The GCSD athletic program is founded on the principle that the playing field is an extension of the classroom and the athletic experience contributes to the growth of mind and body.
The cornerstones of the Dutchmen tradition were laid generations ago by some of the community’s most respected student-athletes, many of whom continue to be involved in the athletic program as supportive parents and sports boosters. While the names change from year to year, the principles they embodied remain the same – dedication and desire, cooperation and compassion, and the importance of working collectively toward a common goal. These are just some of the ideas that echo across the Guilderland playing fields and gymnasiums.
2025-26 Dutchmen of the Week
Each week, we highlight two student-athletes (modified, mod 9, frosh, JV or varsity level) for athletic accomplishments based on the following criteria:
- The athlete should have made a significant impact on a contest within the nomination time frame, which is the week prior to selection; or
- The athlete must have shown excellent leadership, sportsmanship, noticeable improvement or effort, community service, and/or other notable traits.
Congratulations to Mod 9 Soccer Aiden Mohr and varsity golf Chase Pfeiffenberger for earning DOW (Dutchmen of the W
Aiden Mohr (Mod 9 Soccer)
Chase Pfeiffenberger (Varsity Golf)
Chase Pfeiffenberger has ascended to the top tier of Suburban Council golfers this season, consistently achieving sub-40 rounds in league matches, along with an impressive 76 at the Suburban Council championship. His unwavering dedication has been instrumental in the varsity team’s current six-match winning streak.
Congratulations to JV volleyball player Reid Haughney and varsity cross country runner Joe Kosier for earning DOW (Dutchmen of the Week) honors for the week of Sept. 22.
Reid Haughney (JV Volleyball)
Reid is an exceptional leader who consistently sets the tone for the Lady Dutch both on and off the court. His positive attitude, relentless work ethic and team-first mentality make him a role model for his teammates. This past week, in a match against Columbia, Reid embraced a new role when asked to switch from his usual position as middle hitter to outside hitter. He stepped in seamlessly and made an immediate impact in serve reception and defense, areas that demand focus and skill. His versatility, leadership and ability to adapt under pressure highlight his commitment to helping the team succeed.
Joe Kosier (Varsity Cross Country)
Joe delivered a standout performance at the prestigious McQuaid Invitational, running the race of his life in the Varsity Premier division against elite programs from across the country and Canada. He placed fifth overall out of 2,454 runners, finishing the 3-mile course in 14:55. His final kick propelled him past multiple competitors to secure his spot among the nation’s top runners. Joe was honored with an individual plaque and an “Elite Performance” badge for his extraordinary effort. His leadership also helped the Dutch to their strongest finish of the season — fifth out of 193 teams, third among New York schools, and ahead of programs such as Saratoga, East Aurora, Fairport and Auburn. Joe’s drive and ability to rise to the biggest stage make him a deserving honoree.
Congratulations to JV volleyball player Serafina Chrysler, modified cross country runner Lucy Mosher and modified football player Chris Postiglion for earning DOW (Dutchmen of the Week) honors for the week of Sept. 15.
Serafina Chrysler (JV Volleyball)
Serafina has been a key contributor to the Lady Dutch JV volleyball team. Over the past three games, she recorded 70 assists, 22 aces, 11 digs and three kills, helping the team to victories over Ballston Spa (25-27, 25-17, 25-11) and Niskayuna (25-14, 25-10). A sophomore captain, Serafina leads with skill and poise, using her court awareness to make quick, smart decisions that bring out the best in her teammates.
Lucy Mosher (Modified Cross Country)
Lucy has shown remarkable improvement since starting cross country as a seventh grader. Last week at Niskayuna, she finished first overall in a field of 43 runners, completing the 1.3-mile course in 9:00. She followed this with another win at a home meet against Colonie, Shaker and Shenendehowa. Lucy’s dedication and progress have made a strong impression on the team and coaches.
Chris Postiglion (Modified Football)
Chris helped lead the 8th-grade modified football team to its first win of the season, rushing for the most yards on the team and scoring both touchdowns in a 14-6 victory over Colonie. One of four team captains, Chris also participated in the coin toss. His leadership on and off the field, combined with his commitment to improving plays and strategy, has been vital to the team’s success.
Congratulations to varsity tennis player Grace Curro and varsity golfer Arya Vaddiraja for earning DOW (Dutchmen of the Week) honors for the week of Sept. 8.
Grace Curro (Varsity Tennis)
Grace played a key role in the Lady Dutch’s 5-4 victory over Shaker on Sept. 10. With the match tied 2-2 and five courts still in play, she lost her first set 2-6 at No. 6 singles but adjusted her strategy to win the next two sets. Her three-set win secured the overall match and demonstrated her perseverance and competitive spirit in a three-hour contest.
Arya Vaddiraja (Varsity Golf)
Arya has emerged as one of the Lady Dutch’s top golfers. After averaging 52 as a freshman, she has improved to a 41.7 average this season. She shot a personal-best 37 at Schenectady Muni against Niskayuna, earning co-medalist honors with teammate Carrie Lama. Their scores contributed to the program’s lowest-ever team total of 165. Arya has also qualified for Sectionals in her first five matches of the season.
Congratulations to Jacob Gordon (Varsity Football) and Avery Ralston (JV Field Hockey) for earning DOW (Dutchmen of the Week) honors for the week of Sept. 1.
Jacob Gordon (Varsity Football)
Jacob Gordon, a junior, led our defense in the varsity team’s 27-7 win at Section IV power Norwich. Jacob stood out with his physical, relentless play from his inside linebacker spot, registering 12 tackles (eight solo), two sacks and a quarterback hurry.
Avery Ralston (JV Field Hockey)
Avery has helped the Lady Dutch secure our 3-0 record so far this season. Each game, she helps our team by distributing the ball to her teammates and inserting the ball on corners. Offensively, Avery creates scoring opportunities for her team. Defensively, she hustles and is our flyer for defensive corners. She is a co-captain, is very coachable, and is always willing to help her teammates out. Go Avery!
Important Athletics Updates and Dates
Athletics Updates
GHS track and field ends season with four state titles
On June 13-14, 2025, the Guilderland High School Track and Field team competed in the New York State Championships at Middletown High School. A total of eleven athletes participated in various events, achieving record-breaking performances and notable victories.
The 4×400 relay team of Lauren Burnash, Parker Steele, Addison Vellekoop, and Saida Assabahi delivered an unstoppable performance, running the second-fastest time in program history to claim the Class A NYSPHSAA Championship title.
It was a standout weekend for Tatum Cramer. On June 13, she competed in the long jump, surpassing the 20-foot mark and becoming only the second female athlete in Section 2 history to do so. Her performance earned Tatum both the NYS and Federation Championship titles. The following day, she returned for the triple jump, reaching 39 feet, 10.25 inches to capture both championships once again.
Will Smitas ran the race of a lifetime in the 3200 meters, breaking his personal record and the school record with a time of 8:55.04—an improvement of 10 seconds. His exceptional performance earned him both the NYS Class A and Federation Championship titles.
The weekend concluded with Guilderland bringing home four state championships—an extraordinary achievement in a single season. It was a historic moment that will be remembered by the community for years to come.
Congratulations to the GHS outdoor track and field team, their coaches and families on an outstanding season!
GHS cross country skiers win state championship
Guilderland High School seniors Landon Kinal and Nathaniel Burke recently capped off a historic cross country ski season. At sectional competition, the GHS boys cross country ski team finished on the podium in second place for the second consecutive season. Landon and Nathaniel were big reasons why, qualifying for the New York State Public High School Athletic Associations (NYSPHSAA) Cross Country Ski Championship in the process.
At the state championship meet at Gore Mountain, both athletes had top 10 finishes with Nathaniel placing seventh and Landon placing third. The two would go on to represent Section 2 by participating in the 3×3 relay at the state meet. The Section 2 team, composed of Forrest Slingerland, Glens Falls, Landon and Nathaniel, were the first to cross the finish line, winning a NYSPHSAA Championship.
Congratulations to Landon Kinal and Nathaniel Burke for being crowned state champions!
GHS senior Isak Brkanovic wins state swim title
Guilderland High School senior Isak Brkanovic won a state title in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 20.52 seconds at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Boys’ Swimming and Diving State Championships held at Ithaca College’s Kelsey Partridge Bird Natatorium.
Brkanovic became the first GHS boys’ swimmer to win a state title and the second swimmer ever from the merged Guilderland/Voorheesville program to win a state championship. He competed in two events at the state meet, finishing in second place, as a state runner up, in the 100 freestyle.
Congratulations to State Champion Isak Brkanovic and coaches on a historic season!
2025-26 Athletics Dates
Saturday, July 19, 2025: Grade 9-12 fall athletes and 7th & 8th graders participating in the APP (Advanced Athletic Placement) should begin submitting the required health forms to the school nurse
Tuesday, July 22: Sports physicals, free of charge, at FMS Nurses Office from 4-6 PM (All 7th-12th graders welcome)
Sunday, Aug. 3: Grade 7-8 fall athletes should begin submitting the required health forms to the school nurse
Thursday, Aug. 14: Sports physicals, free of charge, at GHS Nurses Office from 3:30-5:30 p.m. (All 7th-12th graders welcome)
Monday, Aug. 18: First day of Varsity, JV and Freshman fall sports
Tuesday, Aug. 26: Sports physicals, free of charge, at FMS Nurses Office from 4-6 p.m. (All 7th-12th graders welcome)
Thursday, Aug. 28: Modified football start date
Tuesday, Sept. 2: First day of Modified 9 and Modified fall sports
Monday, Oct. 20: Grade 9-12 winter athletes and 7th & 8th graders participating in the APP (Advanced Athletic Placement) should begin submitting the required health forms to the school nurse
Monday, Oct. 27: Grade 7-8 winter athletes should begin submitting the required health forms to the school nurse
Monday, Nov. 17: First day of Varsity, JV and Freshman winter sports
Monday, Nov. 24: First day of Modified winter sports
Monday, Feb. 9, 2026: Grade 9-12 spring athletes and 7th & 8th graders participating in the APP (Advanced Athletic Placement) should begin submitting the required health forms to the school nurse
Monday, Feb. 23: Grade 7-8 spring athletes should begin submitting the required health forms to the school nurse
Monday, March 9: First day of Varsity, JV and Freshman spring sports
Monday, March 23: First day of Modified spring sports
Thursday, June 11: Senior Sports Awards in GHS Auditorium, 7:00 p.m., by invitation only
Sports Sign-up Requirements
Students interested in playing school sports are required to sign-up in the school health office. Students will be given a sports packet to be completed and returned (in person, by mail, or by fax (High School) 518-861-5151 or (Middle School) 518-456-3747 before being cleared by the nursing staff prior to participating in tryouts for a particular sport. Additional sports packets will be available in the health office.
The sports sign-up packet includes three forms:
- Athletic Form which includes emergency contact information
- Required NYS School Health Examination Form (Completed by private physician or school physician)**
- Health History Update (This form cannot be completed earlier than 30 days prior to the start of the season.)
**If our nurse has a valid physical on file (within the last calendar year), the NYS School Health Examination Form is not required. It is only required if we do not have a valid physical on file.
You can find the forms here and download and print.
All three forms must be handed in before your try-out/practice starts. Students who do not follow this process and have not been approved by the health office will be considered ineligible for sports until they are cleared by nursing staff or our athletic trainer.
- Grade 7 & 8 Students- Should drop off completed forms to FMS Nurse Beth Ford
- Grade 9-12 Students- Should drop off completed forms to GHS Nurse Amanda Vogel