Congrats to this week’s Athletes of the Week – Brock Delsignore and Colden Dorfman!

Brock and Colden are both seniors and varsity wrestlers at Shenendehowa High School. In the 2019-2020 season they were both state finishers at the NYSPHSAA Wrestling Championships. Brock was just one match short of winning the state title and placed 2nd in the Division I-182 weight class. Colden placed 4th in the Division I-160 weight class. In this past “hybrid” season (only 7 separate dual meets and 1 tri-meet), Brock was 3/3 and Colden was 2/3. 

Their coach, Robert Weeks, describes them as leaders within the program – great athletes and students. All wrestlers in the program were given the option to compete on their own for the 2020-2021 season. Brock and Colden decided to stay with the team, despite having more opportunities to compete if they wrestled on their own. Coach Weeks expressed that their decision to stay with the team is a testament to their character as athletes and teammates. 

Section II kicked off the “Fall II” varsity football season with games this past weekend on Friday, March 19 and Saturday, March 20. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS V. CBA

SARATOGA SPRINGS — CBA (Christian Brothers Academy) started off their season with a 40-0 win over Saratoga Springs on Saturday in their Class AA away game. CBA ran away with the game in the second quarter, where they scored 26 of their 40 points. 

Brenden Simek had 2, 1 yard rushing touchdowns and 1 receiving touchdown on a 25 yard pass from Jack Gregory. Dylan Jones scored twice, once on a fumble recovery and off a 33 yard pass from Gregory. Jake Lacobaccio had one score on a 3 yard run. Stewart was 4 for 5 on extra points. 

BALLSTON SPA V. BURNT HILLS-BALLSTON LAKE

BURNT HILLS — Burnt Hills got their season started with a big win over Ballston Spa on Friday night. The final score of the Class A match-up was 35-12. 

Rocco Mareno got the scoring started for Burnt Hills on a 58 yard pass and the first completion from QB Caeden LaPietro. LaPietro threw 7 times with 5 completions for 118 yards, also rushing for 85 yards and a touchdown. Jaleel Joseph scored on a 6 yard run, and Jake Pausley also scored on a 1 yard run. Michael Puglisi scored on a 35 yard interception return. Sbuttoni was 5 for 5 on extra points.

Ballston Spa finally got on the board in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t make up the deficit. QB Andrew Kramer took eight passing attempts and completed one 25 yard touchdown pass to Owen Walsh. Kramer was intercepted twice. He also rushed for 38 yards on 7 carries with a long of 16. Jovie Acacio rushed for 41 yards on 15 carries with a long of 9. Erik Gottman rushed for 34 yards on 8 carries with a long of 15. C.J. Guarino also scored on a kickoff return of 86 yards. 

“It’s good to be back out on the football field. We were asking for spring football and we finally got it,” said Ballston Spa Varsity Football Coach, Greg O’Connor. “I’m sure both teams wish it was a cleaner game…but we had a short pre-season, and it’s a work in progress.”

SCHUYLERVILLE V. MECHANICVILLE

MECHANICVILLE – In the Class C match-up between Schuylerville and Mechanicville on Saturday, Schuylerville came away with the decisive win of 38-0. 

In the first quarter, Sam McGarrahan scored on a 6 yard TD run. Ryan Dow completed the 2 point conversion on a pass to Zach Bowen.

In the second quarter, Jack Dwyer scored on a 1 yard TD run, and the 2 point conversion was completed from Owen Sherman to Dow. Also in the second quarter, McGarrahan scored on a 9 yard TD run. Dow completed the 2 point conversion to Dwyer. The second quarter was capped off by a 42 yard TD pass from brothers O. Sherman to Lukas Sherman. The 2 point conversion was completed to Dwyer from O. Sherman.

In the fourth quarter, O. Sherman scored on an 11 yard TD run. 

Schuylerville had 311 total yards, 221 of them rushing. McGarrahan ran 135 yards on 21 carries. Dwyer had 57 yards on 11 carries. O. Sherman had 26 yards on 6 carries. QB O. Sherman completed 6 of 11 passes for 90 yards.

On the receiving end, Dwyer had one catch for 20 yards, L. Sherman had one catch for 42 yards, Bowen had 2 catches for 18 yards, and McGarrahan had 2 catches for 10 yards.

Defensively, Nick Abruscato had a fumble recovery. 

Mechanicville was limited to 38 total yards. D’Ambro had six carries for 20 yards and passed for 22 more yards. Sanchez also had 9 carries for 14 yards. Recieivng, Johnson had a catch for 14 yards. 

STILLWATER V. LAKE GEORGE/HADLEY-LUZERNE

STILLWATER – Stillwater lost in a close contest against the WarEagles on Saturday. The final score of this Class C match-up was 12-8. 

In the first quarter, Brody McCabe got the scoring started for the WarEagles with a 37 yard TD pass from QB Cole Clarke. In the second quarter, Stillwater took the lead on Isaac Cutler’s 32 yard run and 2 point conversion from Tyler Paffen to C.J. McNeil. Clarke then ran 35 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter to take back the lead for the WarEagles. Late in the fourth quarter, the WarEagles turned the football over on downs near the 20, but they sealed the deal in the next play with an interception by B. McCabe.

Clarke had 10 carries for 117 yards, and completed 7 of 19 passes for 124 yards, for a TD and an interception. B. McCabe had 3 catches for 82 receiving yards.

Defensively, Clarke had 9 tackles and Andrew Jeckel had 10. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Central Catholic honored their senior basketball players and their families in games this past weekend. Families were allowed to attend, marking a year since spectators had been in the gym. Both varsity teams won their senior night contests. 

Varsity Boys’ Basketball

The varsity boys’ game was Friday, March 12 versus Corinth. In a game that was evenly matched physically, the Saints started off strong. They moved the ball well, and looked for fast break opportunities. Their great teamwork also contributed to the 62-46 victory.

They honored seniors Hayden Day (#14), Will Fizer (#11), and Aiden Lambert (#24). This trio of seniors has been playing basketball together since 9th grade. 

“It has been great playing with these guys,” said Hayden. “I’m glad we were able to have a season.” Hayden was the team’s leading scorer in their senior night game with 34 of the team’s points.

“It was a tough season, that took a lot of dedication,” said Aiden. “So, I’m glad we were able to have games.” 

And, Will added, “It was great to be able to have a team experience and finish off the season with these guys.”

Varsity Girls’ Basketball

The varsity girls’ game was Saturday, March 13 versus Galway. The final score was 68-46. The team honored their seniors Molly O’Reilly (#30), Megan Cornell (#22), Annie Naughton (#44), and Ryleigh Dempsey (#12).

In the game on Saturday, Molly drove to the hoop, drew fouls, and made her free throws. Megan was fast defensively and caused turnovers. Megan said that the team really bonded over the season’s unusual circumstances.

“I’m really sad it’s over,” said Molly. “None of us were expecting to have a season, but it worked out great.” Molly was the leading scorer of the game with 19 points. 

Annie and Ryleigh are strong forwards. Annie was not afraid to take the ball down the court herself and drive to the hoop. Ryleigh had great offensive moves and plays under the basket, and contributed 14 points to the win. 

“It’s bittersweet,” said Annie. “This is the last time most of us are playing, but this is a great team and great girls.”

Ryleigh, who said she was out on the court playing in memory of her brother, also added:  “It’s sad to finish the season and say goodbye. But, it was fun while it lasted.”

ALBANY — Officials at the Freihofer’s Run for Women (FRW) have announced that the event’s 43rd edition, which was originally set for Saturday, June 5 has been moved to Saturday, September 25 in downtown Albany. 

The event will feature an in-person 5k, Junior 3k, and Kids’ run featuring CDC and New York state-mandated safety measures. Virtual options will also be offered for both the 5k and Junior 3k. Registration for the event will open late spring at freihofersrun.com. 

With the Run for Women pushed off until later this year, organizers plan to shift the start of the event’s popular Training Challenge from Monday, March 22 to Monday, July 12. The 11-week program is for runners of all abilities. It follows a beginner’s 5k training program and features small groups led by mentors, as well as a virtual option. 

For more information, visit freihofersrun.com. From the home page, you can also link to the event’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube pages. 

CLIFTON PARK — The Halfmoon Baseball Challenge will take place on Tuesday, April 6 in support of the Halfmoon Baseball 2021 Cooperstown Team. The event will be held at the Toptracer Range in the Northway Golf Center, located at Exit 8 off the Northway.

The day will feature two hours of 9-hole virtual golf in a socially-distanced, heated, luxury private bay, a delicious food item from the Caddy Shack, and a cash bar. You can also participate in the “closest to the pin” and “longest drive” contests. 

Register at halfmoon-baseball-golf-challenge.perfectgolfevent.com, or contact Maria Kenneally at 518-331-7023 with any questions. 

SARATOGA COUNTY — Every year Soroptimist International of Saratoga County (SISC) hosts a Cabin Fever Luncheon Fundraising Event at Saratoga National Golf Club. Unfortunately, the pandemic prevented SISC from running the function; however, such times led them to explore other means to raise money for charities and scholarships.

This year, in lieu of Cabin Fever, SISC will host a Spring Fever Golf Tournament at Saratoga National Golf Club. 

SISC announced the event’s Honorary Chair to be Dottie Pepper. Dottie Pepper is a former LPGA Tour Professional, winning 17 times in her 17-year career, including two major championships before retiring from competitive golf in 2004. She is currently the lead walking reporter for CBS Sports’ coverage of the PGA Tour, Masters and PGA Championship.

The cost for each golfer is $250, which includes access to the driving range, golf cart, light breakfast, lunch, and a sit-down dinner. Registration is required.

For the safety of Saratoga National staff, Soroptimist volunteers, and participants in this event, all requirements regarding mask wearing and other pandemic precautions will follow NYS guidelines. 

Your attendance and sponsorship of this event will fund local grants and global initiatives supporting our mission of improving the lives of women and girls locally and throughout the world. 

For more information, to register and to view sponsorship instructions, please visit the website: soroptimistsaratoga.org/SpringFever.

Congratulations to this week’s Athlete of the Week – Ava Dallas! 

Ava is a senior gymnast at Saratoga Springs High School. Some of her athletic accomplishments include winning the Section II gymnastics all-around title as a freshman during the 2017-2018 season, placing second in the Section II gymnastics all-around title in the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 seasons, and taking first in the all-around competition and leading her team to victory at the Suburban Council League Championship in February of this year. She placed first in three individual events: the bar, the floor, and the beam. She will graduate this year as the school record holder on the balance beam with a score of 9.60.

Ava also excels in the classroom, maintaining a 99 average and taking mostly Honors and Advanced Placement courses. She teaches youth gymnastic classes at the Wilton YMCA. After she graduates, Ava plans to attend an Ivy League college, namely Yale or Cornell, to get a great education and continue to succeed in gymnastics at the collegiate-level.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A local high schooler is a finalist for the first annual Empire State Winter Games Athlete of the Year Award. 

Hunter Goodwin is only a freshman at Saratoga Springs High School, but has already accomplished great things in his sport – ski cross. 

Ski cross, as he describes it, is a mix of alpine and slope skiing. Four skiers start at the same time and compete on a course of rollers, jumps, and bank turns. Hunter’s mother, Nicole Goodwin, describes it as “roller derby on skis.” 

Hunter started skiing around the age of three. His parents introduced it to him, and then put him into the Mountain Adventure program at Gore Mountain. It was after he tried out for the alpine team at West Mountain, that one of his coaches, Matt Lynn, told him about ski cross. 

Hunter now trains through the NYSEF (New York Ski Educational Foundation) Freeride Program at Gore Mountain. When he races, he represents the Adirondack Series of the USASA (United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association). Hunter has already earned three back-to-back gold medals this year in USASA competitions at Gore and Whiteface. In a normal year, without COVID, he would have traveled to places like Vermont and Colorado to compete also. 

The first annual Empire State Winter Games (ESWG) Athlete of the Year Award presented by BlueShield of Northeastern New York is their way of honoring winter sport athletes across New York State, in place of their typical event at the end of January. The qualifications are as follows, according to their website (www.empirestatewintergames.com): an athlete who (a) has participated in the Games before, or 2021 would have been their first year competing, and (b) exemplifies sportsmanship, leadership, community service, academic excellence, and overall, what it means to be an Empire State Winter Games Athlete. Coaches, parents, and peer athletes could submit nominations. One finalist is chosen from each sport by the respective ESWG Sport Coordinator. Finalists then submit a video for ESWG to share on social media, where the community will vote. The athlete with the most likes will win Athlete of the Year, announced on March 9. 

“It was definitely a surprise,” said Hunter, about being nominated and winning the ski cross category. “I have been going to the Empire State Winter Games, this would have been my third year and the first two years I got gold in ski cross. It’s a cool thing knowing that people nominated me for ski cross, and I didn’t realize it would take me to the overall award.”

Hunter has been able to balance skiing and school easily, doing homework during the week and training on the weekends. For him, training consists of practicing his starts, full tucks, and absorption jumps on the course, or wide turns down the mountain. Hunter mainly focuses on skiing, but he also skateboards and trampolines. Despite all his success already, and at such a young age, Hunter has big goals for the future.

“I want to podium at nationals,” said Hunter. “And, my highest goal is to get to the Olympics.”

We wish you good luck Hunter!

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Harness kicked off its 80th season of live harness racing on Monday, March 1. Races will run three days a week, every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, with a first post at noon through the first four months of the season.

The 2021 season will feature a full slate of New York Sire Stakes action, along with new betting options. In addition to the Pick 5 with a guaranteed pool, Saratoga will be introducing two new bets geared toward building jackpot-type payoffs, the Jackpot Super High Five and the Pick
Six Jackpot. 

Due to state COVID-19 guidelines, no spectators are allowed at the track; however, fans can wager remotely on the races through Saratoga Casino Hotel’s online wagering platform, saratogabets.com, or on any other New York State approved online wagering platform. 

For a complete schedule, or for more information on the raceway’s safety procedures, visit saratogacasino.com. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Varsity Boys’ Ice Hockey Team is having a successful season that they weren’t sure they were going to get in the first place.

The Blue Streaks have 10 regular season games, and their current record is 5-3. This year, the league is split into a North and South Division, with teams playing each other twice within their division. The Blue Streaks are in the North Division, and started their season in the beginning of February. Unlike other winter sports, ice hockey will still have playoff games at the end of the season. The quarterfinals start on March 10 and the finals will be held on March 13. 

The reason behind the different divisional format is that the state allowed high-risk sports to resume, but left the decision up to the counties. The northern counties opened up sooner than southern counties and the Albany region. Therefore, the division split so they could start practicing and playing as soon as possible, just when they had started to lose hope of having a season at all.

“Just getting the season started was a challenge,” said Tim Horst, the Saratoga Springs Varsity Boys’ Ice Hockey Coach. “Once we got into our season, it gave us great perspective on what challenges are – what we can control and what we can’t.” 

The team has great offensive ability and control of the puck. Their team defense is also strong. The four senior captains –Will Detora (forward, #4), Devon Wormley (forward, #10), Andrew Blanchard (forward, #7), Griffin Sarver (defense, #11) – are great leaders and contributors to the success this season. In total, there are 13 seniors on the team, and they are all grateful to be out on the ice.

“It made for allowing us to have a season even better, because those would have been 13 players that wouldn’t have been allowed to play their final season of high school hockey,” said Coach Horst. 

The team has had two identical 3-0 shutout wins so far this season – one against the Mohawks, a combination team of Niskayuna and Schenectady, and the other against Shenendehowa. Coach Horst was able to list several things the team did well to win those games. 

“I think we did a good job of playing team defense and keeping the other team to the outside, not allowing any odd-man rushes or Grade A scoring chances,” said Coach Horst. “Also, our goal tending did a great job of making the first save and not giving up any rebound or second or third opportunities.”

The Saratoga Springs Varsity Boy’s Ice Hockey Team also had a 5-2 win over BHBL/BS (Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake/Ballston Spa) on senior night this past Friday, Feb. 26. Senior night was the only game fans (just parents) were allowed at this season. All other games have been, or will be, livestreamed instead on the school district’s YouTube Channel. But that doesn’t compare to actually having their fans in the stands. 

“We have really good fans. Our school and our community supports our team really well,” said Coach Horst. “We miss our fans, and can’t wait for them to come back.”