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SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs High School, in partnership with the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club, held the 20th Annual Academic Recognition Program, Wednesday, November 13 in the school's Loewenberg Auditorium.

To be eligible for this award, a student must be a junior or senior who had an average of 90 or higher for at least three of the four quarters of the 2012-13 academic year. There are 202 winners in the class of 2014 and 190 in the class of 2015.

An asterisk accompanies the name of each senior who is a second-time winner in the list below.

 

CLASS OF 2014

*Layah Adler

*Milo Alexandra-Young

*Tyler Anderson

*Mackenzie Banker

*Rosalie Banner

  Mark Barbaro

*Charles Barringer

  Andrea Barry

*Nicole Battiste

*Mackenzie Battle

*Calvin Beckwith

  Eric Beer

*Gabriel Biss

*Emma Bobbitt

  Anthony Bonacio

*Elizabeth Bouyea

  Nike Brannstrom

*Kelsey Briddell

*Jacob Brooks

*Paul Butrico

  Jonathon Cargin

*Zoie Cavotta

*Katherine Christiansen

*Luc Cianfarani

*Carly Clark

*Devin Coffey

*Nicholas Conchieri

*Sydney Connolly

*Jamie Coulter

  Matthew Dauphinais

*Matthew Davis

*Natasha Demick

  Camille Derderian

*Urvashi Desai

*Angela DiLoreto

*Michael Dorsey

*Cassidy Driscoll

*Rienne Dugas

*Deirdre Dunham

*Avram Durling

*Alison Eberhardt

  Holly Eberlin

  Jake Eglintine

*Danielle Epstein

*Natasha Fansiwala

  Lauren Farley

*Brittanie Farnum

*Taylor Fenoff

*Casey Fenton

*Theresa Ferrotti

*Elise Ficaretta

*Isaac Fisher

  Hannah Fisk

*Emma Kate Flanagan

*Whitney Flansburg

  Evan Fournier

*Brent Freestone

  Samantha Friedman

*Joseph Gabay

*Mallory Gannon

*Margaret Gaylord

*Mackenzie Gaze

*Lila Glansberg

*Jackson Glogowski

*Grace Goliber

*Megan Gorss

  Jasonna Graham

*Jack Graver

Laurel Green

*Jesse Greenslade

*Michael Gregory

*Kayleah Griffen

*Meghan Hampton

*Brittany Harran

*Mackenzie Hart

*Corina Hasbrouck

*Kelsey Hayner

*Shania Hayward

*Gabrielle Hedges

*Emma Heller

  Ryan Hitchcock

*Leah Hite

*Katherine Horne

*Isabel Irizarry

*Zachary Jones

  Cody Kazakoff

*Gregory Kelly

*Thomas Ketcham

*Heather Kettlewell

*Paulina Kobylar

*Aliki Kotsakis

*Trevor Kowalski

*Gabrielle Krawczuk

*Scott Krulcik

*Grey Laniewski

*Christine Lee

*Stephen Leonard

*Christopher Leonowicz

*Sophy Levine

*Mackenzie Lewis

*Trevor Licalzi

*Kelsey Ling

*Rebecca Longley

*Jackson Longo

  Victoria Los

*Connor Losey

*Julianna Luciano

*Catherine MacCormick

*Kassandra Madulka

*Ann Mahoney

  Madison Maloney

*Rebecca Malventano Orozco

*Kathryn Mansfield

  Joel Margulies

*Daniel Martuscello

  Jessica Masse

*Francesca Mastrianni

*Martha Mastrianni

*Charles McCabe

  Bailey McKenna

*Rachel McQuay

*Sawyer Merrill

*Pamela Merriman

  Sophie Milstein

  Nicholas Mitzen

*Bailey Montgomery

  Carly Moran

*Sarah Morin

*Laura Morrissey

*Abigail Moshier

  Bailey Motala

*David Murauskas

*Marlaina Murphy

*James Murray

*Michael Nagler

*Joseph Nastasi

*James Navin

*Sophia Nelson

*Rachel Nentwick

*Eric Newton

*Nicole O’Brien

*William O’Neill

*Aubrey Ortiz

*Kevin O’Sullivan

*Bradley Paquet

*Sophie Parks

*Michael Parrish

*Ryan Paton

*Justin Penman

*Nina Peppel

*Haley Perrone

  Jennifer Phelan

*Colette Piasecki-Masters

*Kaylynn Powell

*Matthew Reals

  Margaret Reeves

*Leah Reidy

*Amy Resue

*Isabelle Rhodes

  Michael Rhodes

*Kevin Rimmer

*Karley Robinson

*Daniel Rodriguez

*Meranda Ruff

*Lindsay Rutz

*Zoe Rydzewski

*Emily Sayer

*Andrew Scammell

  Clayton Scavone

*Victoria Shaffer

  Erin Shannon

*Rachel Signor

*Katherine Silver

*Annecy Smith

*Jamie Smith

  Dorothy Spingarn

  Alexandra Spisany

*Madelyn Staffanson

*Liana Stampalia

*Madison Stanley

*Nicholas Stiansen

*Lauren St. Peter

  Evan Strock

*Vaasu Taneja

*Karen Toivonen

*Devin Towne

*Melissa Tyler

*Maia Van Zandt

*Erica Varsames

 Joseph Verro

*Victoria Walton

  Brittany Waseleski

*Katherine Waters

*Matthew Wells

  Claire Williams

*Connor Willmott

*Sara Willner-Giwerc

*Danielle Wilson

  Lindsey Wood

*Leah Woods

*Jamie Young

*Erica Zeh

*Vincent Zhen

 

CLASS OF 2015

Nicholas Abate

Jensen Akey

John Alheim

Remington Arthur

Aurora Azon

Cameron Bain

Maya Bain

Gabrielle Bakkalapulo

Arlen Barndt-Jackson

Caroline Barnes

Abby Barrett

Alyssa Barringer

Christian Bartlett

Karissa Becker

Christian Beitzel

Isabella Bennett

Fiona Berry

Meghan Berry

Ellery Bianco

Abigail Bishop

Stephanie Bishop

Hannah Blackburn

James Bohrer

Kealia Bonacci

Nicolette Bonaquist

Danielle Bonser

Amanda Britton

Jordan Buchas

Kristi Burgess

Jacqueline Burnham

Grant Burns

Taylor Camoin

Quinn Carlson

Hannah Carr

Noah Casner

Gabrielle Celia

Nicholas Chalmers

Ian Cirenza

Mckenzie Cleary

Dylan Cleveland

Hannah Coco

Kennedy Cocozzo

Jonah Cohen

Kristen Companion

Ethan Daly

Alex Danielson

Kyle Darby

John Davis

Carly Dellis

Sophia Dirado

Lillian Doern

Carissa Dopman

Rebecca Drumm

Samantha Duff

Evan Dungate

Devin Eddy

Serena Egan

Sacheverel Eldrid

Jynessa Ellis

Mackenzie Ellor

Christopher Engborg

Nicholas Enzien

Benjamin Farrell

Logen Farrell

Maddison Feeley

Nicholas Ferro

Marisa Ferrotti

Lily Flanigan

Amanda Flemming

Joelie Flynn

Ian Frey

Johanna Gangi

Amanda Gialil

Rachel Gill

Thomas Glozman

Sean Grecco

Nicholas Green

Andrew Griskowitz

Erin Guby

Maisie Guzi

Davawn Hartz

Ian Hauser

Spencer Hayes

Jazlyn Hellman

Michael Hellman

Claudia Heritage

Sabrina Herlick

Jackson Herman

Abby Hill

Kathryn Hodge

Anne Hodgins

Anna Hollyer

Jakeb House

Brett Howe

Benjamin Jacob

Alexis Jameson

Shibo Jiang

Emilee Jones

Caroline Kelly

Elizabeth Kelly

Samuel Kennedy

Zachary Kircher

Austin Klebauskas

Madeline Klotz

Sabrina Knott

Carissa Kumlander

Kimberlee Kyer

Eric Lasell

John Layden

Julian Leal

Christopher Lechevet

Jenna Libecci

Maxwell Liebers

Claire Lion

Andrew Losey

Maxwell Lynch

Emily Maizner

Erinn Mangona

Sarah Marlin

Cameron McCall

Jack McCarthy

Cierra McFarland

Nicklaus Meehan

Danielle Melo

Nacoda Meredith

Abigail Messier

Julia Monahan

Keara Monahan

Alyssa Mooney

Claire Murphy

Fiona Neary

Kayla Nichols

Haley Nightingale

Christopher O’Connell

Shane O’Dell

Anna Olechowski

Brita Olsen

Chloe Olson

Courtney O’Malley

Adam O’Rourke

Olivia Ortiz

Charley Parish

Samantha Petruzzo

Margaret Pokalsky

Thomas Possidente

Emma Price

Sadie Ray

Oakley Reid

Katrina Rench

Rachel Renders

Jane Rice

Christian Rizzo

Juliana Rosati

Tyler Ruhle

Katie Russo

Yaqarah Sage

Noah Scannell

Jessica Sharpe

Rachel Shaver

Devin Sidway

Liana Sinnott

Carley Slade

Stephen Smero

Aubree Snyder

Andrew Starace

Theresa Starnes

Aaron Sterngass

Eduards Strauss

Rachel Su

Anne Swift

Robert Szpak

Samantha Tannatta

Jacob Tanner

Logan Taylor

Molly Tucker

Cyria Turner

Noah Van Zandt

Bianka Vasquez Duval

Chiara Vella

Olivia Ventra

Emily Verhaeg

Anna Vescio

Eric VonAllmen

Jillian Ward

Tiffany Weiler

Hannah Wendell

Hanna Wise

Jessica Witkowski

Maria Zinter

CLIFTON PARK — Lois M. Quilty, formerly of Grand St. in Glens Falls, passed away on Friday, November 8 at the Schuyler Ridge Nursing Home.

 

In 1940, Lois graduated from Saratoga Spring High School and was awarded the coveted Yaddo Medal at graduation to honor her academic achievement and personal character. She was a graduate of the State Teachers College at Buffalo and was a teacher for the Glens Falls City School District. She enjoyed traveling and entertaining with family and friends. She was an avid bridge player, NY Yankee fan, devoted follower of the Adirondack Red Wings and supporter of SPAC.

 

Lois was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Edith Quilty of Saratoga Springs, sisters Margaret Winkler and Janet Eichman and brother, Ret. Col. John Quilty.

  

Survivors include her brother-in-law Paul Eichman of Tennessee and sister-in-law Myrna Quilty of California.  She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and grand and great nieces and nephews.  

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one’s favorite charity.

 

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

ROUND LAKE — Kathleen Dudley-Perry, 37, passed away on Saturday, October 26, surrounded by family.

Known as Katie or Kate to most, she was a rare combination of beauty, brilliance, and kindness. She was always reading her way through a stack of books and a small pile of trashy magazines, her guilty pleasure. She believed in psychics, spirits, and the power of positive thinking.  She had a special fondness for poodles and pie. 

Kate cherished each of her roles in life; she was the most loving wife and daughter, compassionate sister, thoughtful friend and teacher, and above all, an amazing mother to her little boy, who was her greatest joy in life. 

Kate embraced life with all of her spirit, taking the time to notice, appreciate and celebrate each moment. As a teacher, her heart was full when she shared with her students a passion for punctuation and grammar and a genuine care for their well-being.

To her friends, Kate took special care in showing her great love for them. Thoughtful cards, warm embraces and an understanding ear to listen were always at the ready. Kate’s most fierce and loyal love was for her family.

Kate shared a close relationship with her parents, Robert N. and Mary K (Carney) Dudley, filled with much laughter and affection.  Kate and her brother, Robert J. Dudley, shared a special bond and always “got” each other.

Kate was truly in love with her husband, Dominic Perry and reveled in their family life together with their son, Quinn Copper Lee Perry. Quinn was the answer to Kate’s prayers. To her, he was a shining star with whom she delighted in every moment: snuggling, reading, telling jokes, and playing.

Kate was a graduate of Saratoga Springs High School, St. Bonaventure University, Penn State University, and Sheffield University in England. A lifelong learner, she loved her job at Skidmore College, where she was employed as an academic advisor with the Opportunity Program (HEOP). 

In addition to her husband, son, and parents, Kate is survived by her brother Robert (Meg) Dudley and nephew Liam Dudley; Uncles Matthew (Linda) Carney of Natural Bridge, Michael (Barbara) Carney of Porter Corners, and John (Louise) Carney of Corinth. She is also survived and loved by numerous cousins.  She was blessed, loved, and always supported by her husband’s family, the Perry’s of Sharon, Pennsylvania.  She also leaves behind her sweet dog, Typo Tuesday.

Relatives and friends may call from 2–5 p.m. Sunday, November 3 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. the following Monday at the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway by the Rev. Dominic S. Ingemie, pastor.

Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Capital Region Sponsor-A-Scholar, Inc., (where Kate served on the Board of Directors), Pine West Plaza, Building 3, Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12205.

To know Kate was to experience grace. Her life was a celebration that she shared with all those around her. Kate’s spirit of love, gratitude, and compassion will carry on in all those who loved her Blue Skies!

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Victoria (Vicki) Colamaria Shea passed away peacefully on Monday, October 14, having celebrated her 100th Birthday in August of this year.

Born on August 23, 1913, on Ash Street, Saratoga Springs, she was the daughter of the late Angeline and Thomas Colamaria. Vicki, who was a 1933 graduate of St. Peter’s Academy, was the lead soloist in the St. Peters Church Choir for approximately 40 years, singing at weddings, funerals and the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass.

On August 31, 1936, Vicki was named Miss Convention and opened many events at the Saratoga Springs Convention Hall singing the Star Spangled Banner. During Vicki’s music career, she was a radio personality first at WTAM and WGAR in Cleveland, Ohio, and then locally at WGY and WRGB in Schenectady. Her career included nightclub performances with the Bernie Collins Orchestra and Gordie Randall’s Orchestra singing locally at Piping Rock Circle, Riley’s Lake House, The Meadowbrook Inn, Newman’s Lake House, Arrowhead Inn, and also the Palorama Club in Schenectady.

On February 15, 1942, she married Edward Shea of Schenectady, where they lived for 50 years. They vacationed every winter in Florida, attending the various race tracks while there. In addition to singing, Vicki enjoyed knitting and crocheting, could be found cooking in the family restaurant, Colamaria’s, during the August Racing meet, and was an avid bowler in Schenectady and Burnt Hills Bowling Leagues attending State Bowling Tournaments in the 1950s and 1960s.

In addition to her parents, Vicki was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Eddie; siblings Dorothy, Lillian, Vincenzo, James, and Anne and nephew William Cummings Jr.

Survivors include her sistersNatalie Cummings and Marie McManus; nieces and nephews  Marlene Weh Breault, Nancy Bradshaw Pickles, Nick (Madeline) Palmetto, Janice DeMaria, Jay (Tina) Colamaria, Tom (Lori) Colamaria, Clare Colamaria, Carol Catone (Stewart Hatch), Michael (Jo-Ann) Cummings, Susan (David) Waghorn, Kevin Mackay, Bob (Amy) Mackay, Maureen (Larry) Zee and Thomas McManus; great- nieces and nephews Darin, Eric, Niki, Donna, Bill, Nicole, T-Jay, Elle, Hunter, John, Larry, Matt, Kristen, Melissa, Brian, Kelly, Devin and Conor and great-great nieces and nephews Stella, Ryder, Harloe, Tom, Tim, Riley, Jordan, Hanna, Emily, Isabel, Haley, Mackenzie, Grace and Will.

Relatives and friends may call from 4–7 p.m. on Thursday, October 17 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 18 at the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway.

Burial will follow in the family plot at St. Peter’s Cemetery on West Ave.

Memorials can be made in Vicki’s name to the Maplewood Manor Resident Activities Fund, 149 Ballston Ave, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 or to a charity of one’s choice.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.  

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Blue Streaks went into Friday night’s game wanting to hold up their end of the Saratoga Springs–Shenendehowa rivalry.

They did that and then some with a 33-6 home victory over the Plainsmen, as sophomore running back Dakota Harvey ran for two scores and 124 yards on 11 carries.

SARATOGA LAKE — Patricia A. Ambrozak, 75, of Saratoga Lake passed away suddenly on September 30.

Born in Schenectady on August 10, 1958, she attended St. Mary’s schools and graduated from Nott Terrace High. She also attended Mildred Elley School for Business. 

Patti worked for Niagara Mohawk before starting a family.  She was later employed by NYS DOT and worked part-time for the family business, Bayshore Tropic Hut and Marina.  After her retirement, she took over the family business on a full-time basis.  She spent many hours running the business but always took time to mingle with the patrons.   

She was well known throughout the community and belonged to many organizations.  Patti owned and raced horses at the Harness Track in the 1980s and 90s.  Her favorite horse was Miami Cash. 

She enjoyed boating, curling and vacationing to Key West.  

She is survived by her brother, nephews, aunts, an uncle, several cousins, her best friend and several close friends.  She will be remembered and missed by all.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, October 14from 5-7 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Funeral services will be held privately at the request of the family.

In lieu of flowers – a donation can be made to the American Cancer Society, Animal Protective Foundation or a charity of your choice.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — John H. Ambrozak, 47, of Saratoga Lake, passed suddenly to our Lord on September 30.

Johnny touched many lives and will be dearly missed by his loving family and countless friends.

John graduated from Saratoga High School after which he enrolled in the culinary program at SCCC, which led to numerous positions in the hospitality industry, including his role as chef at The Sagamore in Lake George and countless duties at his beloved family business, The Bayshores Tropic Hut on Saratoga Lake.

Johnny’s journey also took him to San Diego where he was Project Manager for MyOFFICE. Johnny later returned to his birthplace of Saratoga Lake but always kept a place in his heart for the special people he met in Pacific Beach.

John will be remembered for his million-dollar smile, his long-winded stories, undeniable dedication, hard work and giving nature. His sense of caring extended beyond friends and family, as evidenced by his heroic attempt to save a drowning victim in Saratoga Lake while numerous bystanders watched in awe. On more than one occasion, John would literally give the shirt off his back to someone in need. Johnny’s gregarious nature drew strangers to become friends, in many cases, for years to come. A kid at heart, Johnny was loved by people of all ages and walks of life; whether they were one-time patrons passing through Saratoga, his beloved group of “lake boys” who he enlisted for numerous projects, or band members who he would sing along with on memorable summer nights.

Johnny was happiest doing what he truly loved, including snowmobiling with his “pops,” skiing with friends at Whistler-Blackcomb, Vermont, sharing those very detailed rambling stories with all who would listen, cheering on “Da Bears,” playing horseshoes on the beach, his love of all things Polish, and his time with his number one girl.

Many lives were touched and bonds were made, and Johnny’s absence is one that will be a reminder of how big of a personality he was. He will be greatly missed by all who truly knew and loved him. “Dad loves you.”

At the request of his family, services will be private. Arrangements are entrusted to Griswold Funeral Home, 1867 State St., Schenectady, NY 12304. 

BALLSTON SPA—It is with heavy hearts that the family of Michael Warren Beson, Sr. announce his passing on Sunday, October 6.

He died from the effects of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Mike was officially diagnosed with this disease on April 3 of this year. Although it attacked his body very quickly, the disease was never able to take his mind, heart or soul.

His determination allowed him to coach the 2013 golf season and attend his son’s wedding on October 5.

Mike was born on November 3, 1951, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Phyllis and Warren Beson. Years after his dad’s passing, Mike’s family moved to Glenville. He graduated from Scotia-Glenville High School in 1970, Hartwick College in 1974, State University of New York at Albany in 1979, and St. Rose in Albany in 2001.

He was employed by the Shenendehowa School District for 36 years, serving as teacher, coach and administrator. During that time, Mike was also a basketball coach for 14 years at the Burnt Hills School District. Upon retiring in 2010, Mike coached golf and assisted in coaching basketball at Saratoga Central Catholic High School. He was also a high school soccer official. His enthusiasm, tireless energy, passion, knowledge and dedication made him a well-respected educator, administrator, coach and loyal friend.

Mike was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Ballston Spa, where he served as a lector and a Eucharistic minister before the onset of his illness.

As a member of the Ballston Spa Country Club, playing early morning or late afternoon rounds of golf with longtime friends was one of his greatest pleasures in life. Mike’s favorite playing partner of all times was his loving and devoted son, Michael. They shared many happy moments together on area courses.

Mike is survived by his wife Elly, his son, Michael, and daughter-in-law Leigh of Marshfield, Massachusetts, his parents Phyllis and Alan Nelson of Saratoga Springs, his sisters Peggy Seward (John) of Schererville, Indiana, Mary Gibbons (Patrick) of Glenville and his brothers: Hugh Nelson (Fiorella) of Ashburn, Virginia and Peter Nelson (Melanie) of South Hadley, Massachusetts.

In addition, his sister-in-law Jeannine O’Connell (David), sister-in-law Annie Nelson and brother-in-law William Merritt (Carol) survive him.

Mike will be missed by his nieces and nephews: Coley O’Connell (Lisa), Lisa Jorgensen (Chad), Daniel and Edward Clear, Justina Wagner, Mitchell Seward, John and Michael Gibbons, Clare and Hannah Nelson, Annabell and Rupert Ramsay, Fiorella Roca, and Christopher, Bradley and Gregory Nelson.

Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, October 12 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. All are invited to attend a reception in the Gymnasium at Saratoga Catholic Central High School immediately following the service at church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Saratoga Catholic Central High School Athletic Fund, 247 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 c/o Stephen Lombard or Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or Cranberry Hospice, 36 Cordage Park Circle, Plymouth, MA, 02360 or St. Peter’s ALS Regional Center, 19 Warehouse Row, Albany, NY 12205.

Mike and his family would like to give their heartfelt thanks to St. Peter’s ALS Regional Center, Community Hospice of Saratoga, Cranberry Hospice of Plymouth, Massachusetts, Dr. John Bach of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey University Hospital, Olga Ramos of Millennium Respiratory Services, and Dr. Shawn Jorgensen who made the initial ALS diagnosis. Many thanks also go to Mike and Elly’s family, friends near and afar, and neighbors who supported then through this journey.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Marjorie A. Morris, 93, passed away Saturday, September 28 at Wesley Health Care Center.

Born on January 1, 1920 in Saratoga Springs, she was the daughter of the late George Bauder Morris and Lucy Ann (Baker) Morris. Marjorie was also predeceased by one brother, George Morris and two sisters, Mary Kennedy and Frances Johnson.

Employed for 13 years at the Navy Depot in Scotia, she also worked for 21 years at General Foods, retiring as an inspector in June, 1982.

Survivors include her special friend, Frieda Dymond of Saratoga Springs.

There are no calling hours. A graveside service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, October 1 in the family plot at Greenridge Cemetery, Lincoln Ave., by the Rev. Judy Pratt.

Memorials may be made in her name to the Wesley Foundation, 131 Lawrence St. or the First Baptist Church, 43 Washington St., Saratoga Springs, 12866.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway (518) 584-5373.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

BURNT HILLS — A Suburban Council record 30 assists. Scoring four goals in seven minutes. A third straight Section II Class A title. League Most Valuable Player. 2012 was a season to remember for Morgan Burchhardt, the now senior who’s looking to get back to the New York State final four.

When she played recreational soccer in first grade, Burchhardt said she would always keep the ball and never pass. To this day, Burchhardt would still rather score a goal than anything else on the field, but it’s no doubt the senior center forward knows how to set her teammates up for a chance at the back of the net.

“We’ve had some great players here in the past,” Burnt Hills–Ballston Lake head coach Brian Bold said. “Morgan’s absolutely on par with some of those legends and some of those greats we’ve had in Burnt Hills’ uniforms. One of the things that Morgan was focused on last year was distributing the ball and going after that assist record and she achieved it. It’s a great feather in her cap…To have her is an absolute asset. To have her at the quality that she’s at makes her even more important.”

This year, the team captain has another personal challenge: 30 goals.

Last year, Burchhardt ended with 17, four of which were scored within a seven-minute span in a September 15 game against Columbia.

“I was getting mad at myself because I wasn’t scoring,” Burchhardt recalled from the day she achieved the unheard-of feat. “I had a lot of opportunities at first and I couldn’t capitalize. They were kind of crappy goals. The first two were exactly the same and probably should have been saved, but I’m not going to argue. Those two went in and I just kept going after that.”

Bold is also expecting even more goal production out of Burchhardt this season—the final year the duo will be together.

“This is her last year here,” said Bold, who has been coaching Burchhardt since she was a 12-year-old. “It’s nice for Morgan. She knows where she’s going to school next year (committed to play at Division II St. Rose) and that’s a lot to be said as a senior. We’ve got one last season with her and we’ve been very, very close and I think Morgan knows more than anything how important it is for us to get back to Cortland, and she’ll be a big asset in helping us achieve that.”

Last November, after winning the program’s eighth straight Section II Class A title, BH–BL suffered a season-ending 1-0 loss to Jamesville-DeWitt in the regional playoffs at Fulton High School—a loss that has stuck with Burchhardt this offseason.

“We just couldn’t produce,” Burchhardt said. “We had a lot of chances; we just could not get back. I feel really bad about that game. I definitely want to go back to states. Especially going in ninth and tenth grade, we’re being expected to go and we didn’t so it was really weird. Ninth and tenth grade you don’t even realize what it is. I even took states for granted. I just thought it was another game. Especially as a freshman, I had no idea what was going on. You know, you get a patch if you win. You take everything for granted and last year it really hit me how much the games mean, especially when you lose early…This year, I don’t take anything for granted and I push myself a lot more.”

The Spartans have met up with Jamesville-DeWitt in November in each of the past four seasons. They lost to the Red Rams, 1-0, in last year’s Class A regionals, after a three-year stretch of beating them. BH–BL took down the Section III representative Red Rams in 2011 (3-0), 2010 (2-0) and 2009 when the Spartans won in a penalty-kick shoot-out.

“We will probably meet up with them again, so we’ll see,” Burchhardt said. “I’d like to beat them again. It’s always great.”

The Spartans lost their season opener to Shaker on Tuesday, but have a shot at their first win this weekend at Shenendehowa. In her final year as a Spartan, Burchhardt said she’s not worried about the team coming together and fulfilling the expectations of another sectional title.

“You definitely don’t want to be the team that year to break [the sectionals streak],” said Burchhardt, who also does indoor and outdoor track on the side. “I didn’t really realize how big soccer was because we’ve been winning it for so long that sectionals was just like a given. In indoor track, we came in third and it’s weird not winning because I’m used to winning sectionals. It’s bizarre, but I’m glad we can keep that legacy up and other teams look up to us because we’ve won so much.”

For Burchhardt, another sectional championship and a trip to the state semifinals will make 2013 a success. The reigning MVP doesn’t plan on letting up.

“Senior year you get out on the field and you’re going to do anything you can to win,” Burchhardt said. “You’re going to put your body out there and you’re going to pour your heart and soul into it. If you desire to get the ball, you’re going to get there.”