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.
2026-27 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.
Important Athletics Updates and Dates
Athletics Updates
Guilderland relay team wins Class A state title
Guilderland track and field athletes delivered a strong showing at the NYSPHSAA Track and Field Championships on June 13–14, with 13 student-athletes competing, including eight girls and five boys. The group earned multiple medals across the meet, highlighting a successful weekend for the program.
The girls 4×400-meter relay team of Lauren Burnash, Addison Vellekoop, Fiona McCarthy and Parker Steele led the way, capturing the Class A state championship. The quartet finished in three minutes, 50.38 seconds, setting a new school record and posting the third-fastest time in Section 2 history.
With the win, Guilderland secured a Class A title earning All-State honors and advancing to the Federation championship against winners from other classes.
The victory builds on the team’s indoor season success, where Guilderland also won a state title in the same event.
Please join us in congratulating Lauren Burnash, Addison Vellekoop, Fiona McCarthy and Parker Steele on their state championship.
Guilderland Tennis Coach Earns USTA Honor
On Jan. 30, 2026, Guilderland High School tennis coach Debra Murray was named the 2025 Virginia and Chuck Landis High School Coach of the Year by the United States Tennis Association Eastern Section.
Murray, who has coached tennis at Guilderland for 27 years and teaches physical education at the high school, was recognized for her commitment to growing the sport and supporting student-athletes. She also has served as the Section 2 girls tennis coordinator for the past eight years.
Known for empowering young athletes both on and off the court, Murray has earned numerous local and state coaching honors throughout her career. Her leadership emphasizes helping students develop confidence, identity and leadership skills alongside athletic achievement.
Boys Soccer Captures Section 2 Title
The Guilderland boys soccer team showed remarkable resilience on its way to the Section 2 Class AAA championship on Oct. 25, 2025.
The fourth-seeded Dutchmen claimed the program’s ninth sectional title after defeating Shenendehowa in penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw in the championship game. Senior captain Ryan Neale scored the decisive penalty kick in the 11th round to secure a 9-8 shootout victory and the sectional plaque.
Guilderland’s postseason run was defined by grit and perseverance. The Dutchmen advanced past Colonie in overtime, defeated top-seeded Shaker in penalty kicks and rallied from a second-half deficit against Shenendehowa in the final. Carem Moncur scored the game-tying goal with less than nine minutes remaining in regulation to force overtime.
The sectional championship earned Guilderland a berth in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association tournament, marking the program’s second state tournament appearance in three seasons. Head coach Mike Kinnally credited his team’s determination and ability to respond in key moments throughout the postseason.
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
