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Author: Dylan McGlynn

Saratoga Central Catholic Raises Over $2K For Mollie Wilmot Radiation Oncology Center – SCC Partners With St. Mary’s, St. Clement’s In Annual Pink Day Fundraiser

Representatives and students from Saratoga Central Catholic School, St. Mary’s School, and St. Clement’s School presented a check for $2,061 to Renée Russell, director of the Mollie Wilmot Radiation Oncology Center, on Oct. 25. Not pictured are SCC student council members Ellie Grace, Rebecca Schnefel, and Sydney Caracci (Photo by Super Source Media).

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Central Catholic School concluded its 15th annual Pink Day by presenting a check for $2,061 to Saratoga Hospital’s Mollie Wilmot Radiation Oncology Center on Oct. 25.

The money was raised in collaboration with St. Clement’s School and St. Mary’s School, both of whom had representatives on hand to help present the check to Renée Russell, director of the Mollie Wilmot Radiation Oncology Center.

Funds will be donated to the Radiation Oncology Center’s Cancer Patient Fund. Russell said the funds will support assisting patients with transportation to and from treatments and appointments, as well as helping with things such as childcare, copay assistance, buying groceries, gas, or rent expenses. 

“I would say the biggest challenge that most patients have is getting transportation to and from every day for their treatments,” said Russell. “As an example, with radiation therapy, usually you have to come five days a week, and you need to get a ride to and back home. That’s a really big challenge for people. So we use a lot of the cancer patient funds to support them. We have a really good connection with Saratoga Hybrid Cab, so we can provide transportation to and from treatments.”

Russell also noted they have hired two massage therapists to provide free massages to patients going through treatment. The hospital also hosts an annual retreat in Lake George for cancer survivors, with Russell adding that funds donated help support all of these initiatives and more.

At Saratoga Catholic, students raised money by participating in a ‘pink dress-down’ day, wearing pink instead of their typical school uniforms. Students donated $3 to participate, but Student Council advisor Maria Izzo said many chose to donate much more.

“The middle school class who wore the most pink was awarded, and then the high school class that wore the most pink was rewarded,” Izzo said. “It’s a three-dollar dress-down day, but there’s 20-dollar bills that are given. There’s a hundred-dollar check. People really go above and beyond what they have to, because they know it’s a worthy cause.”

Russell expressed her appreciation, noting that donations and other similar fundraisers help Cancer Patient Fund continue to provide its services to patients. She added the support also shows patients that the community is thinking of and supporting them.

“It just goes to show, and I always say this to patients, people are thinking about them, even though they might not directly know them,” said Russell. “I think that above and beyond the money, it also is a comfort to know that people are rooting for them and wanting to support them when they’re going through a diagnosis of cancer, which is hard enough.”

She added it is meaningful for money raised locally to remain in the community, and said the Cancer Patient Fund comes in “amazing use” to support patients.

“I think the good thing about it is the money that’s being raised here is also staying here, to help people that live in this community,” Russell said.

Izzo added that it is meaningful to be assisted by St. Clement’s and St. Mary’s Schools, saying she is “honored and proud” to support Saratoga Hospital and the Radiation Oncology Center.

“And St. Clement’s and St. Mary’s, the kids love it,” said Izzo. “They were extremely generous. It’s a pretty good number for three schools.”

“I think it’s really sending a message to people that there’s other people in the community that have been impacted by this,” added Russell of the fundraiser. “A lot of times, people will be like, ‘What can I do to help you?’ This is a way that people can help people. They don’t have to ask, they’re already just doing it. I think that’s a strong message to share with people.”

With Efforts Led By SSHS Sophomore, Veterans Day Ceremony To Be Held Nov. 9

Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Thanks to the efforts of a Saratoga Springs High School sophomore, a Veterans Day ceremony is set to be held at Veterans Memorial Park on Nov. 9.

The event will feature guest speakers, a performance of the National Anthem, and a flag replacement ceremony with a color guard. The event will be presented by the Saratoga Springs High School Military Club, and has been planned primarily by Kelly McMurtrie, a 10th-grader at the school and a member of the Military Club.

McMurtrie joined the Military Club this year, and said that while she and the club have not organized an event like this before, she felt that putting together an event to honor and support veterans is “something that is important to do.”

“It’s mine and the club’s first time ever doing anything like this,” said McMurtrie. “… The amount of people who have been hurt or injured in any way, mentally or physically, it’s horrible, and we need to do something about that.”

She said the idea for the event originated with replacing the flag at the park.

“The way it sparked up was, someone mentioned that the flag at the park was really tattered, and that we could do something to replace it,” said McMurtrie. “Someone else said that we should do something for Veterans Day, so I decided to put them together.”

The ceremony will begin at 4 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, with speeches from guest speakers preceding a flag replacement ceremony by the color guard. McMurtrie also noted recruiters will be on hand at the event, and said the Military Club is hoping to have the National Anthem sung by a member of the U.S. Army Band.

McMurtrie and the Military Club, with advisor Colleen Sanita, are working with the high school to set up donations online. Proceeds raised will go to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans), with McMurtrie emphasizing the importance of giving back to those who served.

The planning and organizing of the ceremony has been an impressive effort by the high school sophomore. McMurtrie said it has been exciting to see her work pay off as the event comes together, adding that taking the lead and initiative of planning an event like this “feels like something that a 10th-grader wouldn’t be doing, and exciting.”

“It’s really exciting, and I feel great about it,” said McMurtrie. “It’s really exciting especially to see all the things coming together.”

McMurtrie’s father served in the Navy, and she said she enjoyed her time growing up in a military family. She added that part of her interest in the military is due to the idea of “being part of something bigger” than herself.

She also emphasized the meaning of the ceremony, with proceeds raised going to the DAV, saying she feels it is important to “take care of those who took care of us.”

“Everything that they have given for our country, it’s our turn to give back,” McMurtrie said.

Saratoga Cross-Country Delivers At Suburban Council Championships – Isenovski, Bush Win Individual Titles; Saratoga Boys Win Team Championship

Photo by Laurie Dacey.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs varsity boys cross country team captured the 2023 Suburban Council team championship after a balanced effort at the Saratoga Spa State Park on Saturday.

Thomas Isenovski won the Suburban Council boys individual title for the Blue Streaks, leading a group of six Saratoga runners placing in the top 30 finishers. With 73 points, the Blue Streaks’ boys team held off second-place Guilderland (77 points) for the team title. 

Saratoga’s Emily Bush took home the Suburban Council girls individual title, with Anya Belisle earning a second-place finish. Despite the duo earning the top two spots in the girls race, the Saratoga girls team (50 points) finished second to Bethlehem (37 points).

For the second straight season, the Blue Streaks’ boys program swept the Suburban Council meet, with their modified, freshman, and JV teams also earning team victories in their respective races on Saturday.

“That was a goal that the team had from, really, the beginning of our summer training,” said Saratoga boys head coach Shane Zanetti of the program sweep. “It was really exciting to have that come to fruition.”

The Saratoga girls team was paced by Bush (17:09.8) and Belisle (17:47.8), the race’s top two finishers. The Blue Streaks also received top-20 finishes from Reagan Owen (14th, 18:41.7), Tong Ang (16th, 18:51.1), Katie Turner (17th, 19:00.9), and Heidi Berglund (19th, 19:05.3).

Linda Kranick, one of the Saratoga girls coaches, said she was “very proud” of Bush and Belisle earning the top two spots. She noted that both runners are seniors, and that the Suburban Council championships would be the last time they ran a cross country race at the Saratoga Spa State Park.

The Blue Streaks’ varsity boys were led by Isenovski (15:22.3), with Darren Pasek placing seventh (16:05.5), and Luke Dacey placing 16th (16:19.1). The Saratoga boys team also received strong finishes from Jacob Bernd (20th, 16:29.4), Hudson Shaw (29th, 16:44.4), Cooper Brandriss (30th, 16:45.9), and Owen Blaisdell (50th, 17:07.0).

Zanetti gave credit to Isenovski, who he noted led the pack for a majority of the race, saying he ran “a really smart race.”

“He’s only a sophomore, but he’s got a lot of experience running at a high level already,” said Zanetti of Isenovski. “He’s a really intelligent racer, and he loves to compete.”

Zanetti also credited Pasek and Shaw for stepping up during the race.

With the Suburban Council Championships behind them, the Blue Streaks’ cross country teams attention now turns to the Section 2 Championships at Queensbury High School this weekend. 

“We were pleased with the way the girls ran, but we’ve got more work ahead of us,” said Kranick.

Kranick said the girls team has continued to improve and gain experience during the fall, and made note of several younger runners who have stepped up, including Owen, Ang, Berglund, and Turner among others.

“All you can ever ask an athlete to do is give it their all and do the best you can,” Kranick said of the team’s mindset entering sectionals. “That’s always been the emphasis.”

On the boys side, Zanetti said the Blue Streaks are entering this weekend with the goal of bringing home another team victory.

“Our goal is definitely to win sectionals and move onto states, and hopefully be successful there,” Zanetti said of the boys team’s mindset.

Dooley & Jones Win Section 2 Doubles Title As Saratoga Girls Tennis Caps Great Season

Photo by Michael Plue.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The doubles team of Clare Dooley and Addison Jones capped off an impressive season for the Saratoga Springs varsity girls tennis team, bringing home the Section 2 Doubles Championship on Oct. 23.

As the top seed, Dooley and Jones earned a bye in the first round of sectionals, and proceeded to cruise their way to the championship round, where they captured the Section 2 girls tennis doubles championship with a 6-0, 6-0 win over Bethlehem’s Hope Brown and Rayka Kogut.

The duo’s results were the culmination of a year that saw the Blue Streaks go undefeated as a team in the regular season, and earn the #1 seed in the Section 2 Class AA team tournament. Saratoga’s only loss as a team eventually came in the Section 2 Championship, 5-4 against Bethlehem.

Head coach Tim O’Brien said it was one of the team’s best seasons in his time as coach, adding that the Blue Streaks’ squad “always played hard.”

“It was just an amazing year, from the standpoint of the regular season and going into sectional play,” said O’Brien. “Then to get Clare and Addison together as a doubles team, and to have them have the success that they had, it’s been one of my best seasons as a coach, along with Coach Crotty and Coach Nizzi, that we’ve had in the last 14 years.”

O’Brien also had praise for the doubles team of Dooley and Jones, saying they were “an incredible combo” throughout the postseason.

“They’re two very young players,” O’Brien said. “The way they attacked the tournament, it was awesome to see.”

The sectional win was made even more impressive considering Jones is a sophomore, while Dooley is in seventh grade. 

“I think we played really well,” said Dooley of the doubles sectional tournament. “Especially in the semifinals and finals, we played our best.”

Last season, Jones was on a doubles team with senior Kate Lindley, and O’Brien said that partnership helped prepare her to partner with Dooley this fall.

“I think Addison really took after Kate, learned from her,” O’Brien said. “Both her and Clare, they developed a friendship, but they also developed a great rapport of working together on the court. It really showed.”

This was emphasized by Jones, saying that she and Dooley “barely knew each other” at the start of the season before eventually growing close.

“We just grew that bond, being on the courts next to each other,” said Jones. “We would cheer each other on. Now, we’re like great friends.”

Dooley and Jones advanced to the NYSPHSAA tournament, defeating Fayetteville-Manlius’ Selena Chen and Shreya Bhattacharya in their opening match. The Blue Streaks’ duo lost in the Round of 16 to Westhampton Beach’s Matila Buchen and Julia Stabile, who went on to win the state championship.

In addition to the doubles team, the Blue Streaks were powered all season by strong depth throughout the roster. O’Brien said that although the team fell just short in the sectional finals, it was still a season to remember for Saratoga, particularly for graduating seniors.

“To go undefeated as their last year, it was just an outstanding accomplishment, and something that they’ll have forever,” O’Brien said. “It didn’t work out the way we wanted it to in the finals, but it was very close. We were right there, and unfortunately it didn’t go our way. But, I’m proud of the way the girls represented the school.”

Molly Beauregard, a senior, said it was “great” to finish her high school tennis career with the strong season that the Blue Streaks had.

“It was so great to have an undefeated senior year,” said Beauregard. “I also thought that we worked so well together this year. I was really happy with how it all turned out, and how we all worked together.”

“Obviously, it was sad to leave,” added senior Taylor Plue. “I’m sad to leave this whole group that I’ve loved every time I come here. But I had nothing to lose, I guess, was kind of my mindset. I just wanted to play as long as I could.”

And while the Blue Streaks graduate a strong group of contributing seniors this year, they are also set to return many impactful athletes to next year’s team.

“I think next year, going into it, we’ll know what we’re capable of,” said sophomore Savannah Winter. “We’re going to fight for every match. Knowing our bonds, we already have an advantage of us all being super close.”

“A lot of other teams in the (Suburban) Council and the section are young as well, but I think that depth, and the fact that our girls are going to put the work in, hopefully we’ll have a chance to get back and have success again next year with the young group, core group that we have,” O’Brien added.

Saratoga’s Bonitatibus Excels On The Course, Discovers Passion For Golf

Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Prior to October, Saratoga Springs senior Lira Bonitatibus had never played 18 holes of golf competitively. But many wouldn’t have been able to guess, after watching the Blue Streaks’ golfer earn a 14th-place finish at the 2023 Section 2 Girls Golf Championships.

Bonitatibus was the Saratoga girls team’s top finisher at sectionals, capping off her first and only season of varsity golf in style. She had played from a young age in competitions and for fun, but said her experience this fall led her to discover a passion for the sport and goals of playing at the next level.

On the first day of sectionals, Bonitatibus shot a 90, and followed that up with a 95 on the final day, earning a 14th-place finish out of 61 competitors. It was an impressive finish for the senior, especially considering nearly all of her prior competitive match experience came this fall season with the Blue Streaks.

“The day before the first day (of sectionals) was the very first time I played 18 holes all at one time,” Bonitatibus said, noting she played the Edison Club the day prior as preparation. 

“I told myself to just go out there and just do the best that I could,” she said of her mindset. “I mean, everybody’s going to have a bad shot or a bad day, a bad hole, whatever it is. All I can do is bring my best, and that’s what I did.”

Lexie Bonitatibus, Lira’s mother, said her ability to stay mentally focused and balanced was one of the keys to her success all season.

“I think that mental piece was really what got her all the way through to this high level of sectionals,” said Lexie Bonitatibus.

Bonitatibus first began playing golf around age three, and had competed in PGA Jr. League scrambles and advanced to the sub-regionals four times in the Jr. League’s Drive, Chip, and Putt tournament. She has also competed in numerous other sports, including basketball and tennis, and is a black belt in tae kwon do. 

However, Lira’s first full-time foray into competitive golfing wasn’t until this fall, when she returned to the Saratoga Springs district after completing her sophomore year at Laurel Springs School, an online school. 

She had also begun playing tennis at age five, and said choosing between the two this fall was “a back and forth decision.” However, at the end of her time enrolled in Laurel Springs, Bonitatibus realized she would have enough credits to graduate early, and decided to take advantage of the opportunity.

The 16-year-old would currently be in her junior year, but instead will join the Class of 2024 at their graduation ceremony in June. She said this was a factor in her decision to pursue golf this fall.

“But I ultimately was like, ‘I’m going to be a senior, so I might as well just try it out,’” said Bonitatibus of her decision to join the golf team.

Bonitatibus said graduating early will allow her to “see more of the world,” noting she traveled often during her year enrolled in Laurel Springs School.

“I think what made me push skipping is the fact that I can see more of the world,” said Lira Bonitatibus. “(While in Laurel Springs School) I traveled a lot, and so I got to see different environments and how the people were there. It really just taught me a lot about the world.”

After deciding to try out for the golf team, Bonitatibus said that Saratoga head coach Karen Cavotta made a strong impression on her. However, entering the start of the season, Bonitatibus admitted she didn’t necessarily have high expectations for herself.

“I wasn’t expecting anything, honestly, because I didn’t play consistently,” she said. “I was just like, ‘I’m just going to go out and play.’”

In addition to her finish at sectionals, Bonitatibus recorded low nine-hole scores of 43 and 44, and also said one highlight of the fall was shooting an eagle on the first hole at McGregor Links in a practice round.

Now, Bonitatibus has hopes of golfing at the next level, saying she is hoping to join a Division II or III team in the South. Naturally, the process of applying to colleges is moving quickly for a student who will be graduating a year early.

“It’s going really fast. I’m trying to keep up in writing everything,” Bonitatibus said. “But I’m looking for colleges in the south, where it’s warmer. Like Florida, Texas, the Carolinas. I’d like to play DIII or DII golf.”

Bonitatibus credited her teammates for an enjoyable season, saying, “We’ve had some really fun moments out on the course.” She also credited Cavotta for “constantly” giving and receiving feedback, and assisting with her college search.

“She was going around the course constantly, getting feedback from us,” said Bonitatibus. “She wants to help us in our journeys after. She wants to know how she can help me post-graduation, for college and stuff, and where I want to play in the future. She’s really great.”

And thanks to her experience this fall, Bonitatibus says she has found a new passion.

“Golf, it just used to be a hobby,” Bonitatibus said. “I’d do it on weekends, play with my dad, and just be outside. But now, it’s a passion.”

School Abuse Claims; Athletes, Parents Defend Coaches

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Saratoga Springs City School District Board of Education has approved the appointment of law firm Harris Beach, PLLC to investigate allegations made in a letter by Safe Athletes For Everyone, which contained statements from former student-athletes and parents claiming “a toxic culture of alleged abusive coaching,” within several of the district’s athletic programs.

The letter was sent on Oct. 2 by attorney Martin Greenberg, representing Safe Athletes for Everyone, to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, Commissioner of Education Betty Rosa, Board of Regents Chancellor Lester Young, and NYSPHSAA Executive Director Robert Zayas.

Many allegations in the SAFE letter were made anonymously. It also included a statement from 1989 graduate Kristen (Gecewicz) Gunning, who referred to the running program as “a toxic culture of control and abuse of middle and high school girls all in the name of winning.” Other statements were included from Ann Marie Pendergast, parent of a former girls varsity soccer player. Pendergast had described the team’s culture as “demoralizing and unhealthy.”

At the Oct. 24 Board of Education meeting, several current and former student-athletes, as well as parents of student-athletes, spoke strongly in support of district athletic programs, with many saying their experiences did not reflect complaints that were described in the letter. A majority of speakers at the meeting spoke regarding the school’s running program.

“I will forever be grateful for the opportunities this team has provided to my girls. They have empowered and supported countless young ladies,” said parent Jennifer Hart.

Dan Sacco, a 1992 Saratoga graduate, said his time with the running teams was “easily the most formative and memorable part of (his) high school career.”

“I think what makes my experience a little different than some of the other speakers is that not only did I have a great experience, but I’ve had over 30 years of looking back and fondly remembering that experience,” said Sacco. “To now have that publicly portrayed as a toxic environment, when my memory has all been positive, isn’t something that I feel like I can sit back and not respond to.”

Valerie Belisle, a parent, said she has “nothing negative to say about the program,” saying they helped to teach life skills such as perseverance and integrity. 

At the meeting on Tuesday, District Superintendent Dr. Michael Patton read a statement released by the district, stating in part that the review from Harris Beach would examine complaints made in the letter and how they were handled, as well as audit the culture of current athletic programs.

“The process outlined above will be thorough and deliberative. It will be given the resources and time required for a first-rate examination,” part of Patton’s statement read. “The results and recommendations will be carefully considered by the Board of Education and shared with the community.”

“As educators, we are entrusted with the awesome responsibility of educating and attending to the wellbeing of all our students and student athletes. This is a responsibility we share with their parents and families and with our dedicated teachers, coaches and staff members who give of themselves to help our young people rise to their full potential,” Patton’s statement continued. “It is important to everyone involved in our athletic program that our community has confidence in the program’s integrity and excellence. Allegations such as these deserve to be taken seriously and not allowed to linger unanswered. We believe this comprehensive, independent review will benefit our athletic program, our school district, and our students, and we ask that all involved support this process with their full cooperation.”

More Dispensary Plans Proposed to Saratoga Springs Planning Board

Site plans submitted by The LA Group for a marijuana dispensary at 1 Kaydeross Ave West.
Image from Saratoga Springs City Planning Board.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Another marijuana dispensary has received approval from the Saratoga Springs City Planning Board, with an application filed by Reverie 73 NY, LLC receiving 4-0 approval from the Board for a permanent special use permit on Oct. 12 on the condition the Board review and approve a site plan.

The dispensary would be located at 1 Kaydeross Ave West, according to documents filed with the Planning Board. The location is currently home to PJ’s BAR-B-QSA, and is owned by Davis Restaurants, LLC. Filed site plans for the site show the dispensary and a parking lot to be constructed just behind the PJ’s building, replacing a single-family home, with entrances to the parking lot off Kaydeross Ave and US-9. 

A project narrative states that Reverie 73 currently operates recreational dispensaries in Massachusetts. Their website lists a current location in Lowell, and two other locations yet to be opened in Gloucester and Beverly.

The dispensary’s planned hours of operation would be 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days per week, the narrative states. Orders would be placed through both walk-ins and scheduled appointments.

The narrative also says that “significant greenspace” would be added between the two buildings on the property.

The approval comes just over a month after the Planning Board had also approved a temporary special use permit application for a dispensary called Saratoga Cannabis Co., located at 95A West Ave, on Sep. 7.

A special use permit application for another dispensary was set to be presented at the Board’s meeting on Oct. 26, which ended after press time. Located at 75 Weibel Ave, the applicant is Excelsior Cannabis, LLC of Cohoes. The property is owned by Tara Stone, according to filed plans.

Sectional Champs; B-Spa Boys Golf Captures Section 2 Title

Members of the Ballston Spa varsity boys golf team pictured at the
Section 2 Class A Boys’ Golf Championships on Oct. 12. Photo provided.

HALFMOON — Thanks to a balanced effort, the Ballston Spa varsity boys golf team brought home a title on Oct. 12, capturing the 2023 Section 2 Class A Boys’ Golf Championship.

The Scotties were led by eighth-grader Jeffrey Fumarola, junior Sam DiNallo, and senior Chris Desmond, the team’s top three finishers. Gavin Tribley, Alex Wade, and Nate Hill also contributed strong rounds to the sectional victory.

The Scotties’ top five finishers advanced to state qualifiers, where Fumarola was able to earn a spot at the state championships in June. The team’s finish recapped one of the strongest years in program history, including an 11-2 record in Suburban Council matchups.

“The team performed great,” said Fumarola. “We got help from a lot of the boys. Sam (DiNallo) really stepped up, MVP. I can’t wait for states, it’s going to be fun.”

Entering the sectional tournament, head coach Ben Eldridge said his message to the team was to “control what you can control,” saying that while the Scotties’ golfers certainly had championship aspirations, he hoped to focus mainly on the process.

“I didn’t want that to be something they thought about. Because we talk a lot all year, even if it’s not your best round, every one or two fewer (strokes) you can come up with, that helps the whole team,” said Eldridge. “So the message was just more about going out, taking it one shot at a time, three holes at a time, and just play your game, and don’t worry about what everyone else is doing.”

The Scotties’ last team sectional title came in 1990 as a member of Class B, Eldridge said. While junior M.J. Fink added that golf is a “very mental game,” Eldridge credited the team for their ability to remain level and consistent throughout the fall season.

“So many guys that could play well,” Eldridge said. “And in general, we were pretty consistent all year.”

Eldridge made note of several golfers who stepped up at sectionals, including DiNallo, who he said was the team’s MVP at the Section 2 Championships. He also credited the senior trio of Wade, Desmond, and Tribley for finishing their high school golf careers on a strong note.

“To get that their senior year, hopefully they’ll remember it,” said Eldridge. “It was pretty cool. I was proud of them.”

At state qualifiers, Fumarola placed third overall, earning a spot among the top nine finishers on the Section 2 State Championship team. Wade and Tribley each advanced to the final day of qualifiers as well, earning top-20 finishes.

Fumarola qualifying for the state championships marked something of a full-circle moment for head coach Eldridge, who qualified for states as a Ballston Spa golfer three times himself, in 1997, 1999, and 2000.

“It’s so cool,” Eldridge said of Fumarola qualifying. “He’s just a great kid, and he’s fun to play golf with. It’s nice to be good at golf. It’s even cooler that kids like him and Kieran Cummins at Shaker, they’re just great kids. Their state team is pretty solid, a lot of good kids. They’re going to have a ball. Jeffrey’s going to fit right in with them. They’ll do well.”

Eldridge and several players also emphasized that the season was simply an enjoyable experience. Eldridge noted that the team was larger than in years past, with 13 student-athletes listed on the varsity roster.

“At tryouts, it was just a lot of fun. We ended up keeping a bunch of guys,” said Eldridge. “It was a very different feel this year, with having all those other guys on the team. … It was cool.”

“Even when some of us didn’t play well, we had our teammates and the fun environment after the round,” Tribley added.

Eldridge noted Fumarola will continue to work on his game throughout the winter in preparation for states. He added that this fall season was a “win-win” combination, with the Scotties having not only an enjoyable group, but also a successful one.

“They’re awesome. It’s so much fun,” said Eldridge of the team. “It’s what you always hope to get, and rarely do, is that perfect storm of good kids, good season. Feel lucky as a coach.”

School Abuse Claims; Athletes, Parents Defend Coaches

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City School District Board of Education has approved the appointment of law firm Harris Beach, PLLC to investigate allegations made in a letter by Safe Athletes For Everyone, which contained statements from former student-athletes and parents claiming “a toxic culture of alleged abusive coaching,” within several of the district’s athletic programs.

The letter was sent on Oct. 2 by attorney Martin Greenberg, representing Safe Athletes for Everyone, to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, Commissioner of Education Betty Rosa, Board of Regents Chancellor Lester Young, and NYSPHSAA Executive Director Robert Zayas.

Many allegations in the SAFE letter were made anonymously. It also included a statement from 1989 graduate Kristen (Gecewicz) Gunning, who referred to the running program as “a toxic culture of control and abuse of middle and high school girls all in the name of winning.” Other statements were included from Ann Marie Pendergast, parent of a former girls varsity soccer player. Pendergast had described the team’s culture as “demoralizing and unhealthy.”

At the Oct. 24 Board of Education meeting, several current and former student-athletes, as well as parents of student-athletes, spoke strongly in support of district athletic programs, with many saying their experiences did not reflect complaints that were described in the letter. A majority of speakers at the meeting spoke regarding the school’s running program.

“I will forever be grateful for the opportunities this team has provided to my girls. They have empowered and supported countless young ladies,” said parent Jennifer Hart.

Dan Sacco, a 1992 Saratoga graduate, said his time with the running teams was “easily the most formative and memorable part of (his) high school career.”

“I think what makes my experience a little different than some of the other speakers is that not only did I have a great experience, but I’ve had over 30 years of looking back and fondly remembering that experience,” said Sacco. “To now have that publicly portrayed as a toxic environment, when my memory has all been positive, isn’t something that I feel like I can sit back and not respond to.”

Valerie Belisle, a parent, said she has “nothing negative to say about the program,” saying they helped to teach life skills such as perseverance and integrity. 

At the meeting on Tuesday, District Superintendent Dr. Michael Patton read a statement released by the district, stating in part that the review from Harris Beach would examine complaints made in the letter and how they were handled, as well as audit the culture of current athletic programs.

“The process outlined above will be thorough and deliberative. It will be given the resources and time required for a first-rate examination,” part of Patton’s statement read. “The results and recommendations will be carefully considered by the Board of Education and shared with the community.”

“As educators, we are entrusted with the awesome responsibility of educating and attending to the wellbeing of all our students and student athletes. This is a responsibility we share with their parents and families and with our dedicated teachers, coaches and staff members who give of themselves to help our young people rise to their full potential,” Patton’s statement continued. “It is important to everyone involved in our athletic program that our community has confidence in the program’s integrity and excellence. Allegations such as these deserve to be taken seriously and not allowed to linger unanswered. We believe this comprehensive, independent review will benefit our athletic program, our school district, and our students, and we ask that all involved support this process with their full cooperation.”

Maple Ave Students, Staff Host Schoolwide Unity Walk


Photo provided by Saratoga Springs City School District.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — As part of National Unity Day, students and staff at Maple Avenue Middle School held a school-wide ‘Unity Walk’ on Oct. 18.

Students wrote messages on paper shoes, which were displayed around the school by members of the No Place for Hate Club as the students walked. Students also signed a No Place for Hate pledge. 

National Unity Day is dedicated to promoting acceptance, inclusion, and kindness, said Jen Mead, Maple Ave teacher and advisor of the No Place for Hate Club.

“Leading up to the event, we had our students fill out a paper shoe, with a reference of walking a mile in someone else’s shoes for empathy, where they could jot down anything that was true about their life experience, especially those things we wouldn’t know just by looking at them,” said Mead.

Students walked around the perimeter of the school to view the shoes discussing their classmates’ experiences, and also to view resources and services that can be utilized by students who may be struggling.

Maple Ave offers resources including school counselors, psychologists, and social workers. The school also partners with Behavioral Health Services North to offer in-house therapy and counseling sessions, Mead said. The walk also highlighted services such as the Trevor Project hotline, the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline (988), the Remind app, and the Safe School Helpline.

Following the conclusion of the walk, students signed the No Place for Hate Pledge. Mead added that the Unity Walk was an opportunity not only for students to share their experiences, but also help them realize they are not alone in their struggles.

“So many kids shared similar experiences. Hopefully, the kids who are struggling are able to not only see those services, but know that they’re not in it alone,” Mead said. “The biggest hope is that it helps to create a climate here where kids are inclusive, and kind, and accepting.”