Athletics

Black, red and white graphic that has the Guilderland G logo and says Guilderland Athletics


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.


2023-24 Dutchmen of the Week

Each week, we highlight two student-athletes (Modified, Mod 9, Frosh, JV or Varsity level) for athletic accomplishments. 

  • The athlete should have made a significant impact to 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/effort, community service and/or other notable trait(s).

Congratulations to Jayden Henderson (JV Basketball) and Parker Steele (Varsity Indoor Track & Field) for earning DOW (Dutchmen of the Week) honors for the week of February 5.

Jayden Henderson (JV Basketball)

Jayden Henderson was a big part of the JV Boys Basketball win vs Schenectady recently. Jayden scored 14 points, with 10 of them in the second half to overcome a five-point deficit. Jayden is an instrumental part of his team, as one who scores, gets others opportunities and is always defending opponents’ best players. He is a true leader, putting others first and wanting to see his teammates succeed. Congrats to Jayden on a very solid season!

A student stands holding a red t-shirt with white lettering that reads: Dutchmen of the Week
Jayden Henderson, JV Basketball

Parker Steele (Varsity Indoor Track & Field)

Parker Steele has had an amazing two weeks for the indoor track team. At the Ed Cepiel Invitational she placed first in the 200m hurdles and broke the school record, meet record and Section 2 record in that event. She also placed first in the long jump and broke the meet record. She was named Times Union Athlete of the week for her efforts at that meet. This past weekend at the Section 2 State Qualifier Meet she placed first in the 55m hurdles to qualify for the State Championships. She is ranked fourth in New York State in the 55m hurdles. She also helped our 4×200 relay team place first at the state qualifier; they will also be competing at the State Championship Meet. Parker has worked incredibly hard this season and we are so proud of her accomplishments!

A student stands with hands on hips smiling at the camera. They are standing on an indoor track with a red tank top on
Parker Steele, Varsity Indoor Track & Field

Congratulations to Jai Mendleson (Varsity Bowling) and Abdo Baraeya (Varsity Wrestling) for earning DOW (Dutchmen of the Week) honors for the week of January 29.

Jai Mendleson (Varsity Bowling)

Jai went into the match vs Saratoga with just a 20 pin lead on Saratoga’s number one bowler for the top average in the Suburban Council. Jai topped Saratoga’s bowler by a score of 737 to 678 to capture the top average in the Suburban Council. Jai finished with a 227 average and he’s only a Sophomore. He was named the Suburban Council Player of the Year. Congratulations, Jai!

A student stands holding a white t-shirt with red lettering that reads: Dutchmen of the Week
Jai Mendleson, Varsity Bowling

Abdo Baraeya (Varsity Wrestling)

Abdo entered the Class A Wrestling Sectional Tournament as the #6 seed this past weekend at Colonie HS. He defeated the #3, #2 and #1 seeds on his way to being crowned the Class A Sectional Champion. Way to go, Abdo!

A student stands holding a red t-shirt with white lettering that reads: Dutchmen of the Week
Abdo Baraeya, Varsity Wrestling

Important Athletics Updates and Dates

Athletics Updates

GHS field hockey team wins Section II crown

Guilderland High School field hockey had a season for the record books! The team finished with 14 wins and 5 losses and had many “firsts” in program history, including:

  • most wins in a season
  • most goals, assists and points in a season
  • a win at the field hockey national tournament for the first time
  • earning the #1 overall seed in the Section 2 Class A tournament for the first time

The Lady Dutch won the Section 2 Class A title by beating Saratoga 2 -1. This is the second sectional title in program history and the second since 2019. Although the team fell to Mamaroneck in the regionals, it was a special season and we are so proud. Congratulations to GHS field hockey on an amazing season!

Photo is taken on a field. The field hockey team is wearing white and red uniforms; coaches are wearing black. The team is holding section champion patches, smiling fo r the camera
The GHS field hockey team after winning the Section 2 title.

GHS boys soccer team wins Section II title

Guilderland boys soccer has had an outstanding season. The team boasts a record of 13 wins, three losses and three ties. They have only given up seven goals all season, highlighted by seven consecutive games without giving up a goal. The Dutchmen defeated Niskayuna by a score of 5-0 on Monday to capture a Class AA Sectional Title, their first sectional championship since 2013! The sectional championship was the third for Guilderland Head Coach Mike Kinnally. They are not quite done yet. They will play in the regional final on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2:30 p.m. against CBA Syracuse at Fayetteville-Manlius high school. Congratulations and good luck to the Guilderland Dutchmen boys soccer team!

This photo is taken on a yellow and blue field. The team is in the soccer goal. The team is wearing red and white uniforms, holding section champion patches, smiling for the camera. The coaches are standing next to the team. The goalie is wearing neon yellow
The GHS boys soccer team after winning the Section 2 title.

    Athletics Dates

    Wednesday, June 14: Senior Sports Awards in GHS Auditorium, 7:00 p.m., by invitation only

    Friday, July 21: Grade 9-12 fall athletes should begin submitting the required health forms to the school nurse

    Friday, July 28: Grade 7-8 fall athletes should begin submitting the required health forms to the school nurse

    Saturday, August 19: Varsity football start date

    Monday, August 21: First day of Varsity, JV and Freshman fall sports

    Thursday, August 24: Modified football start date

    Monday, August 28: First day of Modified fall sports

    Friday, October 13: Grade 9-12 winter athletes should begin submitting the required health forms to the school nurse

    Friday, October 20: Grade 7-8  winter athletes should begin submitting the required health forms to the school nurse

    Monday, November 13: First day of Varsity, JV and Freshman winter sports

    Monday, November 20: First day of Modified winter sports

    Monday, February 12: Grade 9-12 spring athletes should begin submitting the required health forms to the school nurse

    Monday, February 26: Grade 7-8 spring athletes should begin submitting the required health forms to the school nurse

    Monday, March 11: First day of Varsity, JV and Freshman spring sports

    Monday, March 25: First day of Modified spring sports


    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:

    1. Athletic Form which includes emergency contact information
    2. Required NYS School Health Examination Form (Completed by private physician or school physician)**
    3. 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 
      Information about Sports Physicals can be found in our Athletic Code of Conduct.

       

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