SARATOGA SPRINGS — Sylvie Waters, scholar-athlete and 2020 graduate of Saratoga Springs High School, is now playing lacrosse at the collegiate level for Boston University. 

Sylvie’s sport has been lacrosse from a young age. She started playing on the club ADK Lacrosse team (a team made up of girls from all over the 518 area) in fifth grade. She continued to play for that team right through her senior year of high school, simultaneously being a three-year starter on the Saratoga Springs High School Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse Team. She also competed in tennis and did alpine skiing. 

Throughout her high school career, Sylvie was also able to dedicate time to her schoolwork. Some of her accolades, as listed on her bio on the Boston University Athletics website (goterriers.com) include: Student-Athlete Leadership Team member, National Honor Society, Scholastic Council Leadership Summit attendee, and NYSPHAA Scholar-Athlete. 

Some of her high school athletic accomplishments include being a two-time US Lacrosse School Girls team member, Under Armour All-American Team, and Northstar Invitational Leadership award recipient.   

Then, she was recruited by Head Coach Lauren Morton for Boston University. 

“I was being recruited by Boston University, and a month later I was on their campus getting a tour,” said Sylvie. “I was comparing all my other college visits to Boston University.”

Originally, Sylvie was being recruited by Coach Morton for Duke University, where she was the head coach of the women’s lacrosse program there until 2018. 

Now, Sylvie is an attacker on the Boston University Women’s Lacrosse Team, and one of nine freshmen. She got her first minutes of playing time in their game against Lafyette on Easter Sunday. It was her first time on the field since COVID took away her senior season, and since she had hip surgery in May. 

Sylvie plans to major in journalism and minor in business. She says that her transition from high school to college, not just in sports, but in general, was facilitated by the connections she made at Saratoga Springs High School. She recounted meeting people at college who knew people from her high school, and said that going to a big school really prepared her for a big university.

To any high school athlete looking to go on and play sports in college, she gives this advice: 

“Keep working hard, and advocate for yourself. When the time is right it will happen, just keep being true to yourself.”

SOZONE PARK ­— FOX Sports, a unit of FOX Corporation (Nasdaq: FOXA, FOX), and the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced an expanded partnership agreement that establishes FOX Sports as the official wagering partner of NYRA Bets and the leading media provider for elite thoroughbred racing. The announcement was made on March 25. 

NYRA Bets Equity Option 

The prior FOX Sports/NYRA media rights agreement provided a FOX Sports subsidiary with an option to acquire a 25% stake in NYRA Bets, LLC (NYRA Bets), a leading Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) platform launched in 2016 and available to customers in 30 states across the country. The FOX Sports subsidiary will exercise this option by the summer of 2021, pending final regulatory approval.

The newly announced agreement provides a FOX Sports subsidiary with a future opportunity to increase its equity interest in NYRA Bets. 

Media Rights Agreement

The new agreement will extend FOX Sports’ television rights with NYRA through 2030 and further expand exclusivity for daily racing at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course.

Under the new deal, FOX Sports expects to air at least 700 hours of coverage each year from Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course, and, outside of prior commitments, gives the network exclusive national broadcast rights for Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course through 2030. NYRA will serve as the production arm for all horse racing events during the term of the partnership. 

The new FOX Sports/NYRA agreement ensures that the Travers will air LIVE on FOX through 2030. The agreement does not include the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival and the Belmont Stakes. 

Congrats to this week’s Athlete of the Week – Erik Gottmann!

Erik is a senior at Ballston Spa High School. He will have four varsity letters this year, starting with the ski team. The ski team’s season finished just in time for him to join the wrestling team, a sport he hadn’t competed in since eighth grade. Erik came away from this year’s wrestling season with eight wins and only one loss. He is currently playing on the football team, and will finish his high school sports career at Ballston Spa with lacrosse at the end of the school year. 

Erik has accomplished all of this while maintaining a 95 GPA. He just received a four-year full-tuition Army ROTC scholarship to the Virginia Military Institute, where he will continue playing lacrosse at the Division I level. 

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.