on their first possession, Guilderland’s Devon McClaine punched it in from 5 yds. out. Dillion Blanchard pushed the score to 10-0 on a 27 yd. field goal in the second quarter. With seconds remaining in the first half, Ty Santabarbara found Mitchell Mackissock on a 6 yd. TD pass to make the score 16-0. 

In the second half, Blanchard kicked another field goal from 26 yds. out and Marcus McClaine would later score on a 30 yd. punt return. Eli Molchan closed out the scoring with an 11 yd. TD run after intercepting a Blue Streak pass on their prior drive. 

Overall, Guilderland had 364 total offensive yds. Ty Santabarbara threw for 125 yds. and rushed for 83 yds. 

On defense, the Flying Dutchmen held the Blue Streaks to five first downs on 88 yds. of offense. 

Saratoga Springs faces Bethlehem next on Friday, Oct. 8 at home. Guilderland faces Colonie at Colonie on Friday, Oct. 8. 

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake v. Queensbury 

BH-BL had a 42-21 victory over Queensbury in a Class A matchup on Oct. 2.

Burnt Hills opened the scoring with Tyler Manning connecting to Kevin Carney for a 55 yd. TD pass. After Jaleel Joseph’s two rushing TDs, one for 45 yds. and the other for 4 yds., Burnt Hills had a 21-0 lead at halftime. Michael Subuttoni was 3 for 3 on extra points at the half. 

In the third quarter, Queensbury got on the board with Trevon Bailey’s 52 yd. rushing TD. Burnt Hills battled back with an 18 yd. TD pass from Manning to Carney. 

Burnt Hills scored twice more on Michael Frattarola’s 3 yd. run and Colden Swisher’s 8 yd. run in the fourth quarter. Queensbury responded with a 50 yd. rushing TD by Bailey and a 21 yd. rushing TD by Ian Reynolds. 

Passing, Manning was 8 for 10 for 136 yds and 2 touchdowns that both found Carney. Carney had 112 receiving yds. on 6 catches. Subuttoni was 6 for 6 on extra points.

Queensbury’s 341 total yds. were all gained on rushing plays. Bailey had 7 carries for 129 yds. and Zion Freeman had 13 carries for 88 yds. 

BH-BL plays Albany next at home on Saturday, Oct. 9. Queensbury plays LaSalle at LaSalle Institute on Friday, Oct. 8 under the lights. 

Ballston Spa v. South Glens Falls/Fort Edward 

The Ballston Spa and South Glens Falls Class A matchup on Friday, Oct. 1 was postponed due to coronavirus protocols. 

A post on the Ballston Spa Athletic Department’s social media announced the following: 

 “We regret to inform you that the South Glens Falls School District has notified us that they will be unable to field a team for tonight’s game due to a positive case of COVID-19 and required quarantining of members of their varsity team.”

Ballston Spa will play Amsterdam next on Friday, Oct. 8. South Glens Falls/Fort Edward is scheduled to play Troy at Troy High School on Friday, Oct. 8. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — This Saturday, Oct. 9, Pitney Meadows Community Farm will be busy, as high school runners from all over New York State and Vermont will meet to compete at the first ever Saratoga XC Invitational. 

The meet will be contested on the beautiful grounds of the Pitney Farm, where runners will be challenged with a mix of dirt, grass, and stone dust trails. The course is generally flat, fast, and in perfect condition for fast times and great competition. Spectators will be able to see the runners throughout the race. 

The Saratoga Boys’ team will be led by senior Ryan Bush, who is one of the top ranked runners in New York. Bush will be supported with a deep group of dedicated teammates, including a very talented group of middle school runners that look to make a strong statement in the modified race. Saratoga will also have strong runners in the freshman and junior varsity races. 

Racing begins at 1 p.m. with the girls’ modified races, with races every 20-30 minutes throughout the afternoon. The meet will also offer music, food, and t-shirts. 

Following the middle and high school races, there will be a Kids 1km Fun Run, followed by the Michael Pitney Memorial 5k. Proceeds from the community races will benefit the Pitney Farm Project. 

For more information on the races, as well as how to register for the community runs, please visit www.saratogaxctf.com/cross-country/saratoga-invitational 

GLENS FALLS — The Adirondack Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils and Utica Comets, has announced that they have signed defenseman Chris Lijdsman to a standard player contract for the 2021-22 season and have acquired Jake Ryczek, also a defenseman, in a three-team trade from the Wheeling Nailers via the Reading Royals. The full trade included the Royals sending Ryczek to the Nailers in exchange for forward Jacob Pritchard, then Wheeling flipping Ryczek to Adirondack for future considerations. 

Lijdsman (pronounced LYDES-min) joins the Thunder defense after spending the 2020-21 season with the Birmingham Bulls of the Southern Professional Hockey League. In the 39 games, Lijdsman scored two goals and added 10 assists. Over the course of four seasons, Lijdsman skated in 127 SPHL games and saw time with Pensacola Ice Flyers, Huntsville Havoc, and Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs. 

Lijdsman made his ECHL debut with the Jacksonville IceMen in 2019-20. The 30-year-old suited up for 15 games, racked up 21 penalty minutes, and had a +7 rating. 

Ryczek spent the 2019-20 season with the Indy Fuel, recording 17 points with 46 games played. 

Ryczek played for three seasons in the United States Hockey League and suited up for the Sioux City Muskateers and the Chicago Steel. The 23-year-old recorded 81 points (21 goals, 60 assists) in 151 games in his USHL career. 

The Opening Night Four Pack is Back! The Thunder open their 2021-22 season on Oct. 23 against the Newfoundland Growlers. Get four tickets, four souvenir cups, and two Sky Zone jump passes for only $69. Visit www.echlthunder.com/fourpack or the SeatGeek Box Office at Cool Insuring Arena to get yours today. For all the lastest Adirondack Thunder news, follow the team on all social media @ECHLThunder. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Registration is open for the Saratoga Youth Hockey, Saratoga Blue Knights, Learn to Play/Learn to Skate program that will begin on Oct. 9. 

Get to know the game – skating, shooting, handling, passing, and teamwork are just a few of the basics covered in the 10-week program. The 1-hour sessions are for ages 5-10, who will receive professional instruction alongside NYR staff and Rangers alumni. The program also includes FREE head-to-toe equipment, including skates for first timers, and a gear fitting. 

Saratoga Youth Hockey began their partnership with the NY Rangers two years, and 100+ kids have joined since. Use the following link to register now: https://bit.ly/saratogaltp.

CLIFTON PARK – Spectrum News 1 has announced their most recent Capital Region Spectrum Scholar-Athlete as Michael McElrath of Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park. Clifton Park Town Supervisor Phil Barrett presented Michael with a $1,000 scholarship award for his achievements in academics, football, and indoor and outdoor track on the field during halftime of the Shaker-Shen matchup this past Friday, Sept. 24.

Spectrum’s 2021-22 Spectrum Scholar-Athlete program honors outstanding senior year students who demonstrate excellence in academics, athletics, and community service with a $1,000 scholarship to help them with college expenses. Student athletes will be recognized throughout the 2021-22 school year during halftime at every Friday night game throughout the high school football season. 

ALBANY — Aisling Cuffe of Concord, MA, surged to an early lead that she never relinquished for a dominant victory in the 43rd Freihofer’s Run for Women in Albany, NY. Cuffe, wearing bib No. 1, finished the 5-kilometer race in 16 minutes, 34 seconds, which was 40 seconds ahead of her nearest competitor.

The 28-year-old Cuffe, who ran high school cross-country track for Cornwall Central High School and was competing in the prestigious all women road race for the first time, earned a $3,000 first-place prize on a cool, crisp early autumn morning on Sept. 25. 

Cuffe paced a field of more than 1,200 women. As she zoomed down the final stretch about 50 yards ahead of the nearest runner, Cuffe received a round of applause from spectators lining Washington Avenue adjacent to the New York State Capitol building. 

“I love races like this where you get to see the other people in the race,” said Cuffe. “Even the start, when Event Director Kristen Hislop was announcing the birthdays, I love that! The number of people who come out and share in the sport of running, having fun together, it’s so inspiring. I love it!” 

Traditionally run the Saturday after Memorial Day, the Freihofer’s moved to September due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The race still drew a field of elite runners from throughout New York state and New England, as well as hundreds of local recreational runners. Their ages spanned from nine to 89. 

Five of the top 10 finishers were from the immediate Capital Region, including second-place finisher Cara Sherman, a former distance runner for the University at Albany and nearby Mohonasen High School in Rotterdam, NY. The 24-year-old finished in 17:14. 

“I was surprised to finish so high, but I hit the time I was shooting for,” said Sherman. “I thought I’d be around 17:15, so I was pretty happy with that.” 

Annika Sisson, a 25-year-old from Pawtucket, RI who competed at the NCAA regional meet several times in college in the 1500 and won six conference titles for SUNY Stony Brook, was third in 17:24. 

While Cuffe ran virtually uncontested through scenic Washington Park, the masters (over 40) field grew increasingly competitive. Syracuse resident Sascha Scott, 46, actually improved her mile splits at every interval and captured the masters race in 18:17. 

“We were all pretty close at the start and came through the first mile in a real relaxed pace,” said Scoot, who had run the Freihofer’s once before 13 years ago. “I decided to pick it up the second mile and ran the third mile as fast as I could.” 

An associate professor of art history at Syracuse University who holds a pending age-group record in the mile (4:53:52), Scott was followed to the finish line by Marisa Sutera Strange (18:56), a 2020 USATF Masters Hall of Fame inductee, and Renee Tolan (18:57) of Clifton Park, NY, who was competing for the Albany Running Exchange Racing Team. 

“It’s very different to run this race in September,” said Sutera Strange, 58, who resides in Millbrook, NY, and has competed many times. “I’m just grateful they were able to pull this off. It’s such a great event.” 

Open 

1. Aisling Cuffe (Concord, MA) 16:34 ($3,000)
2. Cara Sherman (Schenectady, NY) 17:14 ($2,500)
3. Annika Sisson (Pawtucket, RI) 17:24 ($2,000)
4. Caitie Meyer (Albany, NY) 17:34 ($1,500)
5. Kerry Allen (Washington, D.C.) 17:39 ($1,250)
6. Karen Bertasso Hugh (Selkirk, NY) 17:42 ($1,000)
7. Tricia Longo (Waterford, NY) 17:50 ($750)
8. Sarah Danner (Gowanda, NY) 17:57 ($500)
9. Elizabeth Debole (Albany, NY) 18:02 ($250)
10. Sascha Scott (Syracuse, NY) 18:17 ($200)

Masters 

1. Sascha Scott (Syracuse, NY) 18:17 ($1,000)
2. Marisa Sutera Strange (Millbrook, NY) 18:56 ($800)
3. Renee Tolan (Clifton Park, NY) 18:57 ($600)
4. Laura Kline (Syracuse, NY) 18:59 ($400)
5. Erin Lopez (Ivoryton, CT) 19:01 ($200)

For full results visit  www.zippyreg.com/results/live/overall.php?eid=82&rid=151