“What is special about running,” said Hislop “is that these women are balancing work and families and still make time for it.” 

ALBANY — The elite field for the Freihofer’s Run for Women is beginning to take shape, with Ballston Spa native Megan Hogan among the pack. 

The 43rd Freihofer’s Run for Women is set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 25 starting at 9 a.m. The elite field is typically made up of about 15-25 runners and the masters, for women 40+, is about 10 runners. Kristen Hislop, Event Director of the Freihofer’s Run for Women, said that this year they are looking at a more regional group of competitors. 

“The course is fun and enjoyable for a variety of women,” said Hislop. “Its strategic though, as it starts on a hill and finishes on a downhill. Its not a record-setting course, but it will have a great finish.”

Megan Hogan, a two-time NCAA All-American and two-time Atlantic 10 Cross Country Performer of the Year at George Washington University, will be competing in the race. The Ballston Spa native and Saratoga Catholic graduate was the first American to finish the race in 2014, and finished 11th at the 2015 race with a time of 16:18. 

Hogan has previously spoken alongside Benita Willis and Melody Fairchild in an elite runners panel hosted by Hislop. All three women are well-known runners, with career heights at different stages throughout life. Hogan now lives in Boston, MA. She is working as a full-time interior designer and strategist, studying to be a wine sommelier, and runs on the side. 

“What is special about running,” said Hislop “is that these women are balancing work and families and still make time for it.” 

Hislop mentioned that they have already started planning the 44th Freihofer’s Run for Women for June 22, hoping that before next year’s race they can resume having these collegiate and post-collegiate competitors visit and speak with local high school athletes. 

“The Freihofer’s race sheds a light on runners from this region.” Hislop continued, “out of all the sports, this region produces some of the most successful runners.” 

New Fall ’21 – Challenger Soccer 

Following the tremendous success of Saratoga Little League’s Challenger Baseball Program and the Saratoga Springs City School District’s Unified Athletic programs, Saratoga Rec. is excited to announce that it will be introducing an adaptive Soccer Program that gives players with specialized needs a place to join in and play the game of soccer in our community. 

This program, for ages 4 to 22, is structured to educate participants about the game of soccer, develop the physical skills needed to play the game, and compete against their peers in a weekly game. 

Challenger Soccer will be held on Saturdays from Sept. 11 to Oct. 30 from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. at the Saratoga Casino & Hotel (34 Jefferson St, Saratoga Springs). Players will need to bring water and wear sneakers/cleats – no jewelry or watches. Fees are $45 for city residents and $65 for non-city residents, and a t-shirt is included in the fee.

Volunteer coaches are needed. 

Field Hockey 

Drive up your skills! The Field Hockey League is geared towards the individual looking to learn the sport through drills and team play. Tuesday’s session will focus on skill development and Saturday’s sessions will focus on team play. 

The Field Hockey League is for ages 8 to 14. The league will run from Sept. 14 to Oct. 23 on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Rec. Center Field (15 Vanderbilt Ave). Players will need a water, stick, shin guards, and mouth guard; the Rec. Department will supply each participant with the necessary equipment if they do not own it. 

Fees before Sept. 6 are $55 for city residents and $65 for non-city residents. Fees after Sept. 6 are $80 for City residents and $90 for non-city residents.

Coordinator is Jenna Cappezutti, Elmira College four-year starter and former Scotia-Glenville coach.

Volleyball

Serve up your best! The Volleyball Program focuses on skill development and the teaching of rules and strategy in order to become a better volleyball player. Two sessions will be offered, one for 8 to 12 year-olds and another for 13 to 16 year-olds. 

The Volleyball Program will run from Sept. 15 to Oct. 20 at the Rec. Center (15 Vanderbilt Ave). Ages 8-12 will play on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and ages 13-16 will also play on Wednesdays from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Participants will need a water and sneakers. 

Fees before Sept. 6 are $55 for city residents and $65 for non-city residents. Fees after Sept. 6 are $80 for city residents and $90 for non-city residents. 

Pickleball Workshop

This fall, the Rec. Department will be hosting four workshops on Sept. 16. Two are geared towards Beginners, one is geared towards Advanced Beginners (those with knowledge of the game and who have some playing experience), and one geared toward those players at an Intermediate level.

The Beginners workshop for ages 16+ is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Beginners workshop for ages 18+ is from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. The rest of the workshops are for ages 18+ with the Advanced Beginners from 12 to 12:30 p.m. and the Intermediate from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The workshops will be held at the East Side Rec Pickleball Courts (226 Lake Avenue). Fees before Sept. 13 are $45 for city residents and $65 for non-city residents. Fees after Sept. 13 are $70 for city residents and $90 for non-city residents. 

Participants will need a paddle, water and sneakers. Coordinator: Ken Henderson, Traveling Pickleball Pros.

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

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Rotary Clubs throughout the Capital Region are sponsoring the 23rd annual Gift of Life International Golf Tournament on Monday, Sept. 20 at Pinehaven Country Club in Guilderland.

The fee is $130 for individuals or $500 for a foursome. The tournament will follow a handicap scramble format with a 10 a.m. shotgun start. Players may pick up a box lunch on the patio. Happy Hour begins when each player finishes golfing. Prizes will be awarded for low and net scores, putting, longest ball, and closest to the pin. Awards and raffle winners will be named after Happy Hour. 

The golf tournament raises money for pediatric heart patients. People and companies can help raise money for this cause by being a lunch sponsor, golf cart sponsor, purchasing a tee sign, and/or by golfing. You may sign up as a single or a foursome. To register to play, or support the event through sponsorships or program advertising, go to events at www.giftoflife7190.org. 

Rotary District 7190 includes 41 local clubs and stretches from Albany to Warren Counties to the north, and east to west from Rensselaer to Montgomery and Fulton Counties. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Blue Knights is hosting a Try Hockey for Free Day on Sunday, Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Weibel Avenue Ice Skating Rink. 

Do you have family, friends, or neighbors who have wondered what participating in youth hockey is all about? The Saratoga Blue Knights invites boys and girls between the ages of 4-9 to a Try Hockey for Free Clinic where they can experience ice hockey for the first time and learn the basics of the sport in a fun, safe environment. Equipment and skates will be provided; if you have your own bring them along too. 

To register go online to tryhockeyforfree.com/event_detail/249. For more information about Saratoga Blue Knights and Saratoga Youth Hockey visit www.saratogayouthhockey.org and follow their Instagram page @saratogablueknights, or Facebook page @saratogayouthhockeyinc. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs 1st Annual Charity Golf Scramble, sponsored by Saratoga Financial Services and The Adirondack Trust Company, will take place Sept. 17 at McGregor Links Golf Club in Saratoga.

Entry fee of $100 per person ($400 per team) includes 18 holes, cart, lunch, raffle prizes, 50/50, and a chance at hole-in-one prizes. 

Registration is at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Entry forms are available through email at saratogarotarygolf@gmail.com or contact Nathan Towne (802-734-5154). Return completed forms with payment information via email, or with checks made payable to Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs, P.O. Box 1307, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866. 

Intro to Ice Skating 

Build your skills! From your first steps on the ice through advanced moves, the Intro to Ice Skating Program will prepare you for more specialized forms of ice skating. 

The program is for ages 3 and up. Early fall dates are Tuesdays starting Oct. 5 through Nov. 9 from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. Fall dates from Nov. 16 through Dec. 21 (no Nov. 27) are – choose one – Tuesdays from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. or Saturdays from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. 

Intro to Ice Skating will be held at the Vernon and Weibel Ice Rinks (30 Weibel Avenue). You will need: snow or fleece pants; warm jacket; mittens or gloves; bike, ski, or hockey helmet (required for all). A responsible adult must accompany beginning skaters on the ice to assist with instruction. Adults do not need skates. 

Fees before Sept. 27 are $65 for City residents and $85 for non-City residents. Fees after Sept. 27 are $90 for City residents and $110 for non-City residents. Skate rental fees per class are $5, and a punch card (good for current session only) is $25. 

Coordinator is Jill Ramos, USFS Quadruple Gold Medalist with over 25 years of experience. Instructors are: Amanda Shelburne, Regional and National Coach and PSA Master Rated with over 40 years of experience; Pat Kenkel, Regional and National Coach with over 35 years of experience; Kelsey Clechenko, with over seven years of experience; Gwen Craig, with over 6 years of experience; and Mary Magnus, US Speed Skating Coach and Nationally Ranked Speed Skater. 

Field Hockey 

Drive up your skills! The Field Hockey League is geared towards the individual looking to learn the sport through drills and team play. Tuesday’s session will focus on skill development and Saturday’s sessions will focus on team play. 

The Field Hockey League is for ages 8 to 14. The league will run from Sept. 14 to Oct. 23 on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Rec. Center Field (15 Vanderbilt Ave). Players will need a water, stick, shin guards, and mouth guard; the Rec. Department will supply each participant with the necessary equipment if they do not own it. 

Fees before Sept. 6 are $55 for City residents and $65 for non-City residents. Fees after Sept. 6 are $80 for City residents and $90 for non-City residents.

Coordinator is Jenna Cappezutti, Elmira College 4-year starter and former Scotia-Glenville coach. 

Volleyball

Serve up your best! The Volleyball Program focuses on skill development and the teaching of rules and strategy in order to become a better volleyball player. Two sessions will be offered, one for 8 to 12 year-olds and another for 13 to 16 year-olds. 

The Volleyball Program will run from Sept. 15 to Oct. 20 at the Rec. Center (15 Vanderbilt Ave). Ages 8-12 will play on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and ages 13-16 will also play on Wednesdays from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Participants will need a water and sneakers. 

Fees before Sept. 6 are $55 for City residents and $65 for non-City residents. Fees after Sept. 6 are $80 for City residents and $90 for non-City residents. 

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

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Kelsey Briddell (Saratoga Springs HS ’14) and Carrie Hanks (Niskayuna HS ’14) were recently named to the 2021-2022 U.S. National Women’s Field Hockey Team. This marks the first time two local athletes have been selected to the national team. 

Briddell and Hanks were selected after a competitive try-out period involving inter-squad contests, two-a-day practices, strength and conditioning tests, and international competition. 

Briddell was a four-year standout at UAlbany (2018), playing a role as a freshman in the school’s first-ever Final Four appearance in the NCAA Division I National Championships. Hanks started every game in her four-year career at the University of Maryland and helped lead the Terrapins to the national championship game her senior year. 

The U.S. National Team recently concluded a four-game overseas schedule playing two games each against Belgium and defending 2016 Olympic champion Great Britain. Briddell earned her first “caps” in international competition, starting in three of those contests. Hanks, meanwhile, remained home working closely with the national team strength coach and physical therapist rehabbing from foot surgery; she had extensive international experience in 2019. 

Briddell and Hanks were both All-State high school field hockey athletes, as well as teammates, on the highly regarded ADK Club Team for several years. ADK – under the coaching of UAlbany head coach Phil Skyes, and his wife, Jean – has produced an extensive list of Division I field hockey athletes. 

The U.S. National Team is presently in Charlotte where they will continue training through December. The team will be traveling to Santiago, Chile in January followed by a European tour. 

Both Briddell and Hanks have trained at Saratoga Peak Performance under the direction of Kelsey’s father, Dr. Bryan Briddell. 

“Kelsey and Carrie are unquestionably two of the hardest-working athletes I’ve ever had the pleasure to train,” said Briddell. “What separates them from other hard-working athletes, however, it is their incredible focus and attention to detail. Both are intrinsically motivated and are always putting extra time in with their conditioning and stick skill. Their nutrition is impeccable, they get their required sleep, and they’re excellent at recovery strategies. You can’t ask for two more coachable athletes.” 

MALTA — The 12th annual 5K and 10K Road Race will take place on Saturday, Sept. 11 at Malta’s two technology parks: NYSERDA’s Saratoga Technology and Energy Park & Luther Forest Technology Campus. The 10k will begin at 8:15 a.m. followed by the 5K at 8:30 a.m.

Since its inception in 2010, this event has raised over $275,000 to support veteran and Malta’s emergency first responders. To register go online to www.malta5k.com/registration.html 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 3rd Annual Bob Best Memorial Golf Tournament is fast-approaching, but there is still time left to register. 

In 2018, after Bob Best’s sudden passing, his family and friends created the Bob Best Memorial Scholarship to benefit the Saratoga Regional YMCA, along with the Bob Best Memorial Golf Tournament. 

This year’s tournament will take place on Friday, Sept. 24 at McGregor Links Country Club (359 Northern Pines Road, Wilton) with a shotgun start at 12:00 p.m.; a dinner and silent auction will follow. The cost to enter in the tournament is $125 per person/$500 per foursome; dinner only is $40 per person. Registration and payments must be received by Friday, Sept. 10. 

Proceeds from the golf tournament fund the scholarship. Partnering with Saratoga Builders Association, $1,000 from the scholarship is awarded to a high school senior who is pursuing a career in the building trades. The remaining amount benefits the SRYMCA. 

Bob and his wife, Lisa, and family were long-time members of the YMCA. Through their experience, they saw firsthand the great benefits that Y membership and programs provides a family. Lisa found through her role as a teacher that at-risk-students who were given financial assistance to the Y benefited from the positive influence the Y had on them through their programs. To date, the fund has raised close to $30,000. 

Steve Butler, Saratoga Springs Branch Executive Director, listed the after-school care, the nine-week summer camp, and the daycare/childcare as examples of what the funds assists families with.

“The funds offset the cost for caregivers, whether it’s 100%, 50%, etc.,” said Butler. “We won’t turn anyone away just because they can’t afford it.” 

To register for the tournament, visit srymca.org/bob-best-golf-tournament. If you are interested in supporting scholarship fund through a monetary donation or are interested in the scholarship opportunities, please contact Steve Butler at 518-583-9622 ext. 118 or steve.butler@srymca.org. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skate Jam returns to East Side Rec. as ON DECK Saratoga fundraises for a new skatepark. 

On Friday, Aug. 27, Skate Jam returns to Saratoga Springs East Side Recreational Skatepark. The event, starting at 4:30 p.m., will feature prizes and raffles from Seasons skate shop, Town and Country skate shop, and Death Wish Coffee, as well as food donated by Stewart’s Shops and a DJ set from Thomas Dragonette. Prizes will be given out to skaters for demos of the “worst trick” and the 30-and-over “Senior Shred” event. 

“It’s a fun activity to honor different types of skateboarding and skateboarding throughout the years,” said Belinda Colón, co-founder of ON DECK Saratoga. 

ON DECK Saratoga was founded by Colón and her husband, skateboarder Benj Gleeksman as a not-for-profit organization that raises support for skateboarding and skateboarders of all ages in Saratoga through community-based events. ON DECK has been working towards the goal of getting a modern, fully concrete skatepark installed at East Side Rec., and the City of Saratoga Springs has recently designated $265,000 for the skatepark construction. ON DECK is looking to raise a total of $350,000 to break ground on the project. 

“The culture around skateboarding has changed over the last 20 years for the better,” said Gleeksman. “The skatepark is where kids go when they don’t do mainstream sports and don’t want to sit inside playing video games. It is the only facility at East Side Rec. that is used year-round. They are out there digging it out of the snow in the winter, and that is a testament to how important it is.”

The Saratoga Springs East Side Recreation Skatepark (or Saratoga Springs Skatepark) is the oldest municipal skatepark in New York. It is an iconic spot in east coast skateboarding culture, and a handful of iconic pro skaters and artists grew up there. Gleeksman could name three you probably will recognize:

Johnny Schilleref, the co-founder of Element Skateboards, skated at the park in the 80’s, and so did Josh Carter, half of the band Phantogram. Jeremy Fish skated and worked at the park, back when they had employees. Fish has become a famous artist living in San Francisco, and even has a day named after him – “Jeremy Fish Day” is Nov. 19 by the way. 

ON DECK is always looking for new opportunities to promote the importance of skateboarding in Saratoga through community events, afterschool programs, or attending Gleeksman’s skate camp with the Rec. Department. Reach out to ON DECK Saratoga through their email ondecksaratoga@gmail.com with your ideas. 

“However people want to help,” said Colón. “We are hoping to do more demonstrations and gatherings like Skate Jam in the future.” 

Drop-in to Skate Jam on Friday or donate to the skatepark construction fund through PayPal on ON DECK’s website, www.ondecksaratoga.org, or Venmo at @ondecksaratoga. Rain date for Skate Jam is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 28.