Athletics - Guilderland Central Schools

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.

2024-25 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 Emily Zhan (Varsity Swimming & Diving), Mason Holland (JV Golf) and Ava Phelan (JV Volleyball) for earning DOW (Dutchmen of the eek) honors for the week of October 21st.

Emily Zhan (Varsity Swimming & Diving)

Emily Zhan has consistently performed for the Guilderville Swimming and Diving Team this season. She currently has qualified in 5 events for sectionals. She set a goal of achieving a 26 in the 50 free and last week she went a 26.72! She is currently ranked 16th in the 50 free for Section II Division I. Her hard work and dedication each and every day have resulted in her success.

Student smiling and holding a Dutchmen of the Week shirt up for a photo. — Emily Zhan (Varsity Swimming & Diving)

Mason Holland (JV Golf)

Mason excelled throughout the entire JV Boys Golf season, consistently outperforming top-ranked players from every team. He earned 17.5 points for his team while dropping only 4.5 points all season. Mason was the medalist in over half of his matches and capped off the season with an impressive round of 37, securing 2nd place overall at the Suburban Council Invitational at Van Patten Golf Course. Way to go Mason!

Ava Phelan (JV Volleyball)

Ava has been one of the biggest contributors to our team’s success this season. She has consistently led our team in kills per game and leads the team in kills for the season with 75! When we are in need of putting a ball away, Ava is always someone we can depend on to help swing the momentum back in our direction. She is also a strong force at the net with her blocking. Ava reads the ball, set, and hitter so well that she continuously gets her hands on every ball, if not blocking the opposing hitter completely! Her energy and intensity on the court is contagious and her play has helped in big wins against Ballston Spa and BURNT HILLS, where she led the offense again with 7 kills – a season game high for Ava! Ava is such an incredible player and has helped lead our team to a 13-2 season! Way to go Ava!!

Congratulations to Abbigail Jantzen (Varsity Cheer) and Austin Gizzi (Modified Football) for earning DOW (Dutchmen of the Week) honors for the week of October 14th.

Abbigail Jantzen (Varsity Cheer)

Each and every day, Abbey is consistently working hard and putting in her best effort. This past week, Abbey had to move spots in the routine and learn new parts with one day of practice, only to have to go back to her other original part in the routine one day later. Without a single complaint, Abbey jumped right in to learning the new parts and took the time outside of practice as well to make sure she had the changes down. During our first two competitions, Abbey showed up for her team and performed as if nothing ever changed. Abbey’s continued positive leadership, great work ethic and a genuine passion for her sport is greatly appreciated!

Student smiling and holding up Dutchmen of the Week shirt. — Abbigail Jantzen (Varsity Cheer)

Austin Gizzi (Modified Football)

Austin is the starting QB for the 8th Grade modified football team. He helped lead the team last game with his deep downfield passes. He threw for 2 TDs, his second being the game winning throw. He helped his team (Mod 8 Football) to their first win of the season. He shows grit and hard work every day at practice. He is well liked among his teammates and isn´t afraid of a little contact. He is a vocal leader and is always willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win.

Congratulations to Carrie Lama (Varsity Golf), Emily Bigness (JV Field Hockey) and Ibraham Diallo (Modified Football) for earning DOW (Dutchmen of the Week) honors for the week of October 7th.

Carrie Lama (Varsity Golf)

Carrie joined the varsity golf team last season and quickly became one of our top four golfers. She finished in 3rd place at our Suburban Council Tournament at Fairways of Halfmoon. This year, she has finished the season as our #2 golfer. This is also the second year that Carrie has qualified for Sectionals. She will be competing individually and in the team competition. She was an integral part of helping us to become #1 in the Suburban Council finishing 8-1 for our league record and 15-1 in our overall record. Carrie works hard on her game and is a supportive teammate. Best of luck at Sectionals, Carrie!

Emily Bigness (JV Field Hockey)

Emily had a great week for the Lady Dutch JV field hockey team. She helped clinch the victory against Shaker last Wednesday with a goal and an assist. She also was a huge factor in our tie against Saratoga. Emily was asked to step up and play a position she had never played before. She went in and helped her team create scoring opportunities and was an awesome defender. Her teammates voted her “player of the game” because of her hard work and hustle.

Ibraham Diallo (Modified Football)

Ibraham is a leader on the Modified Football Team. He helped lead the Modified 7th team to their first win of the season scoring the only touchdown in the game! A strong dominant force on the defensive line, who also runs like a truck at fullback. He demonstrates leadership qualities and always leads each drill during practice. He is funny, and always has a smile on. He continues to get better each day, and looks to continue his success this season on and off the field.

Student smiling holding up Dutchmen of the Week shirt. — Ibraham Diallo (Modified Football)

Important Athletics Updates and Dates

Athletics Updates

2024 Varsity Football Games

The GHS varsity football team will play home games on Sept. 13 vs. Shenendehowa, Sept. 20 vs. Shaker, Sept. 27 vs. Schenectady and Oct. 18 vs. Saratoga. Those interested in attending a home game this season should visit the link below for important information prior to attending.

2024 Guilderland Football Home Games

GHS girls track and field team wins NYSPHSAA/Federation Team title

The GHS girls track and field team poses together outside. They are in two rows. Some are kneeling and some are standing. They have their arms around each other

The Guilderland High School girls outdoor track and field team won the team championship on Saturday, June 8, at the two-day NYSPHSAA/Federation Track and Field Championships held at Cicero-North Syracuse High School. This was a historic win for GHS track and field, as it was the first Federation team title for the program.

The 4×100 relay team of Parker Steele, Tatum Cramer, Kendall Barnhart and Saida Assabahi is the first Guilderland girls’ track relay team to win a NYSPHSAA Championship, finishing with a time of just over 48 seconds. Overall, the GHS team had a total of 15 top ten finishes at the meet, making 13 trips to the awards podium.

Parker Steele (14.27) second place finish in the Division 1 100 hurdles
Parker Steele (14.20) second place finish in the Federation 100 hurdles
Kendall Barnhart (1:01.80) second place finish in the Federation 400 hurdles
Tatum Cramer (19-6.50) second place finish in the Federation long jump
Steele, Cramer, Barnhart and Saida Assabahi (48.17) second place finish in the Division 1 400 relay team
Barnhart (1:02.34) third place finish in the Division 1 400 hurdles
Cramer (18-7.25) third place finish in the Division 1 long jump
Isabella Lagios, Assabahi, Lauren Burnash and Barnhart (3:57.03) third place finish in the Division 1 1600 relay team

The Federation title is added to a long list of achievements for the Guilderland girls’ track and field program which includes a gold medal at the 2023 New Balance Nationals and back-to-back Section 2 championships.

On Tuesday, June 11, the team and Head Coach Chris Scanlan were honored with a parade at GHS. The student body and staff lined the hallways to applaud and cheer for the athletes and coaches, as they processed throughout the building.

Congratulations to the GHS girls’ outdoor track and field team, their coaches and families on this historic and outstanding accomplishment!

Students stand in a line with coaches, holding balloons and signs

Track and field athletes walk the halls of GHS holding signs and balloons. Students are lining the halls, applauding

A student holds a sign that reads Congrats

Two students are holding a sign that reads NYSPHSAA 2024 Champion. In between them is a student holding balloons

A student hugs another students. One is holding a red balloon in the shape of a star

Four track and field athletes poses together. They are holding a sign that reads NYSPHSAA 2024 Champion

Athletics Dates

Monday, July 29th: Grade 9-12 fall athletes should begin submitting the required health forms to the school nurse

Monday, August 5th: Grade 7-8 fall athletes should begin submitting the required health forms to the school nurse

Monday, August 19th: Varsity & JV football start date

Monday, August 26th: First day of Varsity, JV and Freshman fall sports

Thursday, August 29th: Modified football start date

Tuesday, September 3rd: First day of Modified fall sports

Monday, October 21st: Grade 9-12 winter athletes should begin submitting the required health forms to the school nurse

Monday, October 28th: Grade 7-8 winter athletes should begin submitting the required health forms to the school nurse

Monday, November 18th: First day of Varsity, JV and Freshman winter sports

Monday, November 25th: First day of Modified winter sports

Tuesday, February 18th: Grade 9-12 spring athletes should begin submitting the required health forms to the school nurse

Monday, March 3rd: Grade 7-8 spring athletes should begin submitting the required health forms to the school nurse

Monday, March 17th: First day of Varsity, JV and Freshman spring sports

Monday, March 31st: First day of Modified spring sports

Thursday, June 12th: 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

Information about Sports Physicals can be found in our Athletic Code of Conduct.