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Saratoga Catholic’s Alphonse Lambert Records 600th Career Win

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

Saratoga Catholic varsity baseball coach Alphonse Lambert earned his 600th career win on Saturday as the Saints beat Schuylerville 12-1 in the championship game of the Phil Waring Memorial Tournament. Photos by Dylan McGlynn

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Longtime Saratoga Catholic varsity baseball coach Alphonse Lambert earned his 600th career win on Saturday, as the Saints beat Schuylerville 12-1 in the championship game of the Phil Waring Memorial Tournament.

The Saints’ head coach since 1988, Lambert has compiled a career record of 600-213 over 35 seasons, and has led the Saints to 15 league championships and five Section 2 Championships. He is a member of the St. Peter’s / Saratoga Central Catholic Hall of Fame, and the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame.

As Lambert himself said, “That’s a lot of baseball.”

He was quick to credit his players and fellow coaches, saying, “I just enjoy coaching these kids.”

“I’ve had some great, great young people that have played for me, and great coaches,” said Lambert. “I always said that I never threw a baseball, I never hit a baseball, and I never scored a run. It’s been all the kids, and the coaches. … The kids have bought in over the years, and that’s why our program is where it’s at.”

The Saints beat Corinth 9-2 in the opening round of the tournament on Saturday morning, setting up the championship matchup with Schuylerville, the defending Section 2 Class B Champions.

Saints’ freshman pitcher Pierce Byrne shut down the Black Horses’ offense, and Saratoga Catholic used a balanced attack at the plate to pull away in the middle innings, sealing a five-inning mercy-rule victory.

Aidan Crowther was 2-3 with a triple and four RBIs, while Ryan Gillis went 3-3 with three singles and an RBI. Ronan Rowe and Byrne each went 2-3 with a double and an RBI, while Kihl Kelly and Tyler Weygand were each 1-3 with an RBI. Carson Moser and Kameron Cox both added RBIs for the Saints.

Lambert said coaching is something he has “always wanted to do,” and emphasized how much SCC means to him.

“I work at the greatest school around, and I work with the greatest people around, and I teach the best kids around,” said Lambert. “That’s just always been my thought. If they open up my chest and they operate, they’re going to see purple and gold blood. That’s what they’re going to see.”

Lambert also said it was “very special” to earn his 600th victory with his current group of players, saying many of them began attending his baseball camps at young ages.

“I’ve had these kids since they were five, six, seven years old, a lot of these kids,” said Lambert. “They came up as young, young kids for me. To watch them develop and compete against juniors and seniors is very rewarding.”

Saints’ sophomore catcher Hunter Fales said Lambert “means a lot” to him, noting he first attended the coach’s baseball camp as a sixth-grader.

“He’s been one of the most important people in my life since I moved here,” Fales said. “I went to his camp, and that was when I first met him. I knew I was going to love playing for him ever since. … He loves this team, and we all love him, so it’s easy to function.”

“He was the reason I was on varsity for so long. He believed in me,” added freshman pitcher Pierce Byrne, who is in his third season with the varsity squad. “He means a lot to me.”

While there was some time to reflect following Saturday’s milestone victory, Lambert and the Saints quickly refocused for sectional play, which begins Friday. Saratoga Catholic finished the regular season 17-3 overall and 13-3 in the Wasaren League, earning the top seed in the Section 2 Class C Tournament.

Saratoga Catholic will host #8-seed Waterford-Halfmoon (7-13 overall, 5-11 Wasaren) in the opening round of the sectional tournament at 6 p.m. on Friday.

With the Saints riding a 10-game winning streak heading into sectionals, Fales said the team is playing with confidence as they prepare for the postseason.

“I think our whole team is very confident right now,” Fales said. “Swinging the bat, playing defense.”

Lambert said the team’s goal heading into sectionals is to simply “win each inning.”

“We’re not going to get the cart ahead of the horse,” said Lambert. “We’ve got to win each inning. That’s our goal, is to win the inning.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS LITTLE LEAGUE HOSTS OPENING DAY CEREMONY

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Featured, Sports.


Players and coaches sit on the Majors Field during the Saratoga Springs Little League opening day ceremony on May 6.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs Little League held its opening day ceremony on Saturday, kicking off yet another season at West Side Recreation Park.

The ceremony was originally scheduled for April 29, but was delayed due to weather. Players and coaches ran onto the Majors Field as each team was announced during the ceremony. 

The Little League Pledge was read by Ethan Booth, and the national anthem was sung by SSHS student Abby DeGregory. The league’s 12-year-old players received jackets donated by Janet Fitzpatrick, who donates customized jackets each year to players who age out of SSLL. Fitzpatrick is sponsoring two SSLL teams this year. 

SSLL president Derrick LeGall spoke, thanking those in attendance.

“I am humbled, I am honored to be here today,” said LeGall. “Thank you for coming out today. Last week just wasn’t meant to be, but today, the gods are smiling down on us. We have a beautiful day, and I want to say welcome to each and every one of you.”

LeGall thanked coaches, parents, and families, saying, “You make this possible.” He also thanked the SSLL Board of Directors for their dedication.

“One of the things that make us so great is the people that are standing behind me and around me,” LeGall said. “I had somebody text me two days ago, they used to be a coach and a parent in this league, and they said, ‘I rode by the fields, and they look amazing.’ And it’s because of these folks back here that help keep these fields playable and safe for each and every one of the kids.”

He also addressed the players, encouraging them to follow their dreams and ignore negativity.

“Each one of you have dreams, dreams that one day you will make it to the major leagues,” said LeGall. “Dreams that one day, you will become a doctor, a lawyer, an engineer, or maybe a teacher. Please know that your dreams are attainable. Don’t let anyone discourage you from reaching those goals.”

He emphasized that the league’s focus is on building character and creating memories for each kid.

“We are not trying to create major league baseball players here,” LeGall said. “We are trying to build character for good citizenship. … That’s what it’s all about. Getting along and getting together.”

LeGall also highlighted the current varsity baseball team at Saratoga Springs, saying eight players on the varsity squad played Little League at West Side Rec. Blue Streaks’ senior infielder Orion Lansing threw out the ceremonial first pitch to SSLL player Jude Miller at Saturday’s ceremony.

“So kids, continue to follow your dreams,” said LeGall. “One day, I’m hoping to see you on our varsity team.”

Saratoga YMCA Gymnastics Team Competes at State Championships

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WATERTOWN — The Saratoga Springettes YMCA Gymnastics team attended the 2023 YMCA Gymnastics State Championships at the Jefferson Community College, hosted by the Watertown YMCA, on April 29 and 30. 

Six YMCA gymnastics teams from across the state attended including the Cortland, Glens Falls, Glow, Lakewood, Oneonta, Saratoga and Watertown YMCAs. 45 athletes attended from Saratoga in Levels 2-8 competition.

In the team competition, the levels 3, 4, and 8 teams placed first. The levels 2 and 7 teams placed second overall, while the level 5 team placed third overall.

Saratoga had 10 girls place first in the all-around, taking home the State Championship, including Brooke Whitman (level 2, age 8A), Lena Orden (level 2, age 10), Avery McCrindle (level 3, age 9), Rylan Keller (level 3, age 10), Lyla Ross (level 3, age 11), Carson Cicardi (level 4, age 8-11), Rilynn Reeves (level 4, age 12-14), Elsie-Anna Williams (level 5, age 12-14), Alyssa Glaser (level 7, age 16-17), and Sydney Crombach (level 8, senior age division).  

Graduating seniors were recognized for their years of gymnastics in the YMCA program.  Saratoga had three graduating seniors: Annie Munn, Sarah Mosher, and Samantha Tennyson.  

Team Coaches had the opportunity to nominate athletes from their team for character awards, and from Saratoga Level 4, Alexandra Crombach was chosen for the “Honesty” Character Award.

To see full individual results from those placing in the top six finishers, see saratogatodaynewspaper.com.

Physical Education Leadership Award Presented To Ballston Spa Students

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Photo provided by Ballston Spa Central School District.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Middle School Physical Education staff recently presented students with the annual Sandy Morley PE Leadership Award.  The Physical Education (PE) staff selected six eighth grade students who demonstrated great leadership and responsibility in the PE program, are respectful of others, make good decisions, value learning, are physically active, and have a positive influence on their peers.

“You were nominated by the PE staff for these characteristics and we congratulate you on standing up for what is right, not what is always popular,” indicated PE Instructor Kevin Dayton. “Please keep leading the way as you always have; today, tomorrow, and into the future.”

The staff gave the students certificates and t-shirts during a brief ceremony with other PE students and Principal Laszewski in attendance to celebrate their accomplishments.

The following students are the recipients for the 2022-2023 school year: Corbin Malmfeldt, Sam Bentley, Jackson Rosato, Caiylin Bodkin, Avery Arnold, and Molly Tracey.

Cutting Tosses Shutout to Guide Saratoga Softball Past Shaker

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SARATOGA SPRINGS — Behind a dominant outing in the circle by sophomore Jacqueline Cutting, the Saratoga Springs varsity softball team earned a 5-0 win over Shaker at home on Tuesday.

Cutting threw a complete game shutout, allowing just two hits. She struck out eight batters and did not issue a walk.

The Blue Streaks quickly jumped out to the lead on Tuesday, scoring twice in the bottom of the first. Olivia Tetreault led off the inning with a walk before scoring on an RBI double by Karley Austin. Austin eventually came around to score on a wild pitch, giving Saratoga a 2-0 lead.

Austin delivered again for the Blue Streaks in the third inning, driving home two more runs with another double, scoring Tetreault and Maddy Vaughn to make it 4-0. An RBI double by Natalie Conroy in the sixth inning scored Nia Law for Saratoga’s fifth and final run of the game.

Austin was 2-3 with two doubles and three RBIs for Saratoga, while Decker was 2-3 with a double. Conroy went 1-3 with an RBI double, while Tetreault went 1-2 with a double and two walks. Law also added a single for the Blue Streaks.

Kaitlin Neumeister and Abagael Taylor each had singles in the loss for Shaker. Hannah Hipwell started for the Blue Bison, allowing four earned runs in five innings, striking out four batters and walking three. Talyn Chernosky allowed a run in one inning of work in the circle.

Saratoga (12-2 overall, 8-1 Suburban Council) hosted Colonie, the third-ranked team in Class AA by the New York State Sportswriters Association, at 4:15 p.m. on Thursday.

Ballston Spa Baseball Looking to ‘Win each day’

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Sports.


Headshot photos by Super Source Media Studios

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa varsity baseball team has battled through adversity this season, and the Scotties are looking to put it all together as they hit the home stretch of the regular season.

Head coach Curtis Nobles, in his 10th season as the Scotties’ head coach, said he feels the team experiencing ups and downs in the early portion of the season will benefit them down the line.

“Baseball’s not always meant to be perfect,” said Nobles. “The fact that we’ve experienced ups and downs, I feel more equipped to be going in toward the second half of the season, trying to fight for a way for playoffs, versus kind of on cruise control.”

He also noted that the Scotties have played in several tight games already, including a one-run victory over La Salle Institute and one-run losses to Shenendehowa and Christian Brothers Academy.

“So we’re right there,” Nobles said. “Sometimes you don’t see the fruits of your labor until you have success.”

Senior first baseman/outfielder Matt Arnold echoed this, saying adversity can prepare the team moving forward.

“We faced some good teams, so we did face some adversity,” said Arnold. “Those were all really good games, really close games, and I do feel like that’s helped shape us to kind of where we’re at right now.”

The Scotties have been led offensively by Arnold, junior Blaine Zoller, and sophomores James Haughton and Mike Pritchard, among others. Nobles also highlighted two of the team’s pitchers, senior Nick Rychcik and freshman Jameson Hotaling.

“(Rychcik) was a reliever last year, he stepped into the role of a starting position,” said Nobles. “He’s been giving us quality innings. Jameson Hotaling, who’s a freshman, has been totally nothing but growth and maturation. He’s a guy to watch coming up, for sure.”

As the Scotties move through the second half of their schedule, Nobles said they will look to “win each day.”

“We’re trying to be humble and hungry. We want to take it one day at a time,” Nobles said. “Trying to get guys to be more present, be in the moment. Don’t practice to play, practice to be successful. We’ve got to win today first.”

“Our mindset right now is to take it one game at a time,” added Arnold. “Stay focused on us, stay locked in on us. I feel like that’s really going to help us in the long run.”

Ballston Spa Softball Building Momentum

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Sports.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa varsity softball team began 2023 with a young team, but one with “a lot of potential,” said head coach Amanda Fifield. Entering May, the team has turned that potential into success, with the Scotties earning wins in five of their last six games.

The team finished the 2022 campaign with a 12-10 record, falling to Shenendehowa in the Section 2 Class AA semifinals. The Scotties have no seniors on this year’s roster, and return a strong group of players from last season’s squad.

Fifield said the team having no seniors is “definitely a unique situation.”

“I think it’s the first time ever in my coaching career I haven’t had a senior as a varsity coach,” Fifield said. “With each day, it’s like, ‘Oh yeah, this team’s coming back for two years.’ So there’s so much to build from.”

The Scotties are 9-5 overall and 5-4 in the Suburban Council so far this season. Fifield highlighted pitching as one of the team’s strong suits this season, with the duo of junior Hadley Donnelly and sophomore Livia Wiltsie.

“Our pitchers are definitely, I would say, the strongest aspect of our team,” said junior catcher Calleigh Sisk. “They both work really hard. … They definitely help our team just keep the energy up, and they’re just great players.”

Fifield also said Sisk, junior shortstop Natalia Guthrie, and sophomore first baseman Madelyn Perrone have been important parts of the team this season. 

“(Madelyn) doesn’t carry herself like a sophomore, she carries herself like a junior or senior, one of those upperclassmen,” Fifield said of Perrone. “Having that experience coming back, it doesn’t matter how young or how old you are, it’s all about the experience.”

The Scotties have also seen important contributions at the plate from juniors Carlie Koebbeman and Abigail Stagl, and freshman Carina DeCenzo, among others.

Fifield said one of the team’s goals is to reach base as much as possible, saying this will “allow the bigger pieces to happen.”

Donnelly said the Scotties will look to “come together as a team,” and take things one game at a time as they move through the rest of the season.

“Overall, just keep a positive team dynamic through the whole thing, and just take it one game at a time,” said Donnelly. “Hopefully, that will lead us to sectionals. … But right now, it’s just one game at a time and little successes.”

Skatepark Ramps Up – East Side Rec Skatepark to be Renovated, Expected Completion by End of Summer

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

Rendering courtesy of Pillar Skateparks, provided by OnDeck Saratoga.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The skatepark at East Side Recreation Park will soon be renovated for the next generation of skaters to enjoy.

Benj Gleeksman, vice president of local nonprofit OnDeck Saratoga, said he and his wife Belinda Colón, who is the president of OnDeck, have recognized the need for a modern skatepark in the city for over a decade. Gleeksman said many towns around the country are beginning to recognize the need for updated skateparks.

The East Side Rec skatepark originally opened in 1989, according to OnDeck Saratoga. The park is constructed out of metal, and Gleeksman said the metal ramps have been in place for over 20 years and are “getting worn out.”

The new park will be constructed with concrete, which Gleeksman said is a preferred material for construction of skateparks.

“(Concrete is) longer lasting, it’s a lot quieter, and it’s a lot smoother and faster,” said Gleeksman. “The metal ramps kind of rest on a surface now, so when you ride up them, it’s almost like hitting a separate obstacle, because it makes a clanking sound. With concrete, it’s kind of like riding one big, smooth piece.”

The new park will feature an improved bowl, a new halfpipe, and a series of banks, ledges, and rails, Gleeksman said, noting the park will also be friendly for skaters at all levels.

“The new design is going to be sort of friendly for everybody, beginners, intermediate, and advanced skaters alike,” said Gleeksman. “Little kids will be able to go out there, and start from the beginning and learn from the ground up.”

Gleeksman and Colón assisted the city in the selection of companies to send requests for proposals, and also helped select the vendor to design the park. Gleeksman referred to the process as “a partnership between us, as OnDeck, and John Hirliman in the Recreation Department.”

“I think that they really were appreciative of the fact that we have institutional skateboarding knowledge,” said Gleeksman. “For them to sort of recognize that, I think we’re humbled by it. We’re really honored to have been able to play the role that we have in working with them.”

Construction of the park will be conducted by Artisan Skateparks, a company based in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Gleeksman said construction will begin in mid-May, and is expected to be completed by the end of the summer.

He said the updated park can also help draw skaters in from other areas.

“And the great thing about having a skatepark like this is that it brings skaters in from other communities,” Gleeksman said. “And it also boosts tourism. If families are looking to vacation somewhere, and they have kids that skateboard, well one of the things they’re going to be looking at is, ‘Oh, I’m going to Saratoga Springs, is there a cool skatepark there?’”

West Mountain Gearing Up for Summer 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

QUEENSBURY — West Mountain is busy preparing for an incredible summer with an extensive array of outdoor activity offerings. Here is a list of 2023 summer activities at West Mountain: 

Aerial Treetop Adventure

Aerial Tour + Chairlift access rates are $35 (7-12 years), $49 (13+ years) with an add-on picnic lunch. Take an exhilarating tour through the trees in West Mountain’s five-acre Aerial Treetop Adventure Park. The park offers six high ropes courses for all different ability levels – beginners to advanced. The park is situated at the peak of West Mountain and is nestled among the treetop canopy. After taking the chairlift to the park, adventurers will be met by the West Mountain climbing crew who will outfit guests with helmets and harnesses before participating in a safety clinic. Adventurers will then climb up to a treetop platform to begin their journey through rope spider webs, zip lines, log waves and more.  Aerial treetop tickets include 2 hours in the park and the chairlift ride to the park and back to the lodge (approx. 3-hour tour). 

Mountain Biking & Trail Riding Access

2023 Mountain Biking + Chairlift all day rates are $20 for ages 12 and under, and $30 for ages 13 and up. West Mountain’s Bike Park has over 25 cross-country and downhill trails. Riders are welcome to bring their own bikes or rent from West, which offers Scott mountain bike rentals and protective gear packages that can be pre-reserved online. Picnic lunches – packaged in an eco-friendly box and placed in a picnic basket, prepared daily by West’s in-house chef – can be added on to your bike tour. Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch on the mountain before, during or after your ride. 

Tickets and programs are available online at westmountain.com. 

National Museum of Racing Announces 2023 Hall of Fame Class

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Songbird with Mike Smith after their victory in the Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga Race Course in 2016. Photo by Lauren King, courtesy of NYRA

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Eight new members have been elected to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. The class of 2023 is comprised of jockey Corey Nakatani and the racehorses Arrogate (KY), California Chrome (CA), and Songbird (KY) in the contemporary category; jockey Fernando Toro via the Historic Review Committee; and Pillars of the Turf selections John W. Hanes II, Leonard W. Jerome, and Stella F. Thayer. 

Arrogate, California Chrome, and Songbird were all elected in their first year of eligibility. 

The 2023 Hall of Fame class will be enshrined on Friday, Aug. 4, at the Fasig-Tipton sales pavilion in Saratoga Springs at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony will be broadcast live on the Museum website at www.racingmuseum.org. The event is open to the public and free to attend. 

Corey Nakatani, 52, a native of Covina, CA, won 3,909 races with purse earnings of $234,554,534 in a career that spanned from 1988 through 2018. His 341 graded stakes victories included 10 Breeders’ Cup races. Nakatani ranks No. 14 all time in career earnings and finished in the top 20 in annual earnings 16 times, including 11 times in the top 10. A winner of 10 riding titles on the Southern California circuit, Nakatani ranks in top 10 in overall wins and stakes wins at both Santa Anita and Del Mar. He won 1,033 races at Santa Anita (No. 9 all time), including 131 stakes (No. 8), and 705 races at Del Mar (No. 6), including 104 stakes (No. 2). 

Arrogate (Unbridled’s Song—Bubbler, by Distorted Humor) compiled a record of 7-1-1 from 11 starts while racing from 2016 through 2017. His earnings of $17,422,600 represent the highest total in history for a horse with at least one start in North America. Winner of the Eclipse Award for Champion 3-Year-Old Male in 2016, Arrogate was bred by Clearsky Farms and purchased for $560,000 by Juddmonte Farms at the 2014 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, Arrogate finished third in his career debut in April 2016 at Los Alamitos before winning seven consecutive races, including the Travers Stakes, Breeders’ Cup Classic, Pegasus World Cup, and Dubai World Cup. 

California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit—Love the Chase, by Not For Love) was bred and owned by Perry Martin and Steve Coburn. Taylor Made Farm later joined in the ownership, purchasing Coburn’s share. Trained by Art Sherman, California Chrome raced from 2013 to 2017 with a record of 16-4-1 from 27 starts and earnings of $14,752,650. He was voted Horse of the Year in 2014 and 2016 and earned additional Eclipse Awards for Champion 3-Year-Old Male in 2014 and Champion Older Male in 2016. 

Songbird (Medaglia d’Oro—Ivanavinalot, by West Acre) was bred by John Antonelli and purchased for $400,000 by Rick Porter’s Fox Hill Farm at the 2014 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale. Trained by Hall of Famer Jerry Hollendorfer, Songbird raced from 2015 through 2017 with a record of 13-2-0 from 15 starts and earnings of $4,692,000. Winner of Eclipse Awards for Champion 2-Year-Old Filly in 2015 and Champion 3-Year-Old Filly in 2016, Songbird won a total of 12 graded stakes, including nine Grade 1 events.  

Fernando Toro, 82, a native of Santiago, Chile, won 3,555 races with purse earnings of $56,299,765 during his North American riding career of 1966 through 1990. Toro won his first race in his native country at the age of 15 in 1956 and topped the Chilean national jockeys’ standings twice. Before arriving in America, Toro won three editions of the prestigious Gran Premio, as well as the 1964 Clasico St. Leger, a race in the Chilean Triple Crown series. Based in Southern California, Toro won 80 graded stakes in North America. At the time of his retirement, he ranked in the top 10 in stakes wins at Del Mar (No. 6), Hollywood Park (No. 8), and Santa Anita (tied at No. 8). 

John W. Hanes II (1892 —1987), a native of Winston-Salem, NC, graduated from Yale University and served in the Navy during World War I before becoming a bond salesman on Wall Street. He eventually became a senior partner in a brokerage firm and a governor on the New York Stock Exchange. In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Hanes to the Federal Securities and Exchange Commission. Two years later, he was named Under Secretary of the Treasury. 

Hanes played a key role in the revitalization of New York racing in the 1950s. He was elected a steward of The Jockey Club in 1953 and tasked by the organization to chair a special committee to improve New York’s tracks and quality of racing. Along with committee members Christopher T. Chenery and Harry F. Guggenheim, Hanes secured $109 million to revitalize Aqueduct, Belmont, and Saratoga. He also helped obtain legislation to establish the management corporation that eventually became the New York Racing Association. Hanes served as the organization’s president from 1954 through 1960 before transitioning to the role of NYRA chairman. He remained a NYRA trustee until 1973. 

Leonard W. Jerome (1818 —1891) was born in Pompey. He originally enrolled in Princeton University (then known as the College of New Jersey) before leaving for Union College in Schenectady, where he graduated with a law degree. Jerome went on to practice law in New York for a time in both Albany and Rochester, then moved to New York City, where he became a stock speculator, financier, and patron of the arts. The flamboyant Jerome eventually built a significant fortune and became known as the “King of Wall Street.” Thoroughbred racing began to pique his interest in the mid-1860s. Jerome was a driving force in the creation of three major racetracks in the New York City area. He also helped establish the American Jockey Club (not affiliated with the modern Jockey Club) and served as the first vice president of Saratoga Race Course upon its opening in 1864. Jerome also partnered with William Travers, Saratoga’s first president, in what became a powerful financial firm on Wall Street.

Stella F. Thayer, 82, a native of Tampa, FL, purchased Tampa Bay Downs with her brother, Howell Ferguson, in 1986. She currently serves as the track’s president. Thayer was elected the ninth president of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2005. The first woman to hold the position in the institution’s history, Thayer served as Museum president until 2014. She has been a Museum trustee since 1994.