SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet (SSYB) will be holding a three-week Children’s Summer Program for ages 7-10 years old from July 26 to August 13. Dancers will be instructed in Ballet, Modern, and choreography. The program will be held Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

SSYB’s Children’s Summer Program is in person only and class size is limited. All up-to-date CDC, state, and local COVID-19 prevention guidelines will be followed. The cost is $510 for three weeks, $380 for two weeks, and $200 for a week. 

For more information and registration please visit www.saratogaspringsyouthballet.org or call 518-306-4037. SSYB is located at 418 Geyser Road, Suite 5 Ballston Spa. 

Congrats to this week’s Athlete of the Week – Lois Waddell!

Lois, 17, is a competitive cheerleader. She been cheering since the age of 4. After moving to Saratoga Springs from Scotland in 2011, she trained with Cheer Intensity in Albany for 8 years. 

She moved to North Carolina about a year ago to compete on an all-girls cheer team while continuing her education online at Saratoga High School. While living away from home, she still managed to continue her roles as President of the Women’s Empowerment Club and Public Relations Officer for Student Council. 

The weekend of May 7/May 8, her cheer team won gold at the Allstar Cheerleading Championships at Disney in Florida. This prestigious competition was the ending to their season – they won every competition, including the Triple Crown. Lois is the first local Allstar Cheerleading World Champion. 

Shortly after winning the championships, Lois received a call that she had made the Penn State Cheer Team. She is now back home after her very successful cheer season. 

Congrats to this week’s Athlete of the Week – Lillian Bergbom! 

Lillian is a sophomore at Saratoga Springs High School. She began skating at age 6, and trains all year round. She has been competing on a Synchronized Skating Team for 9 years. In addition, she trains in freestyle and ice dancing. Lily recently became a US Figure Skating triple gold medalist, earning this distinction in Moves in the Field, Ice Dance, and Solo Free Dance. This achievement is accomplished by a very small number of skaters nationally each year. Having now earned the highest levels in US figure skating, Lily is working on her International Dances and Canadian Gold Medal in Ice Dancing. 

When Lily isn’t on the ice, she is rowing with the Saratoga Rowing Association. Last year, she joined the rowing team and has begun competing in regattas. 

She has been on the high honor roll every semester. Last year she received the High School Respect Award. Lily has aspirations to continue her athletic career in college. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Wesley Foundation hosts a “Share A Step” virtual fundraiser from Friday, May 21 through Thursday, May 27. 

The weeklong fitness initiative offers participants the opportunity to raise funds for The Wesley Community while working towards a fitness-oriented goal, such as running or walking one mile per day or completing a 30-mile bike ride. Members track their workouts, share their progress on social media and encourage friends and family to support their efforts via a donation. Teams and individuals are welcome to participate and prizes are awarded for goals achieved during the event.

All donations generated through “Share A Step” will support the second phase of renovations atw the Springs Building of Wesley Health Care Center. The project will create a contemporary, efficient and home-like environment on the building’s second, third and fourth floors. Phase one of the project was completed in 2016. 

The Wesley Foundation is the philanthropic arm of The Wesley Community – a 37-acre senior living campus with more than 700 residents in Saratoga Springs –

Registration for “Share a Step” is free. Individuals or teams interested in participating or making a donation should visit p2p.onecause.com/shareastep. 

Youth Intermediate Volleyball (ages 10-14 years old) 

This is a co-ed program where the focus is on fundamentals and the basics of volleyball. Setting, bumping, positioning, and different strategies will be practiced. 

The program takes place on Wednesdays from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. at the Saratoga Branch field until June 9. The cost is $60 for members and $90 for non-members. 

Youth Advance Volleyball (ages 12-16 years old) 

This is a co-ed program where the focus is on game play and advanced skills such as tips, blocks, inter-net play, and spiking. The YMCA reserves the right to evaluate and switch participants to the beginner class if they do not have successful basic over-the-net play. 

The program takes place on Wednesdays from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. at the Saratoga Branch field until June 9. The cost is $60 for members and $90 for non-members.

Mini Active Kids Club (ages 2-3 years old)

Participants will experience a variety of games and activities in a small group setting to help get all their energy out! Parents are encouraged to participate. 

The program takes place Saturdays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at the Saratoga Branch field until June 12. The cost is $40 for members and $70 for non-members. 

Roc-N-Tots (ages 18 months to 5 years old)

This class offers an introduction to movement and music for growing minds and bodies.

The program takes place on Wednesdays from 11 to 11:30 a.m. at the Saratoga Branch field until June 9. The cost is $40 for members and $70 for non-members.

Tiny Tutus (ages 3-5 years old)

This class builds on the basics of ballet. Imaginative and creative movements are used to form a passion for dance. Ballet movements, positions, and combinations are explored. The fundamentals of rhythm are reinforced with listening and musical games. 

Classes run on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:10 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:10 to 10:55 a.m. and 11:05 to 11:50 a.m. at the Saratoga Springs Branch in the Toohey Multi-Purpose Room until June 13. The class has a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 10. The cost is $60 for members and $100 for program members. 

Twinkle Toes (ages 4-6 years old) 

This class is two programs in one. Ballet fundamentals are improved, while establishing tap basics. Tap steps will develop balance and coordination. Creative movement is utilized to foster body awareness. Musical games and listening exercise help increase rhythm. 

Classes run on Tuesdays from 6:15 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 12:05 to 1:05 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs Branch in the Toohey Multi-Purpose Room until June 13. The class has a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 10. The cost is $60 for members and $100 for program members.

Visit srymca.org for more information

BASEBALL 

SCC v. Stillwater

Stillwater’s record improves to 1-3 after they picked up their first win, 4-0, of the season against Saratoga Central Catholic on Wednesday, May 12 at home. 

Stillwater’s Shea Brown had an outstanding game on the mound – 6 and 2/3 innings pitched, gave up 5 hits, walked 2, and struck out 10. Ethan Price went 1 for 3 with a double. Reece Hotaling went 1 for 2 with 2 runs scored. 

SCC’s Anthony Barile went 3 for 4, and Mark Hmura went 2 for 3. The team’s overall record fell to 3-1. 

SCC v. Hoosic Valley

Hoosic Valley remains undefeated after a 5-0 win on the road against Saratoga Central Catholic on Thursday, May 13.

Hoosic Valley’s Justin Maxon and SCC’s Ryan McCarroll both recorded doubles. For SCC, Lucas Cates and Henry Madigan each had a single and scored 2 runs. 

Winning pitcher Connor King pitched 6 shut-out innings, gave up 5 hits, 1 walk, and struck out 3. McCarroll, SCC’s pitcher, pitched 5 innings, struck out 12, and gave up 1 earned run.

Hoosic Valley’s record improves to 3-0, while SCC’s overall record falls to 3-2. 

SCC v. Greenwich 

Saratoga Central Catholic handed Greenwich their first loss of the season in a close game on Monday, May 17. Final score: 2-1. 

SCC’s Ben Hajos went 1 for 3 and knocked in Tyler Weygand with the game winning run in the top of the 5th inning. Hunter Fales went 1 for 4 with an RBI, and caught a great game behind the plate. Winning pitcher Ryan McCarroll pitched 7 innings of 1-hit ball, giving up 1 run, walking 5, and striking out 13. Game highlights for the Saints also include, Pierce Byrne going 2 for 3, and Ronan Rowe going 1 for 4 with an RBI. Matt Conlin had the only hit for Greenwich. 

The Saints overall record is now 4-3. Greenwich’s record falls to 4-1. 

SOFTBALL

SCC v. Hoosic Valley 

Saratoga Central Catholic picked up a big win over Hoosic Valley, 13-1, at home on Thursday, May 13.

Winning pitcher Molly O’Reilly pitched 6 innings, gave up 1 hit and 1 run, walked 4, and struck out 12. At the plate, O’Reilly went 3 for 4 with a double, scored 3 runs, and drove in 2. Calleigh Sisk went 2 for 4, scored 1 run, and drove in 3. Emma Brown went 4 for 4 and scored 3 runs. And, Rylee Cornell went 2 for 3, scored 2 runs, and drove in 1. 

SCC’s league record is now 3-1. Overall record is 3-2.

RENO, NV — Athletes from the Glenville, NY based Jason Morris Judo Center (JMJC) enjoyed phenomenal results at the US Senior Nationals, May 15, 2021, winning 11 total medals including 5 gold at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. 

Ari Berliner (22) went 4-0 on the day to win his first National title at 66kg. Melissa Myers (25) also went 4-0 as she captured her maiden National championship winning the 70k division. Nicole Stout (23) was the third JMJC athlete to claim their first National title as she posted a 3-0 record, winning all of her matches by ippon (full point) in the 78kg weight class. 

Iain Berliner (17) was a surprise finalist taking a silver medal in the 60kg category, while JMJC teammate Zach Judy (28) placed third in the same division. This is Berliner’s and Judy’s first medal at nationals. Iain competed later in the 60kg brown belt division and went 3-0 to take gold. 

Yusef Houssni (18) was a double medalist as well, winning a silver in the 73kg division, then dominated in the 73kg U21 category to capture a gold. 

Veteran, Tony Sangimino (31) picked up a silver medal in the 81kg weight class, losing only in the final in an overtime thriller. Sangimino now resides in San Francisco where he trains boxers as well as MMA fighters. 

Kell Berliner (26) was fighting up a weight class and captured the bronze in the 90kg division. 

Victoria Ferrante (23) closed out the JMJC medal count, picking up a bronze in the 63kg brown belt division. 

The JMJC has now produced an impressive 133 medalists and 41 champions at the US Senior Nationals in its 20-year history. 

Congrats to this week’s Athlete of the Week – Hannah Decker!

Hannah is a senior at Saratoga Springs High School, and is in the final year of her competition dance season. She competes for the studio, Spa City Dance and the Arts in Ballston Spa, where she is also an instructor and has a mini group of little ladies competing in tap with her choreography. 

Hannah has been competing in dance since she was nine years old, and dancing since she was four years old. Her primary craft is tap dance, but she also competes in group lyrical, jazz, and contemporary dance styles. Just this year alone, she has received many awards and judges’ individual recognitions at her competitions. She is performing two tap solos this year, as last year’s dance competition season was canceled due to the pandemic. She placed 1st in her senior solo category, and received a “Tap Attack” judge’s shoutout at the Power Dance competition that was recently held at the Saratoga Hilton. She has been recognized for her performance style and excellence in entertainment with her tap solos. In the fall of 2020, she was awarded the “total package” special award for her tap solo performance. Her group dances have done exceptionally well this year in competition too, and she loves performing with this group of ladies. 

Outside of dance, she is an honors student and a member of the National Honor Society and the Foreign Language Honor Society. She will be attending the University of New Hampshire, intending to study secondary education with a focus in biology and the life sciences. She aspires to dance on the college dance team at UNH too.

STILLWATER — On April 27, the Stillwater Varsity Boys’ Cross-Country Team claimed the title of Wasaren League Champions for only the second time in the program’s history. Led by the efforts of sophomore rookie Dan Patrick, the boys won decisively over runner-up Berlin/New Lebanon. Members of the team in order of finish: Dan Patrick, Will Lutz, Michel Ghorayeb, Frank Perniciaro, Nevan Doubleday, Adam Conklin, Amoun Ghorayeb, and Gabe Williams. Coach McClements credits the team’s success to the effectiveness of the team to “pack up” and the great chemistry between the athletes. No seniors on this team, so they look forward to continued success in the Fall season. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Local high school varsity baseball and softball seasons get underway. 

SCC v. Waterford Varsity Baseball 

Saratoga Central Catholic Varsity Baseball picked up their second win of the season in their first Wasaren League game, beating Waterford 8-5 on Saturday, May 8 at home. For Saratoga Central Catholic, Anthony Barile went 2 for 5 with a triple and a run scored. Chris Gill went 2 for 3 with a run scored and a sac fly for an RBI. Ben Hajos went 3 for 4 with a run scored and an RBI. Waterford’s Gavin Bodah went 1 for 4 with a double and 2 RBIs. Winning pitcher Tyler Weygand threw four innings and gave up 2 hits and 1 earned run. He walked 5 and struck out 8.  Saratoga Central Catholic’s overall record improves to 2-0. Waterford’s record falls to 1-1. 

SCC v. Berlin/New Lebanon Varsity Baseball 

Saratoga Central Catholic Varsity Baseball blanked Berlin/New Lebanon, 10-0, in an away non-league game on Monday, May 10. Pitchers Pierce Byrne and Charlie Greiner combined on a two-hitter. Byrne, a 7th grader, gave up one hit over 4 innings, with 9 strikeouts, 1 walk, and 1 hit by pitch. Ryan McCarroll went 1 for 3 with a triple, 1 RBI, and a run scored. Aidan Crowther went 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored. Anthony Barile went 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs. Dylan Mulholland went 2 for 4 with a run scored. Berlin/New Lebanon’s Matt Corsey went 2 for 2, both singles. Saratoga Central Catholic’s overall record improves to 3-0. Berlin/New Lebanon’s record is 0-2.

SCC v. Berlin/New Lebanon Varsity Softball 

Saratoga Central Catholic Varsity Softball beat Berlin/New Lebanon in a close game, 3-1, away on Monday, May 10. Molly O’Reilly played outstanding on the mound, pitching seven innings with 13 strikeouts and one earned run. Freshman Calliegh Sisk was behind the plate for all seven innings. First baseman Ryleigh Dempsey had the go ahead single in the bottom of the fifth inning to put the Saints ahead. The game ended with a great catch by freshman Rylee Cornell who came off the bench in the fourth inning. The Saints league record is 2-0, and their overall record is now 2-1. 

Saratoga Springs v. Ballston Spa Varsity Baseball

Saratoga Springs Varsity Baseball had a 3-1 win over Ballston Spa on Monday, May 10. Saratoga Springs’s P. Deschaine went 2 for 2 with 1 run scored. A. Teator went 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI. N. Joly went 1 for 3 with 1 run scored and an RBI. S. Hudson went 1 for 3 with an RBI. Ballston Spa’s C. Checca went 2 for 4, E. Hodnett went 1 for 3, and A. SantaBarbara also went 1 for 3. Winning pitcher A. Teator pitched 4 innings, giving up 2 hits and 1 earned run. He struck out 5 and walked 5. E. Hodnett was the losing pitcher of record. 

Saratoga Springs v. Ballston Spa Varsity Baseball

Saratoga Springs Varsity Softball lost 20-7 against Ballston Spa on Monday, May 10. For the Scotties, J. Russell went 4 for 6 with 4 runs scored and 4 RBIs. P. Witalec went 2 for 4 with 1 run scored and 3 RBIs. T. Russell went 4 for 4 with 2 runs scored and 3 RBIs. A. Piscitelli went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and 1 RBI. For the Blue Streaks, M. Vaughn went 1 for 2 with 2 runs scored and 2 walks, G. Cornell went 1 for 2 with 1 run scored and 2 walks, and B. Labate went 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs. Winning pitcher L. Wiltsie pitched 6 innings, gave up 5 hits and 1 earned run. She struck out 6 and walked 1 batter. Saratoga’s pitcher B. Labate got the loss, giving up seven earned runs in three innings, striking out 3 and walking 3.