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 

At Belmont Park on Saturday, October 2 they will run the Champagne Stakes for two-year-olds as they have in the fall since 1867. It is s storied race and one from which I learned some important lessons as a teenager.

 It was the fall of 1978, the world was in its usual state of flux, New York City was in the midst of its financial crisis, and something called a cellular phone was being used for the first time. The world also saw a test tube baby for the first time and a handheld stereo called the “Walkman” was making music portable. A phantom named the Uni-bomber was beginning his terror spree. The only thing certain was that things were changing – quickly.

Those of us in the horse racing world, however, were confident we had it figured out. Everything had gone so smoothly since Secretariat came onto the scene. 

Secretariat was so good as a two-year-old that he was named Horse of the Year. He roared into his three-year-old campaign and swept the Triple Crown with such authority it left young people and grizzled old horse players alike in awe. 

Fans grudgingly accepted his early relocation to the breeding shed because his connections assured that he met all the tests of greatness. He was the best of his generation, won at sprints and routes, beat older horses, won giving weight, won on dirt and grass and in a sporting gesture and a nod to the Canadian roots of his trainer and rider, won in Canada. He set track records along the way and managed to be on the cover of news stalwarts – Time Magazine and Newsweek in the same week.

Secretariat’s departure to stud left a big hole in the sport, but it was clear that his babies would come along soon enough.

While we waited, Forego, who ran in Secretariat’s Kentucky Derby, would emerge as the best handicap horse in a generation; the fabulous, rough and tumble filly Ruffian would come along and thrill us like no other, and the fierce and fleet footed Seattle Slew would come along for unknown connections and dominate the Triple Crown again in 1977.

If that wasn’t enough, 1977 saw the beginning of a rivalry between two-year olds from different backgrounds. The royally-bred Alydar from Kentucky and the modestly bred Affirmed from Florida would trade victories as two-year olds and come into the 1978 Triple Crown races as rivals – each with their own fierce supporters.

In 1978 we were again treated to a Triple Crown winner in Affirmed – this time one where tenacity and grit – not power and brilliance – were the defining characteristics. 

We understood this game now. We knew how to look for the next great one. When the first crop sired by Secretariat was less than stellar, we nonetheless remained confident that the next great one was right around the corner. When we turned our eyes towards the two-year olds of 1978 we knew what we were looking for and there he was. He was a son of Secretariat owned by Bertram Firestone; trained by Leroy Jolley and he was beautiful. His name was General Assembly. 

It was at Saratoga exactly a week after the Travers (where Affirmed beat Alydar again but lost the race in the stewards’ stand) – the Hopeful Stakes – the last stakes of the then four-week Saratoga meet. General Assembly, the son of Secretariat was about to take his rightful place as the heir apparent. He didn’t disappoint. Not only did he run like his father, he looked like him. He rolled to an authoritative victory and we all nodded that we had seen the two-year-old champion and 1979 classic winner. Remember – we had this game figured out.

Eight weeks later at Belmont, October 8, 1978 General Assembly was favored to annex the Champagne Stakes on his way to the two-year-old Eclipse Award and I was assigned to work selling tickets on the third floor of the Belmont Clubhouse. The high rollers frequently gathered on the third floor of the Clubhouse at Belmont back then. I took pride in handling their large bets.

It was before the new era of computerized mutuals, and racing was slowly moving away from the requirement that each race only be bet in the thirty or so minutes before the race. Advanced wagering was being approached cautiously due to tradition and computer limitations. At that time advanced wagering on the remainder of the card could only take place after the Daily Double on the first two races.

Before the first race, I was approached by an unassuming man in his forties, and he asked when he could bet “the feature.” I politely told him he had to wait until after the Daily Double. After the first race, he reappeared. I indicated that it wasn’t after the Daily Double had been closed to wagering but after the races had been run. He apologized but dutifully returned after the second race to inquire a third time. This time I had to tell him he had to wait until the second race was official. He stepped away again.

Finally, the bell rang signifying all subsequent races were now open for betting. I motioned to the polite but impatient gambler, and he approached. He indicated he wanted to bet the feature. He produced four banded stacks of $100 bills each containing $5,000. He wanted to bet $20,000 – all to win.

Knowing that I had figured this game out, I prepared to print tickets on General Assembly – the heir apparent. I placed my hand on the number three button correlating to General Assembly. He corrected me. “Number 2 please” he commanded. “What!” I thought. “Are you sure” I said as I flipped my program to see who he was betting. “Yes sir” he said “Spectacular Bid. You might want to bet him yourself.” Flabbergasted I punched out 400 $50 Win tickets on Spectacular Bid – my mind puzzled. Was he mad or informed? Was he eccentric or slick? Was he too rich for his own good?

It would take hours to know. There was a buzz in the crowd as Spectacular Bid – not General Assembly – opened as the favorite but eventually the New York betting public ignored the early money and showed its loyalty to General Assembly, making him the favorite at $1.40-1. Despite the large early bet Spectacular Bid fell to the $2.40-1 third choice after Calumet Farm’s Tim the Tiger became the second choice in the last minute.

When the gates opened, we saw something different. What we then knew was that you never know what or who is waiting around the corner. Within jumps of the start Spectacular Bid had assumed the lead from his rail post position and the race was over. General Assembly would gamely try to get to the leader on the turn, but the gray colt would skip away and snatch the title of the next great one. He went on to one of the best horses not to win the Triple Crown.

Spectacular Bid’s New York debut taught me some lessons. In ascending order of importance, never ignore early money; respect what others know; and most importantly – “you never know who or what is waiting around the corner. As in racing as in life – the strongest opponent you may face is the one you don’t see coming – you simply never have everything figured out.”

NISKAYUNA — It was homecoming for the Niskayuna Varsity Football Team as the Silver Warriors defeated the Ballston Spa Scotties in a regular season game on Friday, Sept. 24, to secure their third win. 

Niskayuna scored all their points before halftime, to lead 28-0. In the first quarter, Dan Quinn had a 4 yd. scoring run and a 16 yd. TD pass to Dahvion Wimberly. In the second, Quinn threw for 2 more TD passes, one for 22 yds. to Tanner Wood and the other 15 yds. to find Wimberly again. Harvey was 4/4 on extra point attempts. 

Ballston Spa battled back in the second half with Isaiah Hannah and Andrew Kramer’s rushing touchdowns to make the final score 28-14. Hannah had 3 carries for 15 yds. and the 1 TD. Kramer had 5 carries for 10 yds. with the 1 TD. Passing, Kramer completed 4 of 10 attempts for 25 yds. with a long of 11. On defense, Hannah had 5 tackles with 2 for a loss and a fumble recovery. 

Also notable for the Scotties, Darrien Insogna had 18 carries for 142 yds. with a long of 55. Troy Gottman caught 2 passes for 14 yds. and Blaine Zoller caught 1 pass for 11 yds. On defense, Zoller had 5 tackles with one for a loss. Scott Dufore had 4 tackles and an INT. 

Niskayuna improves to 3-1. Ballston Spa falls to 2-2. Ballston Spa will play on their home field Friday, Oct. 1 against the South Glens Falls Bulldogs; kick-off will be at 7 p.m. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — It was a battle between the red, white, and blue as Saratoga hosted Schenectady on Friday, Sept. 24.  The Blue Streaks came away victorious with a 35-18 win over the Patriots. Over 2,000 people were in attendance for the Class AA football match and Saratoga’s homecoming game. 

Schenectady’s Damire Smith scored the first touchdown of the game on a 4 yd. run after a 10-play scoring drive made by the Patriots. Jakiem Edge made an interception at the Patriot’s 1-yard line for a change in possession, stopping Saratoga from scoring in the first quarter. 

But, as the fans rattled the bleachers 2 minutes into the second quarter, Saratoga’s Rodell Evans evened the score on a 1 yd. run. Schenectady battled back, with Moses Grant also scoring on a 1 yd. run. It was the Blue Streaks who walked away at halftime with the 2-point lead after Gordon Murray’s 20 yd. scoring run and a successful two-point conversion pass from quarterback Nate Siewert to Chris Youngs. 

Saratoga started to run away with the lead after a 17 yd. TD pass from Siewert to Christian Mello in the third quarter, a 30 yd. TD pass from Siewert to Youngs 14 seconds into the fourth, and then Jared Arpey’s 20 yd. TD run. 

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The score was 35-12 in the fourth quarter when Smith had an 80 yd. TD run for Schenectady, making the final score 35-18. Smith finished the game with 13 carries for 170 yds. Also, for the Patriots, Grant had 77 yards on 16 carries. 

For the Blue Streaks, John Bidonde had 92 yards on 14 carries. Evans, also a quarterback, had 73 yards on 9 carries and completed 2 of 5 attempts for 21 yards. Siewert completed 5 of 9 attempts for 52 yards. 

The Blue Streaks league record improves to 1-2, and they are on the road in Guilderland on Friday, Oct. 1. 

Taking place at halftime during the homecoming game, The Best Buddies and Unified Sports programs unveiled a banner honoring Saratoga Springs High School’s as a National Unified Champion School. This distinction marks the highest level of achievement for Unified Champion schools in the nation. SSHS is one of 14 schools in New York State to earn this recognition.