October 15, 2024 by Elias Prodger(‘26)
On September 27th, the Saratoga Springs Athletic Department held its annual hall of fame induction ceremony, and in attendance were not only the inductees and their friends and family, but also the district’s superintendent Micheal Patton, athletic director John Goodson, and several of the hall of fame committee members. Goodson praised the inductees in his remarks stating, “Our inductees excel in their sport but also display extraordinary leadership on and off the field.” Six new people were inducted ranging from former athletes, coaches, and community leaders, and here is a look into some of their backgrounds and stories.
Kelsey Bridell-14’
Bridell, from the class of 2014, ran track and was a four-year varsity field hockey athlete. Acquiring all-state honors, she continued her career at the University of Albany, being selected for the all-rookie team and leading the team to an Eastern Conference Championship. She was selected for the U.S. national team and competed in international competitions. Bridell emphasized in her acceptance speech when given the chance, “Encourage kids to do what they love”.
Lindsey Frank-19′
Frank excelled at both lacrosse and field hockey at her time at Saratoga Springs High School. Frank holds several school records in goals and assists while being named to US Lacrosse All American honors in both 2018 and 2019. Continuing to the University of Richmond, she worked hard to receive a spot as one of their highest scoring athletes in the program’s history. As a graduate student at Northwestern, Frank is helping lead the team to a runner up spot in the Division One Championship.
Derrick Legall
Mr. Legall has been a Saratoga Springs community and youth leader for the past 30 years. As the head of the West Side Little League, he was and still is an instrumental contributor to the rebuilding of our fields and to creating a space for kids to enjoy the game they love. Legall’s acceptance speech was passionate and moving, emphasizing “An Investment in your future is an Investment in our future”.
Tina Vill-Gac-04’
Villa-Gac was an incredible track and field athlete at her time at Saratoga Springs High School, participating in shotput and discus. Winning multiple Suburban Council Championships, she ranks 3rd all time in school history for both discus and shotput! Continuing to the University of Buffalo, she went on to win a MAC championship and served as their team captain.
Charles “Chip” Williams-74′
Williams was an excellent multisport athlete in the 1970’s, competing in football, basketball, and baseball. After winning Foothills Council League Championships in both baseball and basketball, he was additionally named an All American in football for all his accomplishments.
Jake Zanetti-05′
Graduating in 2005, Zanetti made significant contributions to the school in both Track and Field. In addition to holding the school record in pole vaulting, he acquired multiple accolades in wrestling during his time at Saratoga. Continuing to SUNY Cortland, he won a Division 3 national championship in pole vaulting, and now continues to teach physical education in the school district today.
Congratulations to all that were recognized at this event! photos by: Max Greenblatt (’26)
