BALLSTON SPA — On Feb. 7, the Ballston Spa varsity wrestling team captured the Section 2 Class B championship for the second-straight year.
Four Scotties also qualified for states: Sean Pausley (285 lbs), James Capasso (175 lbs),Tyler Perkins (165 lbs), and Quinton Warlikowski (144 lbs). Pausley, Capasso, and Warlikowski are all captains.
“Those four guys have been pretty reliable this year,” Ballston Spa Wrestling Coach Jacob Warren told Saratoga TODAY.
Despite the triumphant finish, the Scotties’ season had a shaky start. Early on, the squad had some holes to fill and suffered a few losses within their Suburban Council. But as the season progressed, fortunes changed. Ballston Spa took third in the dual meet sectional championships, avenging an earlier loss to Niskayuna. Then they captured the Class B title before finishing fourth overall at state qualifiers on Feb. 14.
Now Warren is tasked with preparing four of his grapplers for the state championships.
“I think all four of them are confident that they can, and I believe that they can, go place in the state,” Warren said. “In the last few weeks, those four especially have honed in on what they need to work on to get to the next level.”
The four boys will compete at states at Albany’s MVP Arena on Feb. 27 and 28.
THE BALLSTON SPA NYSPHAA SECTION 2 CLASS B CHAMPIONS
SARATOGA SPRINGS — For Spring 2026, Skidmore College men’s soccer team is preparing for an ambitious spring season that includes high-level competition, an international trip, alumni and community engagement, and continued program growth.
The highlight of the spring will be the team’s international trip from March 7–15, traveling to Cologne, Germany and Amsterdam, Netherlands. The experience is designed to provide student-athletes opportunities for cultural immersion, as well as competitive playing opportunities.
While in Cologne, the Thoroughbreds will:
• Participate in a guided tour of the historic city, including the iconic Cologne Cathedral and Old Town along the Rhine River
• Visit RheinEnergie STADION, home of Bundesliga side 1. FC Köln
• Train under the direction of FC Köln academy coaches
• Attend a professional match
• Compete in a friendly match against FC Köln International Talent Program
The team will then travel to Amsterdam, where they will:
• Tour the Johan Cruijff ArenA, home of AFC Ajax
• Train locally and play a friendly match against SV Parkhout
• Experience Amsterdam’s rich history through guided cultural activities
The trip represents an opportunity to challenge the group competitively while strengthening team chemistry and broadening global perspective.
Beyond their international adventures, Skidmore will host their spring match on Friday, April 10 at 7 p.m. against St. Michael’s College on Wachenheim Field. It’ll be a rematch between the Thoroughbreds and Purple Knights from last spring, when Skidmore won 1-0. This year’s game will serve as an evaluation opportunity as the program continues to build toward the fall season.
The program looks forward to welcoming alumni back to campus during its annual Spring Alumni Weekend on April 10-11. Saturday’s schedule includes an alumni panel and small-group conversations with the current team, as well as a small-sided alumni vs. current team tournament.
Spring and summer also mark a period of community outreach and recruiting for the program.
The program will host the April Break Youth Camp (April 6–10) and Summer Youth Camp (August 3–7) for youth players in the surrounding Saratoga communities. The program will also host multiple ID Clinics throughout the spring and summer.
WILTON — On Jan. 31, Professors Dan Ladd and Harrison Hatton, both instructors at Alliance Jiu-Jitsu Saratoga, received their black belts from third degree black belts Professors James and Jesse Bruchac at Alliance Saratoga headquarters in Wilton Mall.
Dan Ladd, a former All-American Schuylerville wrestler and former #1 ranked amateur MMA fighter, has made a name for himself in jiu-jitsu, winning many international events, as well as capturing bronze in the 2023 IBJJF Master Worlds in Vegas.
Professor Harrison Hatton, also a judo black belt, has competed and won in multiple local and international jiu-jitsu events, recently capturing open class gold at the 2025 IBJJF Tampa International Open.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Central Catholic boys basketball team clinched their second-straight North Division title on Tuesday after defeating Greenwich 82 to 59.
The Saints began the season by losing two out of their first three games in Wasaren League play before steamrolling through eight of their last nine league competitors. The b-ball squad finished with a 13-6 overall regular season record and will next face off against Tamarac for the league title on Saturday afternoon.
In the victorious contest against Greenwich, the boys had six players finish in double digits: Bryce Peterson (17 points), David Redgrave (15), Jasyn Thompson (12), Thomas Zayac (12), Kingston David (10), and Miles Knussman (10).
BALLSTON SPA — Ballston Spa native James Haughton, who is currently a freshman at the University of Rhode Island, has been signed by the Amsterdam Mohawks of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL), the team announced on Sunday.
Haughton, a 5’11” infielder, previously participated in the PGCBL when he was a high school senior, playing for the Glens Falls Dragons. In 2025, Haughton had 14 hits, 2 doubles, 8 RBI, and 8 walks in 65 plate appearances for the Dragons, earning him a .681 OPS.
“James is a baseball player who is committed to his craft with a high baseball IQ,” said Ballston Spa High School’s head baseball coach Curtis Nobles. “He is a skilled athlete in the field with really good hands and footwork as a middle of the field guy. Continued work on different arms angles consistently will make him an elite defender. Base running for James is done with an aggressive attitude and intent, always looking to take the next base. Offensively at the plate, elite hand speed and strength with the ability to adjust to all pitches at an elite level.”
With the B-Spa Scotties last year, Haughton had a .451 batting average and 1.196 OPS, accumulating 32 hits, 30 runs, 10 doubles, and 14 RBI in 89 plate appearances.
According to the Perfect Game USA scouting organization, Haughton ranks #22 among all high school shortstops in New York State.
ALBANY — Senator Jim Tedisco (R, C-Ballston Lake) and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D-Round Lake) honored the New York State Class C champion Stillwater High School girl’s varsity soccer team on Feb. 5 by presenting them with legislative resolutions at the State Capitol.
The team, led by Head Coach Christine Ihnatolya, won their final game in a 1-0 shutout to secure the title on Nov. 16. The victory improved the squad’s overall record to 22-1.
The team has won four sectional titles and three state titles since 2018.
Juwan Malone dunks in a game against the Vermont Coyotes on Feb. 7. Photo via the Saratoga Racers.
MECHANICVILLE — The Saratoga Racers stretched their winning streak to seven straight games last Sunday after surging in the fourth quarter to vanquish the Herkimer Originals, 116 to 112.
Now sitting pretty with a 11-3 record, the Racers look to wrap up their season with two games on the road followed by three-straight home games in Mechanicville on Feb. 27, 28, and March 1. As of press time, Saratoga had the No. 3 seed in their division. But much could change before they enter the playoffs next month.
Against Herkimer, Saratoga’s leading scorer Juwan Malone netted 28 points and 7 rebounds to lead a heap of teammates who finished in double digits: Keishaun Wheelings (18 points, 10 rebounds, 9/11 from the field), John Ryals (17 points, 9 rebounds), Donavan Williams (16 points, 8 assists, 6 steals), and Terrell Camp (11 points, 6 rebounds). The win was secured in the final stanza, when Ryals rallied to tally 13 points and Saratoga outscored Herkimer 42 to 29.
Racers’ owner and head coach Frank Polsinello attributed his squad’s string of recent victories to a depth of talent and the full-court press.
“We’re not a very tall team,” Polsinello told Saratoga TODAY. “Other teams in the league might have guys that are 6’9” or 6’10” or even taller… Our tallest guy is maybe 6’6” or 6’7”, but all of our guys are extremely athletic and good basketball players. So, what we’ve done is a full-court press for most of the game, and we’re able to use our athleticism to get steals, convert baskets, and wear teams down by the second half.”
The Racers began implementing the full-court press during the second game of the season and have only lost two games since then. One of those losses came at the hands of the Buffalo Extreme, who are the top-ranked team in the entire American Basketball Association (ABA). Saratoga will get a shot at revenge when they play Buffalo at home on March 1, their final game of the regular season.
One day before beating the Originals in a barn burner on Feb. 8, the Racers defeated the Vermont Coyotes, 134 to 120. In that game, Malone again led the way with 24 points and 7 rebounds. He was one of four Racers to drop more than 20 points, with RJ Rosa and Tobias Holmes each netting 23, and Ryals contributing 20 on 6/10 shooting. Williams also wowed the crowd with 15 points and 11 assists.
Although Ryals, Holmes, and Rosa are familiar names to those who followed the Racers last season, Malone and Williams have emerged this year as a pair of new standouts. Malone was formerly a member of the ABA’s Bennington Martens before joining the Racers in 2025. In addition to leading his team in scoring this season, Malone is Saratoga’s third-best rebounder. He’s also well-known for his ferocious dunks.
“When he gets one of those dunks, it brings the team alive,” said Tim Hepp, assistant coach and president of basketball operations. “It just puts us at a whole different level.”
Williams, Saratoga’s assist leader, was on the roster last season but received limited playing time due to an ACL tear. This season, he’s healthy, thriving, and draining a whole lot of shots from beyond the arc. His three-point field goal percentage stands at an impressive 54%.
“He brings a lot to our team, energy-wise,” said Polsinello. “He gets a lot of steals, but he has also been spectacular from three point range…At one point, he was at 70%.”
In a 139 to 117 win over the New England Lightning on Feb. 1, Williams finished with 21 points and 7 assists. His shot selection seems to be one of his biggest strengths. This season, he’s only averaged about 3.5 three-point attempts per contest, but his buckets from beyond the arc arrive when most needed.
“He’s made some huge three pointers for us in tight games,” Polsinello said.
Now, Saratoga prepares for its final five games of the regular season, which will culminate in a March 1 showdown in Mechanicville against the top-ranked Buffalo Extreme.
For the Racers’ full schedule and tickets, visit www.saratogaracersbb.com.
Photo of Isabella Barrett provided by Coach Rich Johns.
Isabella Barrett is a senior at Saratoga Springs High School. She just finished her second year on the varsity swimming and diving team.
Coach Rich Johns, a former Saratoga Springs teacher and tennis coach for nearly four decades, asked Isabella about her accomplishments and future plans as part of the “Act With Respect Always” (AWRA) spotlight series.
Q: How did you meet Coach Rich Johns?
A: I met Coach Johns many years ago through my previous dance teacher. Coach was giving out his book, “Purpose Discovered,” as well as Jon Gordon’s book called “The Positive Dog.” After reading the story of Bubba, the positive dog, and Matt, the negative mutt, I reached out to Coach in hopes to learn more about the AWRA mission.
Q: How has the Act With Respect Always mission affected you personally?
A: As an eldest daughter, I strive to exceed expectations; it’s instinctual! However, throughout my years, I’ve learned that no matter the circumstances, treating others with respect is key. There will always be someone that doesn’t like you, doesn’t agree with you, doesn’t like what you have to say…but using your voice to promote honest communication and fairness is invaluable. This lesson has made a profound impact on my approach at my job as an after-school childcare and summer camp counselor at the YMCA. Especially YMCA’s 4 core values. I never want a child to feel “less than” because it’s simply unnecessary. Caring for others, being honest at all times, treating others with respect, and showing responsibility costs nothing.
Q: What kind of modeling do you try to do to be a good leader and teammate?
A: Along with my job, I try my best to encourage my family members at home, my friends at school, my teammates while in and out of the pool, to Act with Respect Always. Even at the Dunkin Donuts drive thru, I carry myself in a way that I hope inspires others. I’ve noticed that the people I surround myself with always push me to be my best self, and vice versa. I attribute that to my experiences with AWRA and Coach Johns.
Q: What are your future career plans and goals?
A: Beyond high school, I plan to major in either nursing or social work, helping children and young adults advocate for themselves when they feel unseen or unheard. My job as an after-school childcare and summer camp counselor at the YMCA, has ignited my dedication to empower youth in the community. Coach Johns’ message about demonstrating a positive mindset is something I feel everyone should be aware of and incorporate into their daily lives, especially during these darker times. I’m so proud to be able to spread his message, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for AWRA and everyone involved.
Anthony Weaver (top row, middle) in a 1990s Saratoga Springs City School District yearbook photo. Image via the Saratoga Springs Public Library.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs native and Blue Streak Hall of Famer Anthony Weaver will become the Baltimore Ravens’ next defensive coordinator.
News of the hire broke on Monday.
Weaver had been a hot commodity this offseason, interviewing with the Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Arizona Cardinals for their head coaching positions. Ultimately, though, he’ll return to Baltimore, where he played as a defensive end from 2002 to 2005.
In 2021, the Ravens named Weaver their defensive line coach and run game coordinator. In 2022, they promoted him to assistant coach.
Weaver spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons as the Miami Dolphins’ defensive coordinator.
“Myself and my entire family [are] ecstatic,” Weaver told WNYT’s Rodger Wyland on Tuesday. “If there’s a coordinator job you want in the National Football League, it’s to be the coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. It means a little bit more there, in my eyes.”
Weaver began his football career with the Saratoga Springs Blue Streaks in 1995, when he was in 9th grade. The next year, he was brought up to the varsity team, where he played offensive guard. By the time he was a senior, he was being actively recruited by colleges with elite football programs.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association (NYRA) recently announced the implementation of a new policy designed to reduce late-stage odds volatility by establishing guardrails around Computer Assisted Wagering (CAW) activity within NYRA’s pari-mutuel wagering pools.
Beginning Feb. 5, NYRA requires CAW activity to cease at one minute to post in all wagering pools not previously subject to high-speed wagering restrictions.
CAW activity is defined by NYRA and its peer tracks according to the speed of wager execution. NYRA considers wagering to be CAW activity when that speed exceeds six bets per second.
“This policy reflects the importance of modernizing pari-mutuel wagering to address the technology-driven evolution of high-speed wagering,” said David O’Rourke, NYRA’s president and CEO. “Reducing odds volatility will increase pricing transparency and improve the wagering experience for horseplayers in New York and across the country.”
In 2021, NYRA became the first racing organization in the United States to establish a timing restriction for CAW activity specific to the win pool. The measure, which prohibits CAW play into the win pool later than two minutes to post, has eliminated dramatic late odds fluctuations while providing NYRA with a foundation of relevant data and information.
The current NYRA win pool policy will remain in effect and NYRA will continue to offer its Late Pick 5 and Pick 6 as retail-only wagers.
