Congrats to this week’s Athlete of the Week – Sarah McMahon!

Sarah is a senior at Schuylerville High School and is the Captain of the Schuylerville Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team for the second year in a row. Along with being a leader on her own team, she helps the JV players with their soccer skills and development as well. So far this season, Sarah has led the team to a 4-0 record with 0 goals scored against the team. Sarah has scored 6 goals herself so far. 

Sarah is also one of the top students in her class. She has been a volunteer coach with the OSAA (Old Saratoga Athletic Association) rec. soccer program for years. When not working on school and sports, Sarah works on her family’s farm. 

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

Intro to Ice Skating   

Build your skills! From your first steps on the ice through advanced moves, the Intro to Ice Skating Program will prepare you for more specialized forms of ice skating. 

The program is for ages 3 and up. Early fall dates are Tuesdays starting Oct. 5 through Nov. 9 from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. Fall dates from Nov. 16 through Dec. 21 (no Nov. 27) are Tuesdays from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. or Saturdays from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. 

Intro to Ice Skating will be held at the Vernon and Weibel Ice Rinks (30 Weibel Avenue). You will need: snow or fleece pants; warm jacket; mittens or gloves; bike, ski, or hockey helmet (required for all). A responsible adult must accompany beginning skaters on the ice to assist with instruction. Adults do not need skates. 

Fees before Sept. 27 are $65 for City residents and $85 for non-City residents. Fees after Sept. 27 are $90 for City residents and $110 for non-City residents. Skate rental fees per class are $5, and a punch card (good for current session only) is $25. 

Coordinator is Jill Ramos, USFS Quadruple Gold Medalist with over 25 years of experience. Instructors are: Amanda Shelburne, Regional and National Coach and PSA Master Rated with over 40 years of experience; Pat Kenkel, Regional and National Coach with over 35 years of experience; Kelsey Clechenko, with over seven years of experience; Gwen Craig, with over 6 years of experience; and Mary Magnus, US Speed Skating Coach and Nationally Ranked Speed Skater. 

Boxing – Co-Sponsored with Saratoga Youth 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.

This clinic is for ages 8–15 and will run from Oct. 25 to Oct. 29, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Saratoga Youth Boxing Gym at Weibel Ice Rink (30 Weibel Avenue). Fees before Oct. 22 are $55 for City residents and $65 for non-City residents. Fees after Oct. 22 are $80 for City residents and $90 for non-City residents. A t-shirt is included; participants will need to bring a water, sneakers, and towel. 

 Bowling – Co-Sponsored with Saratoga Strike Zone 

See if bowling is up your alley! This so-sponsored program will introduce participants to bowling fundamentals and technique through discussion, demonstration, and practice. Rental shoes and ball provided. 

This program is for ages 8-14; a responsible adult 21 years or older must accompany each participant. It will run from Oct. 12 to Nov. 16, Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Saratoga Strike Zone (32 Ballston Avenue). Fees before Oct. 4 are $80 for City residents and $90 for non-City residents. Fees after Oct. 4 are $105 for City residents and $115 for non-City residents. A t-shirt is included; participants will need to bring their own water. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Upcoming golf tournament to benefit LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is looking for help from the community. 

Kelli Prestigiacomo recently graduated from the LIVESTRONG program at the Saratoga YMCA – a 12-week training program for cancer survivors. She was so touched by how it helped her physically and mentally that she wanted to give back in some way. Kelli, along with her husband, organized the LIVESTRONG Golf Scramble. 

The golf scramble will take place on Friday, Oct. 15 at the Saratoga Lake Golf Club (35 Gracemoore Rd., Saratoga Springs) with registration at 11 a.m. and a shotgun start at 12 p.m. Cost per golfer is $125 or $500 for a foursome and includes lunch at the turn and a buffet dinner at the Hideaway at the course; dinner only is $60 per person. 

The tournament is looking for tee sponsors, golfers, wine donations (for a wine pull at the dinner), and raffle prizes. There will be a 50/50 and raffle prizes, 1st and 2nd place prizes, hole-in-one-prize, closest to the pin prize, and longest drive prize. 

The YMCA and LIVESTRONG joined together to create LIVESTRONG at the YMCA: “a physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors achieve their health goals.” The 12-week training program is with certified personal trainers and provides participants and their workout buddies with a four-month Y membership. 

To register for or support the LIVESTRONG Golf Scramble, or for more information about the LIVESTRONG program, contact the SRYMCA Developmental Office at 518-583-9622 ext. 138 or email shannon.vanhall@srymca.org. 

GLENS FALLS — The Adirondack Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils and Utica Comets, has announced that they have signed goaltender Alex Sakellaropoulos and Ryan Smith to standard player contracts for the 2021-22 season. 

Sakellaropoulos, 27, played 33 games for the Thunder during the 2018-19 season, going 19-6-5 while carrying a .915 save percentage and a 2.51 goals-against average. The netminder also earned three call-ups to the AHL with Binghamton, Utica, and Springfield. During the 2019-20 season, the Tinley Park, IL native made stops in Rapid City, Norfolk, and Orlando, appearing in a total of 38 games. 

After signing to play with Adirondack for the 2020-21 season, Sakellaropoulos played six games for the Wichita Thunder, going 2-3-1 with a 2.60 GAA and a .934 SV%. 

Sakellaropoulos played four seasons at Union College in Schenectady from 2013 until 2017 and was a member of the 2014 National Championship team. Sakellaropoulos backstopped 82 games for the Flying Dutchmen (40-22-13, 2.54 GAA, .914 SV%). 

Smith, 24, was originally signed to play with Adirondack for 2020-21 following his senior season at the University of Maine where he notched 35 points (18 goals, 17 assists) in 135 games over his four-year career. The Roanoke, VA native served as an alternate captain for his final year. 

Following the Thunder opting out last season, Smith joined the Macon Mayhem of the Southern Professional Hockey League. In 42 games, Smith recorded 26 points (9 goals, 17 assists) and earned himself a three-game call-up to the ECHL’s Tulsa Oilers. 

Prior to college, Smith skated in two seasons for the Green Bay Gamblers in the United States Hockey League, putting up 38 points (17 goals, 21 assists) in 117 games at the junior level and appeared in four playoff games. 

Smith spent two seasons in Lake Placid playing for the Northwood School at the United States High School, Preparatory level. He also participated in the 2015 CCM All-American Prospects Game and was a member of the 2016 USA U-18 Ivan Hlinka Select Team. 

Opening night tickets are on sale now. Visit www.seatgeek.com/adirondack-thunder-tickets or visit the SeatGeek Box Office at Cool Insuring Arena. For all the latest Adirondack Thunder news, follow the team on all social media @ECHLThunder. 

BALLSTON SPA – The Ballston Spa Country Club will host the second annual Golf For Fun Tournament to benefit The Dake Foundation for Children. The event will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 24 with registration starting at 8 a.m. It is a four-person scramble format with games, prizes, and more surprises along the course. Registration fee includes breakfast, lunch, greens fees, and cart; sponsorship details vary by level. Pre-registration is available online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golf-for-fun-2021-registration-165272559675. 

Among the volunteers for this year’s tournament will be Abigail, who was a past recipient of the foundation’s bike grant. Abigail grew out of being able to receive grants but continued to be involved with the foundation through volunteering at events. Once she grew out of the bike program, she donated the bikes back to the foundation to support their new Adapt Bike Loaner Program. Stewart’s Shop President, Gary Dake, will be at the event to meet Abigail and hear her story. 

All proceeds from the tournament will go directly to grants that will be used for adaptive equipment and financial assistance for children with physical disabilities. The event was started in 2020 as a new way to raise money during the pandemic and due to its success the foundation has made it a permanent fundraising fixture. 

The Dake Foundation for Children was established in 2009 to help children with disabilities have access to the tools they need to become as independent as possible. The foundation emphasizes fun while providing children with equipment and services to help them reach their fullest potential. Typically, the foundation grants over $70,000 each year to kids and has helped over 250 kids. 

Grant recipient Abigail pictured with her bike. Abigail and her father biked from Albany to Buffalo with her bike from The Dake Foundation. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Wesley Community will honor the memory of U.S. Army Specialist Abigail Jenkins in partnership with her mother during an art exhibit throughout September at the Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs. 

The exhibit, which is curated by Abigail Jenks’ mother and Wesley Health Care Center licensed practical nurse (LPN), Mary Jenks, will feature more than 70 pieces of artwork showcasing the fallen service member’s passion for drawing. Due to current health and safety precautions, the art exhibit is available to Wesley Health Care Center residents only and is not open to the general public. A virtual exhibit is available at thewesleycommunity.org. 

Abigail Jenks was a paratrooper with the U.S. Army who was killed during a training exercise on April 19 while stationed in Front Bragg, NC. The 20-year-old was a 2018 graduate of Saratoga Springs High School and a resident of Saratoga County prior to joining the military. 

Created by Mary Jenks as an opportunity to showcase another side of Abigail’s life, the exhibit features numerous themes and subjects, including a variety of animals and mythical creatures, as well as several Spa City favorites such as horses and ballerinas. Jenks hopes that the artwork will spark memories for Wesley’s senior residents and inspire conversations about their lives during the presentations she will guide throughout the month. 

“The presentation for the residents is hearing about a veteran’s art from a mother’s heart,” said Jenks. “It is a form of healing from the young to the old, as I explain the life of Abigail and highlight some of her most beloved pieces.” 

GREENWICH — Willard Mountain Ski and Snow Sports Club of New York will host their inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony to induct Dave Vanderzee Sr., Patti Piper, Jim Smiley, and Mike Annette into the Hall of Fame on Saturday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. at Willard Mountain. Doug Lewis, 2x Olympian and World Champion, will be Master of Ceremonies. Tickets are $75. 

The event will feature cocktails and foods from local farms, entertainment, as well as the Induction Ceremony. The inductees and their accomplishments include: Dave Vanderzee Sr., founder of Willard Mtn. who created the family-run ski area; Patti Piper, decorated athlete with unparalleled contribution to alpine skiing; Jim Smiley, 3 generations of unprecedented dedication to the program; Mike Annette who has put more people on the US Ski Team than any other coach. 

“In recognition of our storied past, we will be creating a Hall of Fame “Seat” Wall that will serve as our podium to celebrate our past and our future,” said Dan Spigner, Program Director and Head Coach of the Willard Mountain Ski and Snow Sports Club. “Over 60 athletes participate annually, we are home to five high school alpine ski programs, have been part of the United Ski and Snow Board Association (USSA) for 51 years, and are currently part of the Vermont Alpine Racing Associate (VARA).”

Each year individuals are selected to become members of the Hall of Fame by an induction committee made up of the original members of the Hall of Fame and important names in ski and snow sports. 

Tickets are available at eventbrite.com. To learn more about the Willard Mountain Ski and Snow Club, visit www.willardmountain.com 

CANTON — The Saint Lawrence University Classic is a weekend tournament that brings numerous college tennis teams from New York State together to compete. Former Saratoga Springs tennis standout Nick Grosso won the “C” Flight Singles Championship playing for Hobart College. 

Grosso impressed in his college debut, winning 8-1 to move to the quarterfinals, an 8-3 win in the quarterfinals, an 8-4 win in the semifinals, and 8-2 win in the championship match. 

BALLSTON SPA — Camp Abilities Saratoga is inviting the public to join them and learn more about adaptive sports for the blind and visually impaired youth during an open house on Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the “Lion’s Den” at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds (162 Prospect Street, Ballston Spa). 

Camp Abilities Saratoga (CAS) is a one-week educational sports camp for youth who are blind, visually impaired, and deafblind, and is a service project of the Saratoga Springs Lions Club. The Camp Director and specialists will be demonstrating adaptive sports equipment that is used throughout the camp with an opportunity to try it firsthand.

CAS’s first camp was in 2014 and has been held every year since. Due to COVID, they dedicated themselves to continue to hold camps in 2020 and 2021 to provide services and continue a sense of family/normalcy by holding virtual camps. Virtual Camp and Virtual Mini Camps are held via Zoom. They are prepared to hold in-person camps in 2022. CAS camps are held at Skidmore College. 

For more information visit: www.CampAbilitesSaratoga.org. Learn more about the new, virtual CAS Mini Camps at www.campabilitessaratoga.org/apply/vcas-mini-camp-sessions 

WAYNE, NJ — Athletes from the Glenville-based Jason Morris Judo Center won eight total medals at the Garden State Judo Classic Championships on Sept. 12. 

Melissa Myers (25) continued her success winning a gold in the 70kg women’s elite division. The JMJC athletes made a clean sweep of the men’s 60kg category with Julien Crisostomo (18) taking the gold, Zach Judy (28) winning silver, and Kyle Tran (16) coming in third. Kyle won a gold in his regular division, Cadet 60kg (under 18). Ari Berliner (23) won a silver in the men’s 66kg division while his brother Kell (27) picked up a bronze in the 90kg men’s elite weight class. Will van den Broeck (28) also won a bronze in the 90kg division. Burnt Hills High School junior, Thomas Pawlinga (16) played well in his first event, winning a bronze in the Cadet (under 18) 66kg category. Burnt Hills 6th grader, Dani Morris (11), was a double medalist, winning a gold in the 11-12 yrs. heavyweights; then moved up a division but still managed a bronze medal in the 13-14 yrs. heavyweight category. Dani’s twin sister and Burnt Hills 6th grader, Randi Morris, picked up a silver in the 11-12 yrs. middleweight division. Burnt Hills High School graduate, Victoria Ferrante (24), took a silver in the women’s brown belt 57kg category and picked up a bronze in the 57kg women’s elite to close out the JMJC medal count.