LOS GATOS, CA — The American Ultimate Disc League (AUDL) kicked off their 10th season on June 4. They are diving into digital currency and have some other exciting new announcements as they take the forefront in modernizing the sports entertainment industry. 

The AUDL is the only professional Ultimate sports league in North America, with 22 teams in four divisions across the U.S. and Canada. Each team competes in a 12-game regular season schedule, with top teams entering a playoff round and divisional winners advancing to a final four style Championship Weekend. 

When Josh Moore founded the league a little over a decade ago, it was centered here in the Northeast, and you could buy a franchise for only $2,500 on Craigslist. It was when Rob Lloyd, current AUDL Chairman, came on board in 2013 and took over the franchising, that the league started growing fast. 

“One of our pillars is to become truly global in terms of awareness of the sport,” said AUDL Commissioner and CEO, Steve Hall. Hall has been involved with the AUDL since 2015 when he bought the Charlotte franchise and then joined the board in 2018. 

Today, over 5 million people are Ultimate fans. As the AUDL describes it, Ultimate is a “fast, flowing, and highly athletic low-contact sport.” Players advance down a football field, 7 on 7, in an attempt to make a pass into the end zone to score. The sport mixes the techniques of soccer with basketball, as players need a pivot foot because they cannot run with the disc.

AUDL game plays have generated coverage on ESPN’s Sports Center Top 10, Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, and more. You can see highlights on AUDL’s social media, and watch full-length games on Fox Sports 2 every Wednesday night at 6 p.m. or stream them on audl.tv or online at www.theaudl.com. 

In a competitive industry, the AUDL is a step ahead of other sports leagues as they embrace online sports betting and digital currency. Not only is the AUDL now on DraftKings, but they have also announced their first collection of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). The AUDL has compiled a digital library of iconic plays made by legendary AUDL players into video-based NFTs called MoMintz, available at www.audlmomintz.com.

“NFTs help players increase their brand, and give them a chance to become brands in modern ways,” said Hall. “It is the digitalization of sports memorabilia.” 

More exciting news involves our home team, the New York Empire. Players will start wearing “wearables” – a GPS tracker for sports from STATSports. They will be testing out the Apex Pro Series to calculate their speed, heart rate, etc. during games. The New York Empire were the 2019 Champions, and the team is a top three contender already this season.

“The New York Empire has some of the greatest players, and will be a powerhouse for years to come,” said Hall. 

The AUDL will also be coming out with their first console-based Ultimate video game very soon. They are working on the prototype now, and are hoping to get it on the market by Championship Weekend in September 2021. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Bridges and SAANYS Challenger Teams took the field this past weekend for an exciting night of “Under the Lights” baseball.

On Saturday, June 5 at West Side Field, the Saratoga Springs Little League Challenger Division held their annual “Under the Lights” baseball game – Saratoga Bridges, coached by Walter Thompson, versus SAANYS (School Administrators Association of New York State), coached by Paul Hebert. 

The Challenger Division is a Little League adaptative baseball program that gives players with specialized needs a place to join in and play the game of baseball in the community. The Little League Challenger Division® is a nationally known program established in 1989, and accommodates players ages 4 to 18, or up to 22 if still enrolled in school. 

Both Coach Thompson and Coach Hebert have been coaching the Challenger Teams for six years now, and are looking to create a soccer program for the kids in the fall. Robert Kelly, District Coordinator for Special Education for Saratoga Springs City School District, credits Coach Thompson and Coach Hebert with being a major a reason for the success of Saratoga’s Challenger Division.

True to baseball, Challenger Night included a singing of the National Anthem by Challenger players Shaedan Smith, Sean Monahan, and Regan Perella, and a ceremonial first pitch. Regan, along with three other players – John Bulan, Chris Erskin, and Ian Hurlock – received jackets provided by Mrs. Fitzpatrick. Little League players and Majors (12-year-olds who are graduating out of Little League) wore their uniforms and their jackets to join the Challenger Teams on the field during the National Anthem. 

Mrs. Fitzpatrick, who was in attendance to hand out the jackets, is the wife of a late Little League sponsor. Along with sponsoring the Fitzpatrick’s Little League Team, she donates personalized jackets to Little League Majors and Challenger players each year. 

Several players could be seen getting pumped up before the game. Shaedan said that he was ready to hit home runs, just like players from his favorite team – the Boston Red Sox – do. 

“It’s athletic, fun, everyone is kind, and my dad and friend Luke have helped me out a lot,” said Henry Spaeth, about why he likes playing baseball in the Challenger Division – he is in his third year.

In their pre-game interviews, players collectively agreed that offense – hitting and running the bases – is the best part of baseball. 

Saratoga Springs Little League’s® adaptive baseball program is in its 6th year and is only one of few in the region. Not only were parents invited to cheer on the players, but so were all of their teachers, teacher aides, therapists, counselors, and other school staff. Derrick Legall, President of the Saratoga Little League, said that this Challenger Night had the biggest crowd turnout yet. 

“These kids need an outlet so they can play,” said Legall. “Let’s invest in our kids because they need to succeed – they are the future. West Side is the best side!”

BALLSTON SPA — Seven Ballston Spa seniors have committed to collegiate-level athletic programs at Division I and Division II schools. 

On Thursday, June 3, the annual recognition ceremony was held at Ballston Spa High School for the seniors who will be continuing their athletic careers at DI and DII colleges and universities in the fall. 

“They have done special things for the district and their teams,” said Athletic Director Dave Sunkes at the ceremony on Thursday. “Unfortunately, they got the raw end of the deal, with Covid for the remainder of their career here.” 

These seven seniors are: 

• Chance Checca who will be attending Marshall University to play baseball.

• Gregg Dort Jr. who will be attending Frostburg University to play lacrosse.

• Ana Gold who will be attending Duke University to play softball.

• Erik Gottmann who will be attending the Viginia Military Institute to play lacrosse.

• Corinne Pepper who will be attending Monmouth University to swim.

• Heather Pritchard who will be attending Southern Connecticut State University to play lacrosse.

• Antonio Rossetti who will be attending Mercyhurst University to play lacrosse.

The Senior Awards Night also took place later that evening on June 3. Ana Gold and Erik Gottmann received the Suburban Council Excellence in Leadership Award. This award is given to a male and female student-athlete each year who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in athletics.

“I picked the Virginia Military Institute because of its prestigious academics, good athletic teams, and because I want to join the military,” said Erik Gottmann, who wants to study civil engineering. “Lacrosse has helped me become hard working and shaped me into the person I am.”

Erik’s peers have also found colleges that will be good fits for their respective futures, playing the sports they love and keeping up with their studies. 

The academics and life on campus of Marshall University are what Chance Checca likes about his future school. Chance said that at Marshall he can continue what he wants to do in life – play baseball and study business, and possibly physical therapy too.

These student-athletes have all learned something from their time in the athletic programs and from the coaches at Ballston Spa that they will take with them to college.

Heather Pritchard said that when she visited Southern Connecticut State University, she fell in love with everything they had to offer, and she plans on studying nursing. Heather has found her group of friends through playing lacrosse at Ballston Spa, and has also learned how to take leadership roles. 

Corinne Pepper said she picked Monmouth University because they had both the major she wanted and a fast swim team. She plans on studying Physical Education and Health.

“Swimming for Ballston Spa has taught me hard work and dedication,” said Corinne. “And it has brought me a good group of friends.” 

Aerial Treetop Adventure Tours, Mountaintop Yoga, Outdoor Adventure Summer Camps and More

QUEENSBURY — West Mountain is open for summer fun. Tickets for Aerial Treetop Adventure Tours, Mountain Biking, Mountaintop Picnics, Scenic Chairlift Rides and Hiking are now on sale. Apex Summer Fun Season Passes are also now available. The summer season pass, for ages 7 and older, includes unlimited mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, hiking and Aerial Treetop Adventure Tours.  For groups of 10 or more, please contact shannon@westmountain.com. West Mountain’s Treetop Adventure Park requires a reservation at least 48 hours in advance for summer season passholders.

Other happenings at West Mountain include Mountaintop Yoga to take place at the summit of West Mountain on Saturdays at 11 a.m. Hot Yoga Queensbury will lead the 60 minute all levels Vinyasa Flow class. Meet outside the base lodge 15 mins prior for check-in and health screen. The cost is $40 which includes lift ticket to and from summit.

West Mountain’s Outdoor Adventure Summer Camps are returning this summer and begin July 5. Eight weeks of camp are offered this year where kids explore the great outdoors as they engage in activities including hiking, climbing and organized games and activities that will strengthen their bodies and minds. For more information and to register visit westmountain.com/camps.

West Mountain is also now booking summer and fall weddings and special events. West Mountain offers indoor and outdoor space for special events. Rent out the West Mountain Bar and Eatery, main lodge or NW lodge, or host your event outdoors/ under a tent with the mountain as the beautiful backdrop.

For more details on summer events and information on event booking visit westmountain.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS — After a perfect 13-0 season in the Suburban Council, and Section II AA semi-finals win, Saratoga Varsity Boys’ Tennis Team advances to the finals. 

 In a grueling match with a high heat index on Monday, June 7, Toga defeated Albany Academy with three singles wins and three doubles wins. The level of talent on both teams was also extremely high. In the 1st singles match, Nicholas Grosso fell behind in the 2nd set but was able to separate himself in the 3rd set and come away with the win against Will O’Brien. In the 2nd and 3rd singles matches, Andrew Blaha and Jackson Katusha, who were previously undefeated, lost to Dhev Jammula and Zain Magdon. In the 4th spot, Vincent Devito, a sophomore, defeated Theo Angelopoulos. There was another great win from eighth grader Liam Chartrand in the 5th spot, who defeated Nick DeMarco. 

For the first time this season, all three doubles teams swept their opponents. In the 1st doubles match, Ryan Clancy and Kevin Rosas defeated Q Nigro and Will Frasier. In the 2nd doubles match, Devin Kim and Toby Webber defeated Jon Dailey and Arjun Nair. And in the 3rd spot, Nate Krackeler and Declan Ladd defeated Jonathan Farbman and Ethan Bowden. 

Coach Rich Johns, who helps out the team, relayed that Head Coach Tim O’Brien was extremely pleased with the efforts of the entire team during their semi-final sectional match, and proud of how the doubles teams won their matches. 

Toga Varsity Boys’ Tennis will advance to the Section II AA Finals against Bethlehem at Central Park in Schenectady. The match was originally scheduled for Tuesday, June 8, but was cancelled due to weather, and has been rescheduled for Monday, June 14 at 3:30 p.m.

In addition, Section II’s tournaments for individuals were held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (June 9, 10, and 11), also at Central Park in Schenectady. There will be no state tournament this year for tennis.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association, Inc. will host a two-day job fair on Friday, June 11 and Saturday, June 12 to recruit workers for the 2021 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course, which begins on Thursday, July 15 and continues through Monday, Sept. 6.

As announced by NYRA and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on May 27, the 2021 summer meet will re-open to fans at near full capacity following a season without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The job fair will take place at Saratoga Race Course within the open-air Events Pavilion. Interviews will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, June 11 and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 12.

Prospective summer employees should enter through the main gate at Union and East Avenues and park in the main lot. Unvaccinated individuals are required to complete a temperature check prior to entry, wear facial coverings while at Saratoga Race Course and adhere to social distancing guidelines to mitigate the risk of COVID-19.

Opportunities at this year’s job fair will include: hospitality ambassadors; guest services; cashiers; admissions attendants; parking attendants; Bets Squad representatives; white caps/ushers; box office; betting clerks; general labor; security; porters; cooks; waitstaff; bussers; concessions supervisors and cashiers; cleaners; TV production; and technology support.

Positions are available with NYRA, Integrated Staffing, Levy Restaurants, AllPro and Union Square Events. 

Applicants must be at least 15 years of age with New York State Certified Working Papers; prospective security guards, cashiers and betting clerks must be at least 18 years of age to apply. Security guards must have a high school degree or GED to apply. All applicants must bring a photo ID and social security card or I-9 alternative.

American Legion Baseball 

Join the Saratoga Recreation Department and American Legion Baseball for this co-sponsored clinic. Learn the sport alongside Legion Players!

The clinic is for ages 5-14, and runs June 28 to July 2 from 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at East Side Rec (226 Lake Ave). Fees are $80 for City residents and $90 for Non-City residents. After June 21, fees increase to $105 for City residents and $115 for Non-City residents. 

Players need to come prepared with their own mask, water, cleats/sneakers, and glove. Coordinator is Paul Mound, Union College Head Coach, Saratoga Stampede. 

Boys Basketball 

Spend the week working on drills and scrimmages in preparation for the Championship Friday Awards Ceremony! Choose from two action packed weeks or plan to attend both!

This camp is for ages 5-14. Session 1 runs from July 5 to July 9, and Session 2 runs from August 9 to August 13. Both sessions will be held at East Side Rec (226 Lake Ave) from 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Fees are $80 for City residents and $ 90 for Non-City residents. After June 28 (for Session 1) and August 2 (for Session 2) fees increase to $105 for City residents and $115 for Non-City residents. 

Players need to come prepared with a mask, water, and sneakers. Coordinator is Tony DeVizzio, SSHS Basketball Coach. 

Boxing

This is a non-contact camp to learn proper boxing technique and conditioning. Light contact is available for those wishing to take it to the next level. Full safety equipment and coach’s approval required. 

This camp is for ages 8-15, and runs August 9 to August 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Youth Boxing Gym, Weibel Ice Rink (30 Weibel Ave). Fees are $80 for City residents and $90 for Non-City residents. After August 2, fees increase to $105 for City residents and $115 for Non-City residents. 

Participants need to bring a mask, sneakers, and towel. Coordinator is the Saratoga Youth Boxing Association. 

Field Hockey 

This clinic will introduce participants to the game as well as develop the skills needed to be ready for our Fall league. 

This clinic is for ages 8-14, and runs July 5 to July 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Rec Center Field (15 Vanderbilt Ave). Fees are $80 for City residents and $90 for Non-City residents. After June 28, fees increase to $105 for City residents and $115 for Non-City residents.

Participants need to bring their own mask, stick, shin guards, mouth guard, and water. Coordinator is Jenna Capezzuti. 

Contact the Recreation Department at 518-587-3550 x2300 or recreservations@saratoga-springs.org with questions. Early bird registration period ends one week before camp starts! Fees increase $25 after.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga City Ballet (SCB) has provided education in the art of dance for young children through adults in Saratoga Springs for many years. With the closures due to COVID, Saratoga City Ballet seamlessly provided opportunities for their students to continue to train and connect with their peers and teachers with live classes online. In order to provide opportunities to learn and prepare pieces for performance, artistic director Beth Fecteau choreographed variations from her full-length ballet Sleepless Beauty. Students will perform these variations which will be shared with families and friends via video. 

Saratoga City Ballet is now offering summer programming for dancers ages 3 to 18, including beginner and advanced classes in Broadway Jazz, Ballet, Storybook “Swan Lake,” and Master Classes with Professional NYCB dances in conjunction with Ballet in the City. Refer to www.saratogacityballet.com for program details and registration.

In addition, with theaters opening this year, Saratoga City Ballet and Nacre have announced they will hold auditions for ages 5-adult in September 2021 for the annual full-length Nutcracker to be held at the Egg Theater in Albany. Refer to www.saratogacityballet.com for information later this summer. 

Congrats to this week’s Athlete of the Week – Sophia Damiano!

Sophia finished her gymnastics career on the varsity team at Saratoga Springs High School in February, after being Co-Captain for the last two years. She just recently finished her USA Gymnastics (USAG) season at the Eastern Nationals. She has done competitive gymnastics since the fourth grade. She also competes with Cartwheels Gym in Clifton Park. 

Sophia has an impressive list of stats for her high school gymnastics career. As a freshman, she placed 2nd in the All Around Sectional Tournament (2017-2018) and advanced to the State Meet. As a sophomore she placed 3rd in the All Around Sectional Tournament (2018-2019) and advanced to the State Meet. Her junior year she claimed the title of Sectional Tournament Champion (2019-2020) and set tournament records in the Beam (9.425) and Vault (9.45). She had the second best All Around score at the tournament since 2006 with a 37.35. She medaled on vault in 5th place, tying the Section 2 Vault record with a 9.475 at the NYSPHAA State Meet on Long Island. 

This year, her senior year at Toga, Sophia broke her own records. She had a career high All Around score of 37.45, she had a personal best on Floor with a 9.575, she captured the Section 2 vault record with a 9.65 her first meet of the year, and she broke Vault records for a 3rd time at a later meet and established the Section 2 record with a 9.75. This past season Toga won 7 out of 9 meets in the Suburban Council. 

Her senior year at USAG States, she took 1st in Vault, 2nd in Bars, and 2nd in All Around. At USAG Regionals in Massachusetts, she took 2nd in Vault and 4th in Beam. She then advanced and traveled to Eastern Nationals with Region 6 in Georgia, where she competed against 226 senior level gymnasts. She medaled on Vault with a 6th place finish with a score of 9.6. 

Sophia has been a High Honor Roll student for all four years at Saratoga Springs High School. She balances her AP and Honors course loads with a 20+ hours a week training schedule. She has been a member of SALT Club and Spanish National Honor Society. She has volunteered for SNACpack, Helping Hoops, and Ryan’s Run over the last few years. 

Several NCAA collegiate gymnastics teams were recruiting Sophia, and she is thrilled to be continuing her career at Rhode Island College with Coach Monica Nassi, a former Spanish National Olympic Team member. She will be a Specialist in Vault, Beam, and Floor during her freshman year, while studying Registered Nursing to further pursue a Nurse Practitioner degree. 

Sophia has a positive outlook on her athletic and academic experiences. She is reflective and grateful for everyone that has helped her reach her potential. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — This fun family-friendly walking tour invites guests to enjoy the scenic beauty of a neighborhood historically known at Brandtville. The nearly 1-mile loop encourages participants to look for the oldest homes in the neighborhood and identify other interesting remnants that remain in Brandtville. This historically African American rural farming community dates back to the 1800’s. Located at the southeastern edge of Saratoga Springs, NY, Brandtville is situated south of the Southside Recreation Center across Crescent Street onto Doten Avenue. Between the dog park and Racino, this quiet neighborhood is a veritably verdant extension of The Spa State Park. 

Carol Daggs, Author of Saratoga Soul Brandtville Blues is a descendant of the original Brandtville residents. This summer Daggs is offering guided walking tours on Monday mornings at 10 a.m. The approximately 1-mile loop is a comfortable stroll starting on Doten Avenue. North to Penn Street, the course turns left at Penn Street and meets Joshua Road. Left onto Joshua takes the course south toward Shaw Drive. From Shaw, turn left onto East Broadway, continue straight all the way to Jefferson Street and arrive at the west edge of the Racino. Take a left onto Jefferson and walk north to Taylor Street, turn left onto Taylor. Continue straight past the mailboxes to Doten Avenue. Turn right, walk down to the starting/ending point at 29 Doten. Congratulations, you’ve successfully completed The Brandtville Boogie!

Tickets with variable price options available on website: saratogasoulbook.com. Participation is open to adults, $25, students & seniors, $15. Children ages twelve and under are free and must be accompanied by their parent. Guests agree to observe CDC guidelines, wear a mask as needed, and maintain appropriate social distance. No pets permitted. Closest public restrooms located at the Southside Rec Center, 15 Vanderbilt Avenue. Plan your needs accordingly! Boogie on down to Brandtville to participate in the inaugural season of Monday walking tours this summer! RAIN OR SHINE tour dates are as follows. June – 7, 14, 21, 28. July 5, 12, 19, 26. August – 16, 23, 30. 

Questions may be directed to Carol R. Daggs, Author & Brandtville Boogie Tour Guide at 530-562-7556 or saratogasoul2020@gmail.com.