SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City School District has announced the hiring of John Goodson as the next Director of Physical Education, Athletics, and Health.

Goodson had spent the previous 13 years in the same position at the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District. He will assume the role on July 17, according to a statement on the SSCSD website.

Goodson said his time at Jamesville-DeWitt has been “great,” and said he and his wife are looking forward to joining the Saratoga Springs community.

“My wife and I are both looking forward to Saratoga, for what Saratoga has to offer,” said Goodson. “The school, the community. The history of the program is strong and rich. I’m looking forward to working with their program.”

“We are excited to welcome John Goodson to our district leadership team,” said SSCSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Patton in a statement. “John has a very strong background as an athletic administrator, and Jamesville-DeWitt has earned the distinction of being one of the top high school interscholastic athletic programs in the state under John’s leadership. John is looking forward to working closely with our students, teachers, coaches, parents, and the community and continuing the outstanding programs and opportunities that are available to all students here in Saratoga Springs.”

Goodson said he was drawn to the culture of Saratoga and noted the community involvement in the district stood out during his interview process.

“I just love hearing, coming from the superintendent and then every stakeholder in the interview, the value of having leadership in the field of health, physical education, and athletics,” Goodson said. “It wasn’t all just about student-athletes. It was about their overall mental health, physical health. It was just so refreshing.”

Goodson is to replace Nicholas McPartland, who has accepted a role as Principal at Queensbury Middle School. Patton thanked McPartland for his dedication to the district in a statement posted to the district website.

“I would like to thank Nick McPartland for the tremendous job he has done for the past four years leading our physical education, health, and athletics department. Nick has developed a close working relationship with our student-athletes, coaches, and our community and will be missed,” said Patton in the statement. 

Prior to his role at Jamesville-DeWitt, Goodson had served as Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics at both the Johnson City Central School District and Sherburne-Earlville Central School District. 

Goodson, a native of Clinton, earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education at Ithaca College, and a master’s degree in athletic administration at the University of Northern Colorado, the release states. He has also received a certificate of advanced study from SUNY Cortland in educational leadership.

He stressed the importance of providing well-rounded care in health, physical education, and athletics, saying keeping students at “the center of our decision-making” will be a top priority.

“They’re the reason that we go to work every day,” Goodson said. “There’s a ton of experiences that I have, both in municipal, intercollegiate, high school athletics. But I’m always going to keep the student as my center, as my focus.”

Goodson said his first step in his new role will be simply “to listen.”

“I want to hear what they’ve been working on,” said Goodson. “I want the people to be involved in setting the mission statement, if you will, and setting the action plan. That’s what I’ll be doing. I’ll be meeting with all the stakeholder groups, listening, and then developing an action plan to move forward.”

SHREVEPORT, LA — Jessica Alaynick from the Jason Morris Judo Center in Glenville won a Gold Medal in the +78kg division June 17 at the Junior Judo Olympics, held at the Shreveport Convention Center in Louisiana. 

This event was also the qualifier for Team USA to compete at the Junior World Judo Championships later this year in Coimbra, Portugal, from Oct 4-7.

Alaynick became the 29th overall athlete from the JMJC to make a Jr. World team, which includes Jessica’s older brother Chris, who was a Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School Graduate.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The sun was shining on Lake Lonely for the annual Father’s Day Kids’ Fishing Derby on June 18, as kids and their fathers or guardians spent the morning casting out their lines.

The Derby, which is free to attend, offered free food and drinks along with prizes for participating kids.

“Hopefully it’ll lead some kids down the right track,” said Dan Price, a member of the Saratoga Basspointers Club.

The Saratoga Springs Police and Fire Departments were on hand, bringing along a police horse and firetruck for interactions and photos. Members of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation participate as well, helping show kids how to properly catch and release fish.

“I like when the DEC comes, because they really go to the kids and say, ‘This is how you get them, this is how you put them back,’” said Price. “It’s a learning thing too.”

The derby is sponsored by the Saratoga Basspointers Club, the Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 2586, Saratoga Springs Professional Firefighters Union No. 343, Saratoga Springs Recreation Department, Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161, D&D Marine Services, Saratoga Tackle, Wiggly Worm, and other local organizations.

Members of the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge were also on hand, relaying information to parents regarding the Elks National Foundation Drug Awareness Program.

The derby offers prizes for several categories: pike, sunfish, bass, and pickerel. Price said that prizes would be given out to each kid who participated.

“(We’re) trying to get these kids into it,” Price said. “I remember my first fish.”

With a large crowd in attendance, Price made note of the community involvement, saying a participant at a recent fishing tournament donated his proceeds to the Derby.

“We had a guy that won second place the other day, he said, ‘This is for the kids,’ which was really cool,” Price said. “The kids get a kick out of it, that’s the biggest thing.”

CLIFTON PARK — The Annual Deanna Rivers 518 Softball Tournament was held Sunday, June 11, celebrating the life of Deanna Rivers, who died tragically 10 years ago.

“Thank you, Debbie, Brian, Jenna and the Rivers Foundation, for your generous donation to Act With Respect Always,” said Coach Rich Johns, founder of AWRA. “l have such admiration for your amazing family.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Central Catholic senior Justin Duscher officially signed his college commitment on Monday, stating his intent to play Division III college basketball at Northern Vermont University-Lyndon. 

Duscher said he was attracted to Lyndon’s small-school atmosphere and coaching staff, saying it is “a great opportunity.”

“It’s always been a dream for me to play in college, and it’s something that I’ve worked for years and years,” said Duscher. “Coach (David) Pasiak, he gave me a great opportunity to come in. They have really good team-oriented guys on the squad that I really liked.”

“Justin has a very good feel for the game,” said NVU-Lyndon head coach David Pasiak in a press release. “He’s an unselfish passer who has a knack for getting the ball to his teammates on time and on target. He is also a good perimeter shooter, and he takes pride in doing the little things well. He gives us additional depth and versatility on the perimeter. Justin is going to develop into a very good player here as he fills out and adjusts to the college game. Above all of that, he’s extremely team-oriented and positive, and will lift our team on the court and off.”

Duscher averaged 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 steals per game during his senior year, according to SCC head coach Shea Bromirski. Duscher was the Saints’ team MVP and was named to the Wasaren League Exceptional Senior All-Star team the release says.

Duscher, who transferred to Saratoga Catholic from Saratoga Springs High School prior to his junior year, thanked his coaches and teammates for their support.

“The whole community’s really supportive in general, and that really helped me see success here,” Duscher said. “Coach Bromirski, he’s been a real big help for me.”

Bromirski said Duscher is a “really talented player,” and emphasized his leadership abilities.

“(Justin) can shoot, he can pass. He guards multiple positions,” said Bromirski. “We were pretty small, so we asked him to guard some pretty big guys. He did that pretty well for us. He adds a ton of value with his leadership, and his positive attitude. He’s a great young man. We’re lucky to have him, and we’re going to miss him.”

Duscher said he first began working with Bromirski at a young age through Dags Basketball, saying it was “really nice” to share his final high school season with the coach.

“It was a surprise when he came over here, and now it’s really cool to be able to share this experience with him,” Duscher said.

“He had been here an extra year than me, so he was kind of helping me get my feet wet,” Bromirski added. “I’ve known Justin for a long time, so I leaned on him to be a leader. The kids respect him. He’s a great kid. It’s not just basketball practice, he’s like that every day.”

Duscher said his experience at Saratoga Catholic was “great,” and said he is excited for his college experience. 

“I was hoping that he would have a chance (to play in college), and I think he’ll make the most of it for sure,” said Bromirski. “He knows what it takes to be a part of something bigger than himself.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association today announced its lineup of four giveaways for the 2023 meet at historic Saratoga Race Course. All giveaways are free with paid admission, while supplies last. The 2023 Saratoga Race Course giveaway schedule is as follows:

Friday, July 21: Cooler Jug Presented By NYRA Bets

The first giveaway of the season is a Saratoga-branded, 64-ounce red and white cooler jug. Presented by NYRA Bets, this cooler jug features a wide mouth screw-on cap and a flip top spout.

Friday, August 11: Dri-Fit T-Shirt Presented By FOX Sports

Fans can showcase their enthusiasm for Saratoga Race Course with the second giveaway of the season: a red Dri-Fit T-shirt, emblazoned with the Saratoga, NYRA Bets and FOX Sports logos. The shirt is 100% polyester. Two unisex adult sizes will be available: medium and extra-large.

Friday, August 18: Bucket Hat

This one-size-fits-all hat features the traditional red Saratoga logo embroidered front and center. The hat is 100% cotton.

Friday, September 1: Tote Bag  Presented By Saratoga Casino Hotel

This red and white polyester tote bag includes a white mesh side pocket providing extra storage, while a top zipper keeps cargo.

Fans in attendance will receive a coupon for a free, premium giveaway with paid admission, while supplies last. Season ticket and season pass holders are not guaranteed a giveaway. Fans must present a coupon at designated locations on track to receive a giveaway.

Highlighted by the 154th edition of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers on August 26 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on August 5, the 2023 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course will open on Thursday, July 13, and continue through Monday, September 4.

Following the four-day opening weekend, racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from closing week, when the meet will conclude on Labor Day. 

For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com/Saratoga.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — New York Elite FC and Capital United Soccer Club have announced the merger of their exclusive female soccer programs effective July 1, under the new name Capital Elite Futbol Club (Capital Elite FC). This partnership will join two long-standing premier soccer clubs in the Capital Region and will improve opportunities for local female players to compete competitively.

“We’re excited to bring two exclusive female soccer programs together with the goal of raising the level and standards of girls soccer in the Capital Region and beyond,” stated Liz Villamil, representative of Capital Elite FC. 

Regularly scheduled games offer players the opportunity to apply their newly-acquired skills within a positive and supportive environment. Capital Elite FC firmly believes that developing a player’s self-confidence is pivotal to their growth on and off the field.

“Both soccer clubs boast highly regarded coaches and have achieved remarkable success on regional and national levels,” stated Kevin Smith, representative of Capital Elite FC. “This collaboration presents a remarkable opportunity for players across the region.” 

Capital Elite FC will be holding tryouts for the upcoming 2023/24 season later this month. Tryouts are free of charge and require online registration to secure a spot.

Please make note of the following dates and locations: 

Tuesday, June 20 at Glen Hollow Park 

Thursday, June 22 at Niskayuna Soccer Park 

Monday, June 26 at McBride Fields 

Wednesday, June 28 at McBride Fields 

To streamline the process, female soccer players born between 2012 and 2016 will have their tryouts at 5 p.m., while those born between 2005 and 2011 will have their tryouts at 6:30 p.m. All eligible players are encouraged to register and showcase their skills during these sessions. 

For more information, and to register for tryouts, please visit www.capitalelitefc.com.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Athletics Hall of Fame Committee honored the inductees into the 2020 Ballston Spa Athletic Hall of Fame after the ceremony was paused for three years due to the pandemic. The celebration of the 2020 inductees was held on Saturday, May 20 at the Ballston Spa High School.

 Five individuals and two teams were inducted:

• Rosina Brooks (athlete)

• Steven Hart (athlete)

• Regan Johnson (athlete)

• Patrick Shaw (athlete)

• Mark Thomas (athlete)

1992 Men’s Soccer Team: Nick Alexander, Chris Brandt, Tom Cutbush, Gilbert DeLucia, Ted Gordon, Jason Gorman, Chris Hebbard, Scott Horner, Matt Kolesar, Zach Komon, Bryan Kozlowski, Tim Le, Tim Lucey, Josh McCann, Jason Miller, Dave Perez, Bill Powhida, Art Rastinehad, Aketza (Ace) Sabin*, Jeff Semanscin, Randy Simmons, Matt Ward, John Williams (Coach Wayne Akey)

2006 Women’s Volleyball Team: Christine Staulters Copacino, Meghan Crozier, Christie Fodera Hoover, Jessica Lawlor, Casey Wright Leach, Jacqueline Cinella Rich, Katie Sheeran, Grace Smisloff, Katie Staulters Suppes, Jillian Thibault, Kristie Gratto Webber, Chryesse Wells (Coach Sylvia Bertrand).