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Scores & Highlights: 10/3 – 10/9

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.


The Skidmore College field hockey team beat Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute last weekend in a 4-0 shutout. Photo by Matt Milless/Skidmore Athletics.

Saratoga Soccer Squad Beats Guilderland

The Saratoga Springs varsity girls soccer team beat Guilderland 2-1 on Tuesday. Keegan Reinhart scored a goal around the 22-minute mark in the second half for the Blue Streaks, and Ava Goodman added another goal about 11 minutes later off an assist from Keegan Reinhart. Goalkeeper Olivia Goodman had 4 saves in the contest. The team is now 8-2-1 overall on the season.

Saratoga Field Hockey Victorious

The Saratoga Springs varsity field hockey team beat Columbia 4-0 on Monday to improve to 5-4 overall on the season. Mia Khazin scored three times and Olivia Nicoll scored once. The Blue Streaks will next travel to Shenendehowa for a late afternoon matchup on October 9.

Spa Catholic Girls Soccer Team Beats Salem

On Tuesday, the Saratoga Central Catholic girls varsity soccer team defeated Salem, 4 to 2, at home. Addison Quail scored two goals in the first half, both off assists from Grace Schaefer. In the second half, Schaefer scored a goal of her own before Sydney Caracci secured the final point. The Saints improved to 5-6 overall on the season.

Spa Catholic Girls Golf Team Falls Short 

Saratoga Central Catholic’s girls’ golf team narrowly lost to Broadalbin-Perth last Friday, 153 to 150, at Pioneer Hills Golf Course. For the Saints, Aila Cartier shot 43 and was a medalist. 

Lily Norton shot 50 and Eva Nucera notched a 60.

Skidmore Women’s Soccer Team Undefeated 

The Skidmore College women’s soccer team’s undefeated streak continued Saturday afternoon, when the squad scored a 2-1 conference road victory over Vassar College. Sophomore star Abby Lewis struck twice in the first half to guide the Thoroughbreds past a Brewers team that managed to outshoot them by an 18-to-11 margin. Despite the shot disparity, Skidmore goalie Avery Rogers and the Thoroughbreds backline blanketed the home team by allowing just four shots on goal and making key defensive saves late that prevented the match from ending in a draw. Skidmore will next enter a three-game conference home stand starting October 12.

Skidmore Athletes Rack Up Liberty League Awards

The Skidmore men’s tennis team picked up a pair of weekly Liberty League awards last week. Griffin Biernat was named the Liberty League Singles Performer of the Week, and the duo of Fletcher King and Nika Mori was selected as the Liberty League Doubles Team of the Week. Additionally, four Skidmore student-athletes from four different teams were recognized on the Honor Roll: Gillian Maher, Natalie Pedersen, Abby Lewis, and Will Devall.

Skidmore Field Hockey Team Earns Shutout W

The Skidmore College field hockey team shut out Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), 4-0, for a first conference victory on Saturday afternoon. The Thoroughbreds’ offense made up for a recent scoring drought by scoring the third most goals in a single game all season after outshooting the Engineers by a 20-to-9 margin and holding an 11-to-8 penalty corners advantage. Skidmore has now also won 20 of the last 23 matchups against RPI in the series history.


Members of the Saratoga Springs varsity field hockey team pose during Senior Night celebrations at a Monday game against Columbia. Photo via Saratoga Field Hockey X account.

Saratoga Pinball Wizard Hopes to Open Playable Museum

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Featured, Sports.


Pinball machines at the Saratoga Silverball Show in 2023.
 Photo provided by Lonnie Linen.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — When Lonnie Linen was only a teenager, his father died in a car accident. Linen felt lost, unsure of what to do in life. But his father left something behind that would awaken a lifelong passion.

“[My] dad had some slot machines in his house,” Linen said, “and so I took them and I renovated the basement and I made a game room. I was like, I’ll put dad’s slot machines there so I always see them and think of him.”

The touching homage to his late father sparked an idea in Linen: what if he got a pinball machine to add to his collection?

“I found a machine,” Linen said, “it was like a $150. It was falling apart. It was all rotten. The cabinet was all water damaged. It was held together by three-inch lag screws. It was beat.”

At the time, Linen worked at the now-closed RadioShack on Ballston Avenue in Saratoga Springs. He hauled his new prize to work and his boss allowed him to keep the machine in the store for a while.

“My buddy at the time, Ed, was like ‘I hope you have space. It’s never just one. They will multiply.’ I was like, dude I am a broke college kid. I have nothing. And he was like, ‘you’ll find a way.’ Sure enough, he was right. Now I have 60 of them.”

Linen’s sizable collection includes the 1980s medieval fantasy-themed “Sorcerer,” the rare “Deadly Weapon,” the classic “Fish Tales,” “Spectra IV” (a square-shaped cocktail game that spins around), “Caveman” (a pinball machine with a video game inside it), and the ultra-rare “Safety Zone.”

One machine that Linen hopes to add to his lineup is a 1948 “Saratoga,” manufactured by Williams. The game’s backglass features artwork of dressed-up ladies during Saratoga’s Gilded Age, sauntering through a garden outside a grand hotel. “Saratoga” was the first machine to feature thumper bumpers or pop bumpers, which used a metal ring to repel the ball. In other words, Saratoga already has its own unique place in pinball history. 

Now, Linen hopes to make Saratoga a pinball capital by opening an interactive museum that would host his collection and allow visitors to play the silver ball. Considering the Saratoga area is already home to one-of-a-kind museums such as the X-Files Preservation Collection (which features an X-Files pinball machine) and the National Bottle Museum, perhaps a pinball museum would fit right in.

Because Linen has been collecting and repairing machines for nearly a decade, the proposed museum’s maintenance would be handled by him and a few other local techs. As the organizer of the annual Saratoga Silverball Show, as well as the Saratoga Pinball League (hosted on Sunday afternoons at the Wow! Arcade in the Wilton Mall), Linen also has the requisite experience running pinball events. 

Linen said he hopes the museum would capture a “joyful essence” that he finds lacking at many entertainment centers and arcades around the country. 

“Trying to run a business and make money gets in the way of our mission: to bring the retro nostalgic joy back to older generations, and give future generations a chance to experience it firsthand,” Linen said. “My focus, and the mission of Saratoga Silverball/Saratoga Pinball Museum is to get people into pinball and build a scene in upstate New York.”

Linen is currently trying to raise $7,500 to cover the museum’s initial legal and startup fees. 

To learn more about the museum or to make a donation, visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-launch-the-saratoga-pinball-museum


An advertisement for the Williams “Saratoga” pinball machine, circa 1948. Image via the Internet Pinball Machine Database. 

Local Congresswoman Hopes to Award Gold Medals to “Miracle on Ice” Team

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Elise Stefanik joined Congressmen Pete Stauber (R-MN), Bill Keating (D-MA), and Mike Quigley (D-IL), in introducing the bipartisan Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act. The legislation would award three Congressional Gold Medals to members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team in recognition of their 1980 Olympic Winter Games victory against the Soviet Union’s hockey team.

“It is an honor to represent Lake Placid where our 1980 United States Olympic Hockey Team taught our nation how to believe in miracles when they defeated the dominant Soviet Union hockey team during the Cold War,” said Congresswoman Stefanik in a statement. “Our North Country community is proud to be home of this historic and inspiring event and as we work to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the “Miracle on Ice” this legislation honors our Olympic victors for their legendary achievement.”

“We at the National Hockey League enthusiastically support the introduction of the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act and look forward to its passage in Congress and eventual signing by the President,” said National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman.

The three Congressional Gold Medals will be given to three different locations: the Lake Placid Olympic Center in Lake Placid, New York; the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, Minnesota; and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Saratoga Golfer Captures First Collegiate-Level Title 

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Sports.


Kellen Dean, a Saratoga Springs High School alum, is seen just moments after winning his first individual golf title at the collegiate level. Photo via Xavier University. 

NEWTON, KANSAS — Saratoga Springs High School graduate Kellen Dean, now a freshman at Xavier University, captured his first men’s golf tournament individual title at the Grier Jones Shocker Invitational earlier this week. The title secured Dean a sponsor’s exemption into the Korn Ferry Tour’s Wichita Open in June.

Dean finished with a score of -7 (209), shooting rounds of 73, 66, and 70. On the par 3s, he averaged 2.75. His standout performance helped Xavier’s team score a +5 (869), placing them tied for third overall.

When interviewed by Saratoga TODAY in May, Dean said one of his top goals was “for my golf game to be sharp heading into my freshman year in college at Xavier University, and to be able to make an instant impact for the team.”

It appears he has accomplished his goal.

Schuylerville Soccer Squad Has Strong Start

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

SCHUYLERVILLE — The Schuylerville boys varsity soccer team launched into the new season with four straight shutouts last month, demonstrating impressive play on both sides of the ball.

“Playing team defense and limiting opportunities on our goal is what we are always looking to do,” Head Coach Dave Gauci told Saratoga TODAY. “It’s a pretty versatile group that has knowledge of the game.”

Gauci called first-year keeper Asher Harrison “tremendous” and also praised Nate Lanfear and Willem Foster. “We have some young guys in some important positions so we are looking for them to develop fast,” Gauci said.

The team’s shutout streak began with a September 18, 4-0 victory against Scotia-Glenville. In that contest, Alex Renner and Nate Lanfear both earned a goal and an assist to lead the Black Horses. Colden Harrison and Dom Letzring also found the net.

That game was followed by a 1-0 win at South Glens Falls. The lone goal came during the second half, when Justin Nolazco-Lopez found a streaking Alex Renner for the winning score. Harrison had 6 saves.

The next two shutouts against Corinth and Hudson Falls were both dominant victories. The Black Horses won 6-0 and 7-0, respectively. Against Corinth, Nolzco-Lopez had a hat trick within the first 25 minutes of play. In the Hudson Falls game, Nolzco-Lopez scored another two goals while Harrison notched his fifth total shutout of the season.

The Horses’ four-game shutout streak ended on September 30 when they tied Queensbury, 1-1. The team then lost twice in back-to-back games against Colonie Central and Amsterdam, but rebounded with yet another shutout, 5-0, on October 7 against Stillwater.

In the latest shutout, Harrison picked up 3 saves while Matt Delassio, Tazio Helmig, Alex Renner, Willem Foster, and Luke Abrami all scored goals.

Schuylerville is next scheduled to play Glens Falls on the 9th, Gloversville on the 11th, and Greenwich on the 12th.


Schuylerville competes against Stillwater in what would become a shutout victory for the Black Horses. Photos by Super Source Media.

Blue Streak Hall of Fame Inductees Include Current Coach/Teacher

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.


A plaque honors former Saratoga Springs athlete and current coach Jake Zanetti as a 2024 inductee into the Blue Streak Hall of Fame. Photo via Saratoga Athletics X account.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City School District inducted six former Blue Streak athletes into its Hall of Fame last Friday, including current Physical Education Teacher and Coach Jake Zanetti.

The ceremony, held in the Meade Teaching Auditorium at Saratoga Springs High School, welcomed Kelsey Briddell, Lindsey Frank, Derrick Legall, Tina Villa-Gac, Charles “Chip” Williams, and Zanetti into the Blue Streak Hall of Fame.

“It was a special night for sure. My whole family was there,” Zanetti told Saratoga TODAY.

“[I’m] so happy and lucky to have been raised, coached, and surrounded by great Saratoga people.”

Zanetti, a 2005 Saratoga Springs High School graduate, made significant marks in both wrestling and track & field. In track & field, he lettered in five varsity seasons, finished 3rd in the 2005 NYSPHSAA Track and Field Championships, placed 5th in the NYS Federation in pole vault, and set a school record with a height of 14’9”. He also won numerous invitationals and dual meets throughout his career in the vertical jumps at the Suburban Council Championships, Colonie Relays, and Hudson Falls Invitational. In wrestling, Zanetti earned 108 career wins, was a Class A Sectional Champion at 145 pounds, and was a three-time champion of the Saratoga Invitational Tournament. In both sports, he was named to multiple All-Section, All-Conference, and All-Saratogian honors.

After high school, Zanetti continued his pole vaulting career at the State University of New York at Cortland, where he became a Division 3 collegiate athlete. His career at SUNY Cortland culminated in a NCAA National Championship victory in Pole Vaulting in 2009. Currently, Zanetti is a physical education teacher at Lake Ave Elementary, and also coaches high school golf and wrestling.

Kelsey Briddell, class of 2014, played both field hockey and track & field at Saratoga Springs High School. During her career, Briddell was a four-year varsity field hockey player, earning All-State honors in 2013 and serving as co-captain that same year. A versatile attack/midfield player, she also helped lead the ADK Club Field Hockey team to victory at the U16 National Indoor Championship. In track, she was a key member of the undefeated 4×100 Suburban Council Championship relay team (2013-2014) and placed 6th in the state in the 4×100 relay in 2014.

Briddell continued her athletic journey at the University of Albany, where she became a four-year starter for the field hockey team. Her accomplishments included selection to the All-Rookie Team, winning the America East Conference Championship, and earning America East All-Tournament Team honors. Her talent extended to the international stage as well, representing the U.S. National Teams and competing in the World Championships with the FIH Pro League.

Lindsey Frank, class of 2019, made her mark as a dual-sport athlete in both field hockey and lacrosse. A four-year varsity starter in both sports, she set numerous records at Saratoga Springs, including 60 career assists, 82 career goals, 21 single-season assists, and 29 single-season goals. Her lacrosse skills earned her US Lacrosse All-America honors in both 2018 and 2019, as well as being named the Times Union Girls Lacrosse Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons. She was also a 1st Team All-New York selection and a Suburban Council First Team All-Star.

After high school, Frank continued her lacrosse career at the University of Richmond, where she had a historic 2023 season, tallying 90 points (3rd in program history) from 67 goals (a program single-season record). By the end of her Richmond career, she ranked in the top 10 in program history in points (234), goals (164), assists (70), and draw controls (182). She later joined Northwestern University as a graduate student, where she contributed to the Big 10 Lacrosse Championship and earned Honorable Mention USA Lacrosse Division 1 Preseason All-American honors in 2024. She also played one year of field hockey at Northwestern, helping the team achieve a National Division One NCAA runner-up finish in 2023.

Tina Villa-Gac, class of 2004, is a track & field athlete known for her achievements in shot put and discus. Over her six years of varsity competition (1998-2004), she earned numerous accolades, becoming a three-time Suburban Council and Section 2 Champion in both indoor and outdoor track & field events. She ranks 3rd all-time at Saratoga Springs High School in both discus and shot put, and she holds the distinction of being 10th all-time in Section 2 for discus. She qualified for the New York State Outdoor Championships from 2000 to 2004. In 2003 and 2004, she qualified for the Indoor National Championships in both discus and shot put, finishing 9th in the nation in 2003 and 8th in 2004.

After graduating, Villa-Gac attended the University of Buffalo as a Division 1 scholarship athlete, where she not only won a MAC Championship in shot put but also served as team captain and President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Derrick Legall has dedicated over 30 years to supporting the youth and sports programs in Saratoga Springs, both within the city and the school district. His efforts have made a lasting impact on the community, from serving as head of the Saratoga High Booster Club to leading the West Side Little League. Under his leadership, the West Side Little League flourished, and he played a pivotal role in the rebuilding of the West Side Little League Field and Ballpark. In 2011, Legall was named Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Saratoga Wilton Elks #161 Lodge. He also serves on the Saratoga Springs Recreation Commission.

Charles “Chip” Williams, class of 1974, played football, basketball, and baseball. As a guard on the basketball team during the 1973-1974 season, Williams earned Foothills Council All-League honors. In baseball, he helped lead the team to the Foothills Council League Championship in 1974, finishing the season with a batting average of over .300. On the football field, he earned All-American honors.

The 2024 Blue Streak Hall of Fame inductees were selected by a committee composed of current and former coaches, high school administrators, community members, and current and retired athletic directors. A trophy case in the lobby of the blue gym holds plaques in honor of the Hall of Fame members.

Scores & Highlights: 9/26 – 10/2

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.


Photo of the Skidmore College 2014-2015 men’s basketball team
via Coach Joe Burke.

Blue Streaks Football Narrowly Defeats Niskayuna

The Saratoga Springs varsity football team narrowly defeated Niskayuna last Friday night, 31 to 28. The Silver Warriors fired the first shots, scoring the lone touchdown in the first quarter, then notching another TD in the second quarter. But the Blue Streaks fired back, tallying 16 points in the second to make the score 16-14 at the half. Niskayuna came roaring back in the third, scoring two touchdowns and limiting Saratoga to 8 additional points. After three, the Silver Warriors held the lead, 28 to 24. But then the Blue Streaks clapped back in the final quarter, scoring one more touchdown to seal the deal at home.

Saratoga is now 3-1 on the season. Their next game will again be at home against Colonie Central on Friday night.

Schuylerville Slaughters Granville/Whitehall 

The Schuylerville Black Horses varsity football squad destroyed Granville/Whitehall at home last Friday, with a nice score of 69 to 27. The Horses dominated early, scoring 48 points in the first half. Their rushing game was unstoppable, with Landen Cumm totaling 221 yards on only 13 carries and Ollie Bolduc adding 137 yards on 11 carries.

Schuylerville is now 3-1 on the year, and will next face off against Voorheesville in a Saturday afternoon away game.

Schuylerville Runner Wins Broadalbin-Perth Invitational

Last month, Schuylerville High School sophomore Gavin Winacott won the varsity boys 5000 meter run at the Broadalbin-Perth Invitational with a time of 17:17. Other Black Horses with strong showings at the event included Natalie Hoffman (1st in the JV girls 5000 meter run),  Adeline Ballou (5th in the varsity girls 5000 meter run), and the varsity boys 5000 meter run team (2nd place).

Saratoga Girls Golf Team Beats Shen and Queensbury

On October 1, the Saratoga Springs girls golf team beat both Shenendehowa and Queensbury in a non-league match at the Hiland Park Country Club. Saratoga shot a 143, Shen 150, and Queensbury 177. For the Blue Streaks, Sophia Jackson (47) and Chloe Lawrence (47) were both medalists.

Blue Streaks Field Hockey Team Beats Niskayuna

The Saratoga Springs field hockey team defeated Niskayuna 4 to 0 on Monday, notching their third victory in a row. For the Blue Streaks, Maddie Miller earned a hat trick off assists from Esther Lodico, Mia Khazin, and Charlotte Drabek. Khazin also scored for Saratoga.

Skidmore 2014-2015 Men’s Basketball Team to be Inducted Into Hall of Fame

The Skidmore College 2014-2015 men’s basketball team will be inducted into the Skidmore Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 5 (homecoming weekend). The team won 20 games, went 14-2 in the Liberty League, won the school’s third Liberty League title in a five-year span, and competed against New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) champions Wesleyan University in the NCAA Tournament. The team’s induction will take place during a ceremony at the Williamson Sports Center. 

The Hall of Fame team included players Doolun Anyam ‘16, Martin Bedulskij ‘18, Isaac B. Carp ‘16, Vavrinec Cermak ‘17, Marcus A. Jackson ‘19, Perun Kovacevic ‘15, Benjamin H. Louchheim ‘18, Eric J. Lowry ‘15, Aldin Medunjanin ‘17, Connor D. Merrill ‘15, Royce Paris ‘17, Erik J. Sanders ‘16, Tyler S. Victoria ‘17, Nicholas J. Volpe ‘16, Nanribet D. Yiljep ‘15; and coaches Joseph D. Burke (head coach), John Mantas (assistant coach), and Matt Chatham (strength and conditioning).

Skidmore Women’s Tennis Duo Win Regional Title

Skidmore College women’s tennis players Konika Dhull and Grace Truong defeated Victoria Wang and Siona Vallabhaneni of New York University in straight sets to capture the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Northeast Regional Championship last week. As a result of the victory, Dhull and Truong became the first Skidmore doubles pair since 2018 to earn All-America honors. They are also the 12th and 13th players in program history to garner the distinction. The duo will next compete in the Middlebury Panther Challenge, October 11-13.

Skidmore Riding Team Finished 4th in Pre-Season Classic

The Skidmore College riding team finished fourth in the Tournament of Champions Pre-Season Classic hosted by Otterbein University last week.

The day started with senior Kenya Sanders finishing third in the Open Fences. Sophomore Isa Jensen rode next in the Intermediate Fences, putting another third-place finish on the board.  Sanders, along with senior Harper Sanford, also competed in the first phase of the High Medal, with Sanders receiving a call back for the jumping phase. Another smooth ride over the jumps brought Sanders to a Reserve Champion finish in the High Medal.

The team competition continued with sophomore Ani McIntyre riding to fifth place in the Limit Fences and second in the Limit Flat. McIntyre also finished fifth in the Low Medal. Jensen returned to take the win in the Intermediate Flat, and sophomores Stella Allen and Alice Wrede won their Novice Equitation and Introductory Equitation, respectively.

The team begins regular season competition on October 26 at Dutch Manor Stable/Siena College in Guilderland, New York.


Photo of Intercollegiate Tennis Association Northeast Regional Champions Konika Dhull and Grace Truong via Liberty League Athletics.

Saratoga Olympic Rowers Visit White House

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Kristi Wagner and Lauren O’Connor, both members of the Saratoga Rowing Association who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, visited the White House on Monday along with the rest of the Olympic and Paralympic teams.

President Joe Biden spoke to the athletes on the White House South Lawn.

“Yes, you’ve sacrificed,” Biden said, “but you have to look at who you lift up. Your families wept with joy, filled with pride. Your hometowns honor you. And to your fellow Americans, most of whom have never known…you’ve become their heroes.”

Wagner and O’Connor both finished ninth overall in their respective events in Paris. Wagner and her partner Sophia Vitas competed in double sculls, while O’Connor was part of the quadruple sculls team.

Wagner and Vitas were fifth in double sculls at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. O’Connor made her Olympics debut in Paris.

Alliance Jiu Jitsu Opens in Wilton Mall

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Sports.


Photo provided by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

WILTON — Alliance Jiu Jitsu opened a second location in the Wilton Mall last Friday. The new 4,800-square-foot training center will be dedicated entirely to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

For the past 13 years, Alliance’s original location has been housed within the Ndakinna Education Center in Greenfield Center.

Alliance has won the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation world team title 14 times. The company says that its teaching methodology has produced “hundreds of champions and improved countless lives.”

The new training center is located in the Wilton Mall across from Old Navy.

Skidmore Alum Named Minor League Baseball All-Star

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Sports.


Photo of Skidmore College alum Jackson Hornung via the Vancouver Canadians website.

VANCOUVER, CANADA — Jackson Hornung, a Skidmore College alum who plays in the Toronto Blue Jays’ minor league baseball system, was named to the Northwest League All-Star Team last week.

In his first full season with the Vancouver Canadians, Toronto’s High-A affiliate, Hornung led the team with 105 hits in 112 games. He also had 27 multi-hit games, a team high for the season. He finished the year with a .714 OPS, 25 doubles, 6 homers, and 47 RBI. Usually a catcher, Hornung also saw playing time at first base, left field, and designated hitter. 

Hornung was selected in the 16th round (484th pick) of the 2023 MLB Draft by the Blue Jays. He was the first Skidmore alum to be drafted by a professional team.