Intro to Ice Skating 

Build your skills! From your first steps on the ice through more advanced moves, one Intro to Ice Skating program will prepare you for more specialized forms of ice skating. Classes consist of a 15 minute warmup, 30 minute group lesson, and 15 minute practice. 

For ages 3-99. Winter dates are Jan. 4 through Feb. 12. Winter times (choose one) are Tuesdays 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. or Saturdays 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Adults are Tuesdays 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. or Saturdays 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Location is Saratoga Springs Ice Rink, 30 Weibel Avenue. Fees are $65 for City residents and $85 for non-City residents. Fees after Dec. 31 are $90 for City residents and $110 for non-City residents. Skate rental fees are $5 per class or $25 for Punch Card (purchase through your Community Pass account and good for current session). Participants will need a mask, snow or fleece pants, warm jacket, mittens or gloves, bike/ski/hockey helmet (required for all participants); adults do not need skates. A responsible adult must accompany beginning skaters on the ice to assist with instruction. 

Coordinator is Jill Ramos, USFS Quadruple Gold Medalist, over 25 years experience. Instructors are Amanda Shelburne (Regional and National Coach, PSA Master Rated, over 40 years experience), Pat Kenkel (Regional and National Coach, over 35 years experience), Kelsey Clechenko (over 7 years experience), Gwen Craig (over 6 years experience), and Mary Magnus (US Speed Skating Coach, nationally ranked speed skater).   

Boxing 

This non-contact clinic will teach proper boxing technique and conditioning. Light contact will be available for those who want to take it to the next level. Full safety equipment and coaches approval required. 

For ages 8-15. Runs from Feb. 21 to Feb. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Saratoga Youth Boxing Gym (Weibel Avenue Ice Rink, 30 Weibel Avenue). Fees are $55 for City residents and $65 for non-City residents. Fees after Feb. 15 are $80 for City residents and $90 for non-City residents; t-shit included. Participants will need a mask, sneakers, and water. Coordinator is Saratoga Youth Boxing. 

Pickleball Workshops 

Mark your calendar for another round of pickleball workshops on Tuesdays, Nov. 16. The Rec Center will be offering a Beginner, Adv. Beginner, and combination Beginner/Adv. Beginner class. Focus will be on players who are new to the game or have some experience playing the game. You will learn the fundamentals and technique for dink shots, volleys, serve and return. You will also learn what is involved in playing a match including scoring, positioning, and strategy, Those with some experience will learn how to build on skills already learned and how to improve your game strategy. 

For ages 18+ (Beginner and Adv. Beginner), 16+ (Beginner/Adv. Beginner). Beginner will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Adv. Beginner will be from 12 to 2 p.m. Beginner/Adv. Beginner will be from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Location is the Rec Center (15 Vanderbilt Avenue). Fees are $45 for City residents and $65 for non-City residents. Fees after Nov. 14 are $70 for City residents and $90 for non-City residents. Participants will need a mask, paddle, sneakers, and water. Coordinator is Ken Henderson, Traveling Pickleball Pros. 

Volleyball 

Serve up your best! The volleyball program is starting the new year off with an expanded age range and enhanced programming. Two sessions will be offered, one for 7-11 year olds and another for 12-16 year olds. The program for 7-11 year olds will focus on skill development, while the program for 12-16 year olds will combine skill development with game play. 

Runs from Jan. 5 through Feb. 9 at the Rec Center (15 Vanderbilt Avenue). Ages 7-11 will play Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and ages 12-16 will play from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Fees are $55 for City residents and $65 for non-City residents. Fees after Dec. 28 are $80 for City residents and $90 for non-City residents; t-shirt included. Players will need a mask, sneakers, and water. Coordinator is Willie Davis, USA Volleyball Sanctioned Coach. 

Contact the Recreation Department at 518-587-3550 x2300 or recreservations@saratoga-springs.org with questions. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Varsity Boys Volleyball held their banquet on Nov. 7. Seniors Zach Bell and Brendan Young were the recipients of the 1st annual scholarship award from the DiFusco Family Foundation Trust. Brendan will be playing in the exceptional senior game. Zach is a 1st Team Suburban Council All-Star and an exceptional senior game participant. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161 will hold its annual Hoop Shoot basketball free throw shooting competition on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue, Saratoga Springs. 

This event is free and open to boys and girls ages 8-13. Boys and girls will be divided into separate divisions and by age group of 8-9 year olds, 10-11 year olds, and 12-13 year olds. Participants’ eligibility will be determined as of their age on April 1, 2022. Pre-registration is not required. 

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in all age groups in both divisions. Local winners will advance to the District Championship, and have the opportunity to advance to Regional, State, and National Championship competitions. All national champions will be enshrined in the National Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA. 

For more information, contact Saratoga-Wilton Elks Hoop Shoot Director Steve Dorsey at 518-369-1985. 

SOUTH GLENS FALLS — The Mike Nolan 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run/Obstacle Course was held at the South Glens Falls High School on Sunday, Nov. 7; named after Mike Nolan, a longtime teacher and coach who passed away in 2010. Mike’s words, “No Excuses – Do the Work” – continue to drive many students in the district to do their best, giving their best. Money raised benefits the South Glens Falls Faculty Association Scholarship Fund; each year a minimum of six students are chosen to receive a two-year scholarship. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On. Nov. 20, the Saratoga Springs Firefighters will be hosting the Saratoga Springs Police PBA in their annual Holiday Hockey Classic. The game will be held at the Weibel Ice Rink in Saratoga Springs with doors opening at 6 p.m. This game is played to benefit the Franklin Community Center in Saratoga Springs. The cost of admission is free with any donation of a new and unwrapped toy that will be distributed by the Franklin Community Center with the goal of providing the opportunity that every child in the local area can wake up Christmas morning and find a present under the tree. 

This game has been responsible for hundreds of toys that have been collected and donated in recent times. Prior to last year’s game being cancelled because of COVID, the toys donated have increased every year, with the goal to continue that increased amount of donations collected this year. In addition to the toys collected the night of the game, toy collection boxes have been set up at the Lake Ave firehouse, West Ave firehouse, Saratoga Springs Police Department, Kings Tavern, and Panza’s on the Lake. Donations will be accepted at those locations until the day of the game. 

In addition to the toy collection, there will be raffle items available the night of the game from various sponsors with the goal of raising additional cash donations that will go directly to the Franklin Community Center in addition to the toy donations.

Any additional questions or information requested in regards to the Holiday Hockey Classic game or toy collection, please contact Chris Stewart at either 518-338-2664 or ssfd159@yahoo.com. 

Winter Program Registration Information 

Facemasks are to be worn by everyone who enters the Recreation Facilities, regardless of vaccination status. Facemasks are to be worn appropriately (over the nose and mouth) at all times while inside a Recreation Facility unless players are unable to tolerate a face covering for physical activity (e.g. practicing, playing); provided, however, that coaches, trainers, and other individuals who are not directly engaged in physical activity are required to wear a face covering. Upon leaving the activity area for any reason, the facemask must again be appropriately worn. 

Tiny Basketball (Parent/Child Program) 

The Tiny B’Ball Co-Ed Program introduces participants to the fun and excitement of basketball through games and activities.

This program is for ages 3-5. Winter session is from Jan. 8 to Feb. 12, Saturdays from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at the Rec Center. Fees per session are $55 for City residents and $65 for non-City residents. Fees after Jan. 3 are $80 for City residents and $90 for non-City residents. Participants need a mask, sneakers, and water. Coordinators are Wesley Clark and George Parker. 

Intro to Basketball

Intro Co-Ed Program teaches basketball fundamentals and introduces participants to team play in a fun and positive environment. 

This program is for grades K-1. Winter session is from Jan. 8 to Feb. 12, Saturdays from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the Rec Center. Fees per session are $60 for City residents and $80 for non-City residents. Fees after Jan. 3 are $85 for City residents and $105 for non-City residents. Players will need a mask, sneakers, and water. Coordinators are Ron Lewis and Athena Ryan. 

Girls and Boys Basketball Leagues 

Girls and Boys Leagues focus on fun, team play and sportsmanship, as well as skills development. Please be sure you are committed to the program prior to signing up. If you drop out after teams are formed, it will affect the entire team. Players are placed on a team through a draft; no requests are allowed. Grade breakdowns below are preliminary; registration numbers will dictate grade alignment. 

Girls League: For grades 2-12. Runs Nov. 6 to Feb. 12, weeknights 5:30 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Rec Center; practices and games are scheduled in one-hour slots. Grades 2-3 are Mondays/Saturdays. Grades 4-5 are Thursdays/Saturdays. Grades 6-8 are Mondays/Saturdays. Grades 9-12 varies/Saturdays. Fees are $120 for City residents and $140 for non-City residents. Players will need a mask, sneakers, and water. Coordinators are Wes Clark and George Parker. 

Boys League: For grades 2-12. Runs from Nov. 6 to Feb. 12, weeknights 5:30 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Rec Center; practices and games are scheduled in one-hour slots. Grades 2-3 are Tuesdays/Saturdays. Grades 4-5 are Thursdays/Saturdays. Grades 6-8 are Wednesdays/Saturdays. Grades 9-12 varies/Saturdays. Fees are $120 for City residents and $140 for non-City residents. Players will need a mask, sneakers, and water. Coordinators are Wes Clark and George Parker. 

Volunteer Coaches Needed for Girls &  Boys Intro to Basketball Leagues 

Join the Rec Department courtside as a volunteer coach. Two volunteer coaches are needed per team. Volunteer coaches are reimbursed 50% of the registration fee at the end of the season for the child you coach. Coaches meeting for Intro is Thursday, Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Rec Center. 

Contact the Recreation Department at 518-587-3550 x2300 or recreservations@saratoga-springs.org with questions. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Following another great season of the Challenger Little League program, the first season of Challenger Soccer this fall was also a win. 

Challenger Soccer is an adaptive program in conjunction with the Saratoga Springs Recreation Department that gives players with specialized needs a place to join in and play the game of soccer in our community. The program is structured to educate the players about the game of soccer, develop the physical skills needed to play the sport, and compete against each other in a weekly game. 

Their first season of Challenger Soccer ended on Oct. 30, with their last games unfortunately being rained out. The 30 total players were divided into 4 teams that played every Saturday morning beginning Sept. 11. There are 5 parents who volunteer their time as coaches, teaching the kids the fundamentals and supervising the games. 

Special thanks goes to Rob Kelly (District Coordinator of Special Education, Maple Avenue) and John Hirliman (Administrative Director) and Wes Clark (Program Coordinator) at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Department. 

“They have been instrumental in helping to get this program off the ground,” said Paul Hebert, who heads the Challenger Soccer program. 

Hebert also wants to acknowledge the efforts of the other coaches/parents and Rec. Department staff who assist every Saturday. 

“We started this program to recognize the children, and also want to thank their parents and the folks of Saratoga,” added Hebert.

The community now gets to look forward to another fun season of Challenger Soccer next fall! 

SCHUYLERVILLE — Schuylerville Varsity Football defeated Taconic Hills 54-19 in the Black Horses first post-season playoff game on Thursday, Oct. 28. 

Schuylerville did all their scoring in the first half, with 5 TDs in the first quarter alone. L. Sherman scored on 3 yd. TD run, and the 2-pt. conversion was completed from O. Sherman to R. Dow. Z. Bowen caught a 3 yd. TD pass from O. Sherman. Dow scored on a 61 yd. TD run and also completed the 2-pt. conversion. O. Sherman threw a 30 yd TD pass caught by Dow, and O. Sherman threw to L. Sherman to complete the 2-pt. conversion. To end the first quarter, L. Sherman scored on a 7 yd. fumble recovery TD, and the 2-pt. conversion was completed by L. Cumm.

In the second quarter, O. Sherman scored on a 5 yd. TD run, and the 2-pt. conversion was completed by O. Sherman to J. McGarrahan. Ollie Bolduc also scored on a 1 yd. TD run, and the 2-pt. conversion was completed by M. Flanders. 

Taconic Hills got on the board in the second half, with Beck catching a 47 yd. TD pass from Peck, Burns scoring on a 35 yd. TD run (point after was good), and Beck scoring again on an 8 yd. TD run. 

Schuylerville had 248 total yards, 122 of them rushing. Lead rusher for the Black Horses was Dow who had 3 carries for 103 yds. and 1 TD. Passing, O. Sherman was 6 for 6 for 188 yds. and 2 TDs. Lead receivers were Dow who caught 1 pass for 30 yds. and 1 TD, Bowen who caught 2 passes for 32 yds. and 1 TD, McGarrahan who caught 1 pass for 27 yds., and Cumm who caught 1 pass for 16 yds. 

On defense, L. Sherman had a 7 yd. fumble recovery TD and 2 sacs, C. Patrick had a sac. N. Abruscato had a sac and a fumble recovery, and Dow had an interception. 

Taconic Hills had only 8 yds. at the half but gained 234 in the second to total 242. Top three rushers for Taconic Hills were Burns who had 17 carries for 125 yds. and 1 TD, Halstead who had 3 carries for 23 yds., and Beck who had 1 carry for 8 yds. and 1 TD. Passing, Peck was 5 for 11 for 80 yds, 1 TD, and an interception. Top three receivers for Taconic Hills were Beck who had 3 catches for 79 yds. and 1 TD, Cooper who had 1 catch for 11 yds., and Halstead who had one catch for 5 yds. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Coming off last year’s season and adapting to the pandemic, the Saratoga Springs Varsity Girls Swimming and Diving Team have accomplished a 6-4 record this season and are headed to sectionals. 

“They are doing a fantastic job of readjusting to the new normal,” said Head Coach Josh Muldner of the girls’ diligence to masking and following COVID precautions. 

The team had two close meets between Bethlehem and Niskayuna this season that came down to the last relay, but unfortunately, they fell short of an 8-2 record. They redeemed themselves at the Shenendehowa invite, placing the highest that Saratoga has in years at 7th out of 18 schools. 

They are headed to sectionals on Thursday, Nov. 4 for diving and Friday and Saturday, Nov. 5 and 6 for swimming. The meet is in person with spectators, compared to last year’s meets that were all held virtually. 

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One senior, Rachel Love, is already qualified for states. Love is a two-year defending champion in her two events, and she is looking at competitive colleges and universities to continue her swimming career at. 

The team has welcomed the addition of 12 new teammates this season as well. 

“The incredible leadership of our seven seniors and three captains have guided the team in a great direction,” said Muldner. “They magnify my voice to the girls and set the stage of how we operate.” 

Another thing about this team is that philanthropy is close to their heart. Every year the Varsity Girls Swim and Dive Team holds a Swim-A-Thon to raise money for charity. The team has raised an impressive $4,000 this year with 100% of it being split 50/50 between two charities. They have chosen St. Peter’s ALS Center in Albany that helps those battling Lou Gehrig’s disease, and To Life! that provides support for breast cancer patients and survivors. 

“They are a dedicated, hardworking team, who enjoys spending time with each other,” added Muldner. “I couldn’t be more impressed with them.” 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs Varsity Boys Volleyball Team hosted Guilderland for a Section 2 quarterfinal match. The score was tied 1-1 (25-19 Guilderland and 25-20 Saratoga) when halfway through the third set on Monday, Nov.1, when a power outage forced them to postpone the game. The game resumed from the middle of the third set on Tuesday, Nov. 2 with Saratoga in the lead 15-10. The Blue Streaks would go on to win that set 25-20. Guilderland battled back in the fourth, and evened the score 2-2, with a close 25-23 win. Saratoga clenched the victory over the Dutchmen in the fifth, 15-12.

Saratoga was scheduled to play Columbia at Rensselaer High School on Nov. 3 in the Section 2 semifinals. The contest was limited to 200 spectators; tickets needed to be purchased online in advance.