Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In 1998, Saratoga Springs girls’ lacrosse team won the Section II final with Erinn Dennis-Kolligian on the field. Exactly 20 years later, they’ve won again. This time, Madyson Kolligian, Dennis-Kolligians'  daughter, was on the winning team while Dennis-Kolligian, lacrosse coach, stood on the sidelines helping coach Elaine Anton-Lotruglio coach the team to victory. Dennis-Kolligian was an AllAmerican lacrosse player who played collegiately at John Hopkins University. Following in mom’s footsteps is sophomore daughter, Madyson. The only difference is, Dennis-Kolligian played midfield and Kolligian is a defender.

“I got involved in lacrosse because of my mom, I started at an older age than most. Seventh grade is when I wanted to join a school sports team and found my passion in lacrosse,” explained Kolligian.

“I was first introduced by Chuck Waterstram, my elementary gym teacher at Dorothy Nolan, who also influenced my older brother to start playing. My first ‘real’ introduction was getting rolled up in a carpet, helmet on my head and bungee corded into a goal cage by my brother and his friends because they didn’t have a goalie. I figured then that I better learn quick,” Dennis-Kolligian laughed.

“In eighth grade I was able to try out for Saratoga. Coach Carney, who I have had the pleasure to coach with the last two years, gave me a chance at this amazing game 26 years ago,” Dennis-Kolligian explained.

Kolligian just wants to make her mom proud and continue her lacrosse legacy.

“I’ve always been one to want to impress my mom, it’s some big shoes to fill but I’ve been working hard to try and continue what she essentially started. My mom and I have a different relationship. We are very close, we have a lot of laughs but as most mother/daughters we have our disagreements. It’s hardest trying to find the parallel between her being my mom and my coach,” Kolligian explained.

This mother/daughter duo are more alike than they are different. Dennis-Kolligian said they differ most in terms of technology, she has no interest in social media.

“We must have a similar taste in clothing, since I’m always catching her and her sister with my clothes on! We don’t take things too seriously and try to keep life in perspective. We are caring and often put other people first. Mady has a heart of gold. We enjoy playing lacrosse at home with her younger three siblings; Payton, Cate and Karsen,” DennisKolligian said, explaining how else she and her daughter are alike.

Dennis-Kolligian returned to assistant coach for the team in 2015, after a hiatus to raise her two youngest children, when head coach Elaine Anton-Lotruglio called to ask her if she would consider coming back to coach.

“The void inside me, that I didn’t know was there, was instantly filled. I love this game! I love playing it, I love coaching it, I love teaching it, and love that other young girls get to be passionate about it too. We all know that our lessons from a game reach far beyond a sports field and to get to be a part of that, it’s hard to describe. Knowing what Sue Hoffman, Mike Carney, Janine Tucker, Ricky Fried and Lellie Swords did for me. The hope of giving back and paying it forward, even a fraction of what they gave to me, would be priceless,” DennisKolligian stated.

While the current team has had the game date, June 9, in their minds since the first day of the season, Dennis-Kolligian is able, to fully reminisce about her teams winning season.

“I’m so happy that these young ladies get to feel what a sectional win is like. They understand the magnitude of it, and more importantly get to see that hard work, teamwork, hustle and effort do get rewarded! They have inspired the generation of young girls coming up behind them and ignited a new tradition,” DennisKolligian said proudly.

“My favorite part of this season is getting to know these girls. It’s a sisterhood and I know everyone always has my back, including my mom no matter what sideline she’s on,” Kolligian said.

Photos provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Cassidy Hayner, a 17-yearold senior at Saratoga Central Catholic, just finished her final high school softball season. She transferred to Saratoga Central Catholic from Saratoga Spring High School in her junior year. This season was also her first time playing varsity basketball because she wanted to try something new.

“The class sizes at Spa Catholic were smaller so it was better academically for me to succeed there and the softball team was very welcoming when I transferred over,” Hayner explained.

Hayner has been playing softball since she was six-year-old and has been playing on the varsity team, under Brett Simpson’s coaching, since her school transfer.

“My dad has always played softball since he was very young, and he played for the Army for fast and slow pitch, so he taught me everything and got me into it,” she said.

Hayner is a catcher and fell into that position after being a utility player.

“When I was younger and playing in the t-ball and recreation leagues, I was a utility player and then when I started playing travel softball over the summer and over the winter, one of my coaches put me behind the plate and it just clicked with me. I know the game very well because of my dad and my whole family. We watch baseball and softball, so I knew the game and I was able to take lead as a catcher,” Hayner said.

The Yankees are her favorite baseball team.

Academically speaking, Hayner is doing, “pretty well.”

She has been on high honor roll this year and is a member of the National Honor Society. She will be going to King State College in the fall where she is considering studying athletic training.

“I don’t think I’m going to play softball my freshmen year, but I may try for my sophomore year. A lot of people are telling me that I should play because I would be a good player for their team, but I think I want to start my academics first,” she said.

This softball season, Hayner was named a Section II All-Star League player and made First Team in the Wasaren League. She found out after her final game from her coach, Brett Simpson.

“At the end of my last high school game, I was kind of emotional, and coach Simpson announced it. He said, ‘we want to congratulate Cassidy for being the first pick all-star for the Wasaren League,” so I was the runner up for MVP, which was really exciting for me,” she explained.

Over the summer, Hayner is a camp counselor at the Greenfield Summer Recreation Camp, she also works as a cashier part-time, and is a Youth Minister at St. Peter’s Church in Saratoga Springs.

“My mom has been my biggest supporter and my sister Kelsey, because they were always there for me at my games, and also my dad too. They were always supporting me by sitting on the bleachers and I could always hear them cheering me on, calling out my name when I got good hits and I heard them clapping and taking pictures. They’ve always been there for all my games and tournaments on those long summer days,” Hayner said, citing her family has her biggest supporters.

“I’m definitely going to miss my teammates the most and although it’s a lot of hard work to be playing in the heat over the summer, but the team comradery and having girls to support you makes it all worth it,” she said.

Correction: In the first edition of this article, Hayner was inaccurately titled as Youth Minister at St. Peter's Church. She is actively involved with youth group.

Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Skidmore College Saratoga Classic Horse Show is celebrating its 21st annual competition with the grand opening of a new 103acre venue called White Hollow Farm in Stillwater, New York. The property, located eight miles from Saratoga Springs, features eight new riding arenas engineered with state-of-the-art drainage systems and high-performance, allweather footing. The venue provides an expansive area for competition, practice rings, stabling, turnout paddocks, vendors and public viewing. The horse farm was a gift to Skidmore College from the estate of the late Robert R. Rosenheim, of Sharon, Connecticut. The guided tour of the 103acre property will provide a behind-the-scenes view of the new, state-of-the-art competition and schooling (practice) riding rings, horse barns, turnout paddocks, administrative offices and more.

“With this new facility, we’re investing in the future of the Saratoga Classic horse shows by creating a world-class venue that fulfills our vision and meets the needs of today’s equestrian,” said Adele Einhorn, executive director of the Skidmore College Saratoga Classic Horse Show.

“This competition venue is unlike any other in the region. The sheer size of the facility makes it attractive for riders. There’s ample room to ride and graze and turn out horses, and it’s so peaceful for both horse and rider. The new competition rings are state-of-the-art, with fully engineered drainage and all-weather, high-performance footing,” said Einhorn.

The Saratoga Classic show began in 1927 and was brought back to life in 1998. It has since become a highlight of the early summer season in Saratoga. The top-level competition attracts many of the country’s best horses and riders to the Saratoga area. The show had previously been held at the Yaddo show grounds since 1998. Over the past 20 years, the show has attracted more than 13,000 horses and participants from 49 states and seven countries; created employment opportunities for 850 individuals; and raised more than $4.5 million for financial aid/scholarships for students of Skidmore College. Show organizers have added an additional week to this year’s event, which will generate more funding for student scholarships. The show is traditionally held over two weeks in June (June 13–17 and June 20–24) and will now extend to three weeks, with new dates in August (Aug. 15–18). Events begin each day at 8 a.m., with the exception of Saturday, June 17, and Saturday, June 24, when events begin at 7:30 a.m. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit the website at www.skidmore. edu/saratogaclassic.

Photos provided.

SCHUYLERVILLE — The Schuylerville Black Horses boy’s lacrosse team, coached by Andrew Smith, hung on by the skin of their teeth on Sunday, May 27, in their Section II Class D final game against Greenwich, winning 12-11. Relying heavily on goalie Braden Podkladek, who had 22 saves total with eight in the final quarter, Schuylerville managed to sink the win. Tyler Bowen had two goals and three assists; Justin Carte had four goals; Jace Carter had two goals and one assist; Drew Phillips had three goals and one assist; Noah Rourke had three assists; and Seth Mattice had one goal.

Schuylerville had four goals in the first and second quarters, and two goals each in the third and fourth quarters. Overall, the Black Horses were 16-3 for the season.

ROSTER:

#1 Tyler Bowen • Sophomore
#3 Jacob Vanderhoof • Sophomore
#4 Ben Follos • Junior
#5 Justin Carte • Junior
#6 Jace Carter • Senior
#8 Drew Phillips • Junior
#9 Braden Podkladek • Senior
#11 Noah Rourke • Junior
#12 Logan Durr • Junior
#13 Trent Thomas • Senior
#14 Sean Swenson • Sophomore
#15 Dylan Carpenter • Sophomore
#16 Seth Mattice • Junior
#17 Reese Taveres • Sophomore
#18 Samuel Levin • Junior
#19 Brandon Craft • Junior
#20 Ethan Dubrey • Sophomore
#21 Kyle Burnham • Sophomore
#22 Jared Thivierge • Junior
#23 Riley Tavares • Junior
#24 Cade Delisle • Junior
#25 Thomas Donovan • Senior
#26 Jack Nemer • Sophomore
#27 Trevor Vanarnum • Junior
#28 Mike Barcia • Junior
#29 Colin Garry • Freshman
#30 Erich Steg • Junior

Photos provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — During the week of May 14-18, Geyser Road Elementary School participated in their first ever Care for Community Project, a Serve-A-Thon event.

“In addition to raising funds for our current and future PTO funded programs, the Serve-athon is an opportunity for our students to reach out and offer assistance to those in need within their community and beyond. Please join Geyser Elementary students grades K-5 as they make a difference not only for their school but within their community,” explained the press release.

All students colored 314 placemats to be used at the dining hall at Saratoga Office for Aging. The Kindergartners and first graders also made decorations for the Wesley Community Center. Second graders also created 150 busy bags for the young patients and visitors at Albany Med Pediatrics. The third graders also made 67 blankets for shelter pets at Comfort for Critters. The fourth graders wrote 58 handmade notes for Letters to Our Troops, along with nature education and grounds cleanup at State Park Grounds Cleanup. Fifth graders also created place mats for Saratoga Office for Aging and participated in the flag ceremony, raised 50 flags throughout the cemetery, and helped plant flowers at the local Military cemetery. They also made 123 para-cord survival bracelets through Operation Gratitude.

[Photo provided]

Spa Catholic Charity Game Raises $3,375 for Kelly’s Angels
SARATOGA SPRINGS — On the evening of May 5, Saratoga Catholic and Whitehall High School baseball teams played a charity game in support of Kelly’s Angels, Inc. Through donations, 50/50 sales, and a raffle for New York Yankees tickets, the teams and their families raised $3,735 to help Kelly’s Angels assist Capital Region children who have lost a parent or sibling to cancer. For more information about Kelly’s Angels, please visit www.kellysangelsinc.org.

Saratoga Regional YMCA Basketball  [Over 25-year-old League]
TEAM WINK 88 - TEAM REED 79 Brian Travis had a game high 25 points and teammates J.R. Michael and Matt Scoons each dropped in 22 points along with Kurt Troyer’s 15 points, which all helped Team Wink get an 88 to 79 win over Team Reed. Colin Fuller got 20 points while Vonzel Legal and Garris Ramsdell contributed 19 points apiece in the loss.
TEAM DUFF 91 - TEAM LOMBARDO 67 Team Duff Ran their record to 7 and 0 with a 91 to 67 win over Team Lombardo in what was a closer game than the final score displayed. The winners were led by Rich Duff who scored 21 points while Corey Harkins and Josh DeMarais
had 17 points each. Team Lombardo got 26 points from Alex Ventre and another 19 points from Tim Harrick.
TEAM EMERY 73 - TEAM SIKORA 71 Team Emery got off to a fast start and had a 20-point lead at half-time but a gutsy Team Sikora fought back to make this game a real nail biter at the end. Team Emery got the two-point victory over Team Sikora. Team Emery’s Andrew Armstrong scored 25 points, Chris Cameron 16 points, while Travis Ramsey and Blake Rizzi each had 15 points in the win. Camdon Spencer exploded for 40 points and Rick Sicari dropped in 19 points in the loss.  

Spa Catholic Softball
SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Monday, May 21, Saratoga Central Catholic defeated Corinth, 10-5 in the opening Sectionals game. Julia Murdick had three RBIs and a double and Molly O’Reilly had three RBIs.

Saratoga Springs Girls Lacrosse
SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Tuesday, May 15, Saratoga Springs played Shaker and won, 18-8. Reilly Hogan had five goals and one assist; Lindsey Frank had three goals and two assists; Katie Wendell had three goals and one assist; Katie Silver had two goals and two assists; Jackie Sauer had two goals; Sophia Burke had one goal and two assists; Ella Payer and Catherine O’Hara each had one goal; Sylvie Waters had one assist; and Abigail Searles had three saves.
On Monday, May 21, Saratoga Springs played Shenendehowa and won, 14-10. In the first half they tied, each team scoring seven goals. Lindsey Frank saw five goals; Katie Wendell and Reilly Hogan each had two goals and one assist; Katie Silver had two goals; Jackie Sauer had one goal and one assist; Sophia Burke had one goal and two assists; Sylvie Waters had one goal; Ella Payer had two assists; and Abigail Searles had seven saves.

Saratoga Wilton Youth Baseball  Hosts Local Competitions
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Wilton Youth Baseball recently hosted the 2018 local competitions for Major League Baseball’s Jr Home Run Derby and Pitch, Hit & Run.  Winners in both competitions will advance to the Sectionals, with a chance to compete at Yankee Stadium and ultimately at the 2018 MLB All Star Game.
JR HR DERBY:  Tad D’Andrea
PITCH, HIT & RUN  7/8 YEAR OLDS: Cody Mills, Finnegan Crowe
PITCH, HIT & RUN  9/10 YEAR OLDS: Jack Collier, Pierce Byrne Jack Rigabar, Brady Mills
PITCH, HIT & RUN  11/12 YEAR OLDS: Jesse Mullis, Addison Sperry, Tyler Weygand.

[Photo provided]

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Whether you know someone affected by type 1 diabetes (T1D) or just want to make a difference in their life, JDRF, formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, invites you to take part in its 18th annual Hoff man Car Wash and Hoff man Jiff y Lube Golf Classic and Par-Tee Th ursday, June 7 at the picturesque Saratoga National Golf Club, located at 458 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, called beta cells. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. Its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. There is nothing you can do to prevent T1D, and—at present—nothing you can do to get rid of it.

JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Th eir mission is to accelerate lifechanging breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2 billion in research funding since our inception. They are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for effi  ciency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. JDRF collaborates with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Th eir staff  and volunteers throughout the United States and our six international affi  liates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. The event, which will take place rain or shine, will get underway at 11 a.m. with registration and lunch. Golfers will take to the course at 12:30 p.m. in a shotgun scramble. The day will conclude at 5:30 p.m. with an enjoyable Par-Tee. 

“Our annual Golf Classic and Par-Tee is a great way to have some fun while helping those battle the disease,” said Ellen Pickett, Development Coordinator, JDRF Northeastern New York, noting that the non-profi t aims to raise more than $200,000.

“More than 10,000 people live with T1D within the 17 counties we serve. Monies raised will help fund more than 70 human clinical trials of potential T1D therapies, as well as support JDRF’s Outreach Program, which off ers personalized support to families, adults, and children living with T1D on how to better manage and cope with the disease,” she continued.

Evening Par-Tee tickets are $75 and include an exclusive evening soirée for golfers and guests featuring the ultimate Mazzone food and cocktail experience, live music by Erin Harkes, and one-of-a-kind live and silent auction items, including golf, travel, entertainment, jewelry, local experiences, and more. To register and learn more, visit www.jdrf-northeastern-ny. ejoinme.org/golfpartee or call Ellen Pickett at 518-477-2873. For more information, visit jdrf.org or follow on Twitter: @JDRF

[Photo provided]

BALLSTON SPA — Students in the Ballston Spa Central School District have successfully donated $89,747 during the past ten years to local non-profit organizations through participation in an annual Penny Harvest program. This year, students collected over $9,400 in pennies during the fall 2017 harvest.  They recently donated the funds to eight local non-profit organizations during the district’s annual SEFCU Penny Harvest Celebration that took place on School Pride Day. This year, over 80 students were chosen as Penny Harvest leaders in their schools and were responsible for researching local community issues and the non-profit organizations that address them.

Members of the student roundtable in each school interviewed representatives from local organizations and discussed how their funds could be used to further support these non-profits. The annual SEFCU Penny Harvest is implemented in grades K-12, in all six school buildings in the district, and has proven to be successful in educating students in service learning and financial literacy. This program teaches students about the importance of philanthropy and service as well as teaching math, communication, and team building skills. The Malta Avenue Elementary School students donated to two organizations, Make-A-Wish Foundation ($622.67) and Ronald McDonald House ($622.67). The Albany Medical Center Children’s Hospital and The Saratoga County Animal Shelter both received $1,406.29 from Gordon Creek Elementary School students and the Buddy Blankets & Bears received $897.59 from Milton Terrace Elementary School students.  Students at Wood Road Elementary School chose to donate their $1,412.99 to the Brave Will Foundation. The Ballston Spa Middle School chose to give funds to the American Cancer Society ($1,239.44) and CAPTAIN ($1,239.44). Ballston Spa High School students donated their funds to Buddy Blankets & Bears ($552.77).

This program is made possible by the dedication of the Penny Harvest advisors in each school, including Jolene Hansen, Milton Terrace; Kimberly Moryl, Gordon Creek; Anna Nickson, Wood Road; Matthew Nafus and Jessica Skillings, Malta Avenue; Ryan Mazierski, Ballston Spa Middle School; and Rachel Jeffers from the Ballston Spa High School. The program is implemented in the fall of each school year and awards presented to the local charities in May.  The district is very grateful to SEFCU for sponsoring the program and processing over 940,000 pennies.

For more information, please visit the individual school websites or contact the BSCSD Office of District Advancement at 518-884-7195.