BURNT HILLS — Over 500 competitors attended the 19th Annual Morris Cup Judo Championships held at the Burnt Hills High School on Sunday, October 9. The last Morris Cup was held pre- COVID in 2019. The event featured players from all over the East Coast as well as a large contingent from Montreal as Judo Canada sent a bus load of athletes itching to compete since many haven’t had the opportunity to do so due to COVID restrictions.  

“It was fantastic to get back on track after such a long break” Tournament Director and 4x Olympian, Jason Morris said. “Our local Judo community really needed this.”

 The 20th edition of the Morris Cup has been slated for Sunday, October 8, 2023. Burnt Hills High School Senior, Kyle Tran (17) was a triple medalist taking gold in the 60kg Brown Belt Division, bronze in the 60kg Cadet Category (15-17yrs) and a bronze in the Cadet 66kg Division. Melissa Myers (27) took gold in 70kg Elite Women’s then moved up and won silver in 78kg. Burnt Hills Grad and 2x Olympian, Nick Delpopolo (33) moved up from his normal 73kg to take silver in a very strong 81kg field. Burnt Hills 7th Graders, Dani and Randi Morris (12) were both double medalists winning silvers 11-12yrs +52kg and 11-12yrs 52kg weight class respectively. They both then moved up in age to take bronzes in 13-14yrs 58kg & 52kg respectively. Kell Berliner (28) bumped up a weight class from his usual 81kg to take a silver in the elite mens 90kg category. This was one of the biggest Morris Cups in its history. “Hopefully #20 is our best,” said Jason Morris.

MECHANICVILLE — On Thursday, October 13, the Class A Section II Boys Varsity Golf Championships were held at Fairways of Halfmoon Golf Course. On a day where the conditions were tough, and scoring was at a premium, the Saratoga Blue Streaks found a way to claim a section title. 

All year, the Blue Streaks played well. The team only dropped one match, their first match of the season, to Shaker 238 to 236, and that was without their #1 player, Kellen Dean. On Thursday, it was more of the same for Saratoga; four Blue Streaks broke 80. Leading the way was sophomore Carter Sica who logged a 2-under-par 70 to earn medalist honors for the tournament. Behind him was Kellen Dean (74), Charlie Greiner (76) and Henry Parobeck (79) to wrap up Saratoga’s scores. As a team, that’s an 11 over 299, which made for a comfortable victory. In second was Guilderland (319), in third was Niskayuna (335), and fourth was Shaker (337). Ballston Spa (340), Shenendehowa (342), CBA (348) and Albany Academy (352) rounded out the field. “We have a great team-dynamic,” said Blue Streaks head coach Jake Zanetti. “All of the boys are so capable of shooting low scores that they are always competing against one another; whether they’re chipping or putting, playing a round, or playing fantasy football, they all want to win!”

After Thursday’s team event, the top 24 players were able to participate in the weekend’s Class ABCD Playoffs back at Fairways of Halfmoon and the winning ways continued for Saratoga. The playoffs were two rounds of qualifying for next spring’s NYSPHSAA Championship, played in June at Mark Twain Golf Course in Elmira. Saratoga qualified 4 golfers for 9 available spots. “I’m not sure if that many qualifiers from one team has ever happened before,” said Saratoga’s Zanetti. “Our NYSPHSAA Championship qualifiers are Henry Parobeck, Carter Sica, Charlie Greiner and Kellen Dean. We are very excited to be bringing a foursome to states. This was such a fun trip last year with other great Section II players and coaches, and to bring almost half the state team from one school is going to be a blast for practice rounds in preparation, hotels and meals out. The whole experience will be great,” Zanetti told Saratoga TODAY. 

For Zanetti, a wrestling coach but also an avid golfer, he humbly attributes much of the team’s success to the golf scene in Saratoga, whether it’d be the local pros in the town that many of the boys work with or the Blue Streaks golfing alumni that often connect with the team in the off-season. With only one senior on the squad, Saratoga’s success on the green may continue for some years to come. “We’re excited for spring and for next season and continuing to grow the program. Taking over this team has been a pleasure and a privilege that I don’t take for granted,” said Zanetti. 

REXFORD — On Sunday, October 9, the Edison Club hosted the Section II team championships for the Suburban Council’s varsity girls golf season. It was a sunny fall day and the teams were in full swing. 

Taking home first place was the powerhouse of the 2022 season, Albany Academy for Girls. Academy shot a remarkable gross score of 298, just 10 over par combined. In second was Saratoga High School. The Bluestreaks came into the clubhouse with a combined score of 402 (+114) to solidify their place on the podium with a silver medal. In third was Guilderland. The Guilderland girls scored a 412 (+124) to take home third place. Fourth, fifth and sixth were Shaker, Shenendehowa and Bethlehem, respectively.

The individual championship, which was hosted a week prior, was won by Albany Academy’s Samantha Von Rohr.

SARATOGA  SPRINGS — In 2020, the first year of program history, the Spa Catholic girls golf team did not register a single win. In 2021, it took them until the last match of the season to claim a single  victory. This year, with only two returning members to the team, the outlook for the fall season was uncertain. 

Saratoga TODAY spoke with Heather Bott, the head coach for the Saints golf team. Heather in her second year of coaching, attributed the newfound success to the girls’ dedication. “This year the team went 6-8, far surpassing any goal that we had for wins. The girls worked hard all season practicing and trying to improve their game. They never gave up, and they were always willing to put in extra time. Their dedication to their sport was impressive.” Heather continued, “With the success of our team this year, we have raised awareness for other female student-athletes who are showing interest in golf here at SCC.” 

The Saints play their home matches at Pioneer Hills Golf Club, who welcomed the girls with open arms. This follows a new trend in the game of golf – the game is getting younger and becoming more inclusive as both men and women fall in love with the sport. “The future of girls golf is bright!” said Bott. “We’ve already seen an increase in girls golf teams this year throughout Section II. I believe we’ve had an increase of 21% participation over last year.” 

Looking forward, the Saints will be able to keep all five girls on the team for next year. Their roster is one of the youngest in the area for a varsity team. Aila Cartier (10th grade), Chloe Lawrence (10th grade), Lily Norton (9th grade), Maddison Norton (8th grade) and Eva Nucera (8th grade) make up the squad. The Saints finished strong this year, winning four out of their last five, with wins over Emma Willard (2), Mohonasen and Troy. So, continued success could be on the horizon for the Saints golf program in the years to come. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Bridges, one of the largest non-profit organizations in Saratoga County devoted to providing services and programs to people with developmental disabilities, is inviting the Saratoga community to join them in a walk, run or roll at their 22nd Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge held on Saturday, October 15 at 9:30 a.m. After two years of being virtual due to the pandemic, the popular 5K & 10K and Kids Fun Run will start and finish at the Columbia Pavilion in the Saratoga Spa State Park and is NET Chip timed. The fundraiser benefits Saratoga Bridges’ essential non-funded or underfunded services like art programs and covers the cost of materials for the unanticipated expenses incurred by COVID 19. 

Walking this weekend will be step-sisters Shannon Fernett and Heather Williams. Shannon and Heather are a part of the Saratoga Bridges’ “Bridges Buddies” program. The “Buddies” program helps those with disabilities to better enjoy life through help with transportation, programs and activities like arts and crafts, karaoke, bingo, and of course- as the case with Shannon and Heather – walking! Shannon has been Heather’s personal assistant for over three years now and has been with Saratoga Bridges for 15 years, starting her career in 2007. Their connection through Saratoga Bridges has only strengthened their bond, “Buddies ‘til the end. We are always together,” said Shannon, the younger of the sisters. When asked about their relationship with one another and the “Buddies” program, Shannon said, “Just the term ‘buddies’ really describes what we do, we help them just as much as they help us. It’s a teamwork thing.” 

This weekend, their team work will be on full display as Shannon will push Heather along the 5k course and eventually to the finish line at the Columbia Pavillion. In the past two years, the Pumpkin Challenge has been virtual due to the pandemic, so the two sisters are excited to finally partake in the in-person event on Saturday. “As long as the weather is on our side – we are out walking” said Shannon.  

Individuals, friends, families, coworkers and corporate teams can register at saratogabridges.org. The $25 entrance fee for the 5K & 10K is $25 and Kids Fun (12 and under) is $10. The first 1,500 registered will receive a long-sleeve moisture wicking shirt. Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed males and females in each age group. There will be give-a-ways, homemade refreshments, donated food and beverages from Hixny, Uncommon Grounds, Bimbo Bakeries USA, Hannaford, DeVoe’s Rainbow Orchard and Healthy Living as well as favorite pumpkin and costume contests. For more information about the event, contact Kelly Armer at karmer@saratogabridges.org or 518-587-0723 ext. 1266 or Laura Kenny at lkenny@saratogabridges.org or 518-587-0723 ext. 1242. 

GLENS FALLS —The Adirondack Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils and Utica Comets, has recently announced their 2022-23 promotional schedule.

In addition to theme nights, Friday home games will feature $3 Labatt Blue and Saturday home games will be $4 Bud Light courtesy of Saratoga Eagle.

“We are excited to announce our 2022-23 Promotional Schedule and have been preparing for our home opener on October 29th for some time now,” said team president Jeff Mead.  “Youth jersey giveaway, red glow sticks, and a ‘red out’ of the arena will kick off our season and we are thrilled to have Peter MacArthur lead us into a new era of Thunder hockey.”

Other popular nights returning to the Cool Insuring Arena include Military Appreciation Night, Teddy Bear Toss, New Year’s Eve Celebration, Nickelodeon Double Dare Night, Law Enforcement Night, Kid’s Day Game, Stick it to Cancer Weekend, and Fan Appreciation Night.

“Many of our biggest games of the season also allow us to give back to our community that supports us so well,” added Mead. “Military Appreciation Night, Law Enforcement Night, and Stick it to Cancer Weekend are always great events to help numerous local organizations.”

Specialty jerseys return this season for Military Appreciation Night, Nickelodeon Double Dare Night, Law Enforcement Night, Stick it to Cancer Weekend, and Fan Appreciation Night. New this season, the Thunder will introduce Miracle on Ice Night with special 1980 USA Hockey-themed jerseys.

The Thunder host the Worcester Railers in the home opener at Cool Insuring Arena on Saturday, October 29 at 7 p.m. Fans can cash in on the opening night 4-pack. Get four tickets, a Thunder hat, and an additional flex ticket for just $75 by visiting the Thunder front office or by calling 518-480-3355.

 Season tickets for the 2022-23 season are also on sale now. For more information on ticket packages, call the front office at 518-480-3355 or visit www.ECHLThunder.com/tickets. For all the latest Adirondack Thunder news, follow the team on all social media @ECHLThunder.

SCHUYLERVILLE — On Tuesday, Oct. 4, the Schuylerville boys’ and girls’ soccer teams hosted Queensbury High School for their annual “Kickin’ Out Cancer” game that doubles as a fundraiser to help those affected by the disease. This year, the funds were directed toward two long-time Schuylerville school employees. The event raised several thousand dollars. 

The girls’ game featured two state-ranked teams in Schuylerville (ranked #6 in the Class B State rankings) and Queensbury (ranked #14 in the Class A State rankings). After a scoreless first half, Bayley Duffy scored two second half goals to seal the victory for Queensbury. Schuylerville had previously beaten Queensbury 2-0. Schuylerville and Queensbury are now tied for first place in the Foothills Council with one loss each – only beaten by one another. 

The Queensbury boys beat the Schuylerville Boys 1-0 on a fantastic goal by Luke Eichen with one minute left in the game. While the game was back and forth all night, Eichen’s effort solidified the win for Queensbury. Both teams are also battling for the Foothills Council championship and will most likely meet again later in the season.

REXFORD — On Monday, October 3, the Edison Club hosted the Section 2 Girls Golf Individual Championship. It was a one, two, three finish for the Albany Academy for Girls as they continue their remarkable string of results this fall season. Leading the field was Samantha Von Rohr, who shot a (-1) 71, the only girl in the field to shoot in the red figures. Close behind her was the 92nd New York State Women’s Amatuer Champion Kennedy Swedick who carded a 74. In third place was Nicole Criscone who signed for a three-over 75. The top nine individuals are listed below and have all qualified for the NYSPHSAA Girls Golf State Championships to be held June 3-5, 2023 at the Edison Club.  

The Section 2 Team Championship will be held Sunday, October 9 at The Edison Club (12 p.m. shotgun start).  The following teams qualified to compete for the Team Championship:  Albany Academy, Saratoga, Guilderland, Shenendehowa, Shaker and Bethlehem.  

Qualifiers – Samantha Von Rohr (Albany Academy) 71, Kennedy Swedick (Albany Academy) 74, Nicole Criscone (Albany Academy) 75, Hayden Knapp (South Glens Falls) 80, Jillian Rawson (Albany Academy for Girls) 80, Zorah Williams (Emma Willard) 80, Tekla Fine-Lease (Queensbury) 81, Sienna Wheeler (Colonie) 83, Maria Jackson (Saratoga Springs) 83.

Other scores – Cambell Kennedy (Shenendehowa) 91, Dannah Smith (Schalmont) 91, Mollie Kortz (Johnstown) 92, Hanna Mitchell (Guilderland) 92, Megna Naidu (Guilderland) 93, Jane Fanning (Guilderland) 95, Sophia Jackson (Saratoga Springs) 95, Peyton Hoblock (Shaker) 97, Clare Cunningham (Shaker) 98, Ella Cotter (Greenville) 99, Bayley Duffy (Queensbury) 100, Lizzie Ryan (Albany Academy) 101, Lillie Junco (Voorheesville) 101, Skylar Yeo (Shenendehowa) 102, Lilla Zeevalk (Shenendehowa) 105, Lily Gray (Bethlehem) 15, Colleen Carey (Academy of Holy Names) 106, Chloe Galvin (Duanesburg) 106, Sarah Byun (Shaker) 106, Mya Young (Bethlehem) 106, Hailey Drinon (Schoharie) 106, Sierra Borden (Saratoga Springs) 107, Morgan Hayden (Tamarac) 107, Taylor VanWie (Chatham) 109, Emily Landau (Saratoga Springs) 110, Mairead Marsden (Broadalbin-Perth) 110, Elle Lyda (Bethlehem) 111, Emma Duval (Ballston Spa) 112, Isabella Petrocci (Mohonasen) 113, Sofia Heiser (Canajoharie) 115, Alexis Palmeri (Fort Plain) 116, Allie Zieker (Saratoga Springs) 117, Emily Shim (Niskayuna-Schenectady) 119, Giayna Abel (Broadalbin-Perth) 129, Aubrey Nethaway (Amsterdam) 134.