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 Ari Kaufman (Varsity Volleyball) and Vianna Whipple (Varsity Cheer) for earning DOW (Dutchmen of the Week) honors for the week of October 27th.
Ari Kaufman (Varsity Boys Volleyball)
Ari had a phenomenal week leading the team in hitting percentage with a staggering .417. During the weekend tournament, he commanded a serve receive rating of 2.1 (out of 3) and offered up eight defensive digs. His hard work this week paid off contributing to three straight wins against a strong Shaker team in the playoffs. He also stepped up as a leader off the court epitomizing sportsmanship and good teamsmanship.
Vianna Whipple (Varsity Cheer)
Vianna always puts her heart and soul into our Game Day routine earning attention from coaches, parents and (even) DJs at the competitions. She is proud to represent her school, encourages others to give their best and always steps up to take on more for the team. Vianna is an athlete you know you can always count on and finished the season with another strong performance this weekend at Sectionals. Outside of competitions, Vianna never misses a moment to energize the crowd or cheer for the football team.
Congratulations to six outstanding GHS student-athletes who earned the Dutchmen of the Week honors for October 13–26. Each one stood out through their game-changing performances, strong leadership, or improvement on their respective teams.
Oscar Colbert (Varsity Boys Soccer)
Oscar provided a spark off the bench and scored the game-winning goal for the boys soccer team in their AAA quarterfinal home game vs. Colonie in overtime. He then followed it up with another game-winning goal in a penalty shootout versus Shaker, helping the Dutchmen advance to and ultimately capture the Sectional Championship title!
Erin Tynan (Varsity Girls Soccer)
Over the past two weeks, Eryn netted multiple goals and assists: she logged a goal and an assist in a 3-0 win over Albany, repeated the feat in a 3-1 victory over Bethlehem, scored against Mohonasen, and then added two goals in the 3-1 sectional quarterfinal win. Named team captain with three weeks left in the season, she leads by example both on and off the field.
Angela Li & Meghan Uzzilia (Varsity Girls Tennis Doubles)
After years of determination – countless private lessons, tennis camps and hours logged on court – Angela and Meghan finished the season as the No. 2 Doubles team in Section 2. They then competed in the NYS Tennis Championships at the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center, where they placed 8th in the state! Their hard work and consistency have clearly paid off.
Aliyah Haque (Varsity Swimming & Diving)
In her first year on the team, Aliyah challenged herself both in practice and meets. She achieved personal best times in all eight individual events and qualified for three individual events at Sectionals. She’s also a valuable relay team member whose positive attitude and perseverance throughout the season have been key to her success.
Abby Blasiak (Varsity Golf)
Abby’s season was phenomenal. After finishing 2024 with an average of 61.4, she set out to improve over the summer and worked with a swing coach. This season, she averaged 49.1, a 12-stroke improvement. In her first 18-hole tournament at Sectionals, she shot a 96, breaking 100 for the first time, and made the cut. We are so very proud of Abby’s accomplishments this season and can’t wait to see what he does next year!
Congratulations to varsity field hockey player Hallie Czajka, JV cheerleader Alba Hila, and varsity volleyball player Kevin Roddy for earning DOW (Dutchmen of the
Hallie Czajka (Varsity Field Hockey)
Hallie guided her team to two impressive 5-0 victories against Shen and Niskayuna. Throughout the week, she netted 3 goals and provided 1 assist, serving as the anchor of the Dutchman defense! During her interview on #rodgerwylandontheroad, Hallie displayed remarkable poise and confidence on live television. She has now secured the 5th position for all-time points leaders in the program’s history! As a captain and a true leader, she consistently prioritizes her team and exemplifies outstanding leadership.
Alba Hila (JV Cheer)
Alba is present at every practice, dedicating herself to improving her performance each day. During breaks or any spare moments, she actively works on her own skills to reach her full potential, while also collaborating with her teammates to strengthen their stunts. As a true team player, Alba consistently encourages her fellow cheerleaders with positivity behind the scenes. If she ever feels uncertain, she readily seeks help and embraces constructive feedback, applying it to enhance her abilities.
Kevin Roddy (Varsity Volleyball)
Kevin played a vital role in the volleyball program’s five-set victory over Colonie. He showcased impressive hitting efficiency at .298 this week and was a crucial contributor in all three matches. On the defensive end, he recorded two blocks and nine digs. Kevin’s consistent work ethic allows him to improve each week, and this performance marked a significant advancement as a second-year starter, solidifying his position as a key component of our offense as a Right Side attacker.
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