Glens Falls celebrates champions with parade
GLENS FALLS, NY (NEWS10) -- Glens Falls is a City of Champions thanks to a winter sports season that saw the Boys Basketball team, Adirondack United Girls Hockey team and Nordic Skier, Forrest Slingerland, win their respective championships. All 3 champions were celebrated on Sunday with a parade through Glens Falls and a reception.
"Even though we won about a month ago, I still think about it all the time," Senior for the Adirondack United, Caroline Lieberth said. "It was such a great way to end my high school career and our season, so I'm just really excited to relive it with all the girls again."
The Black Bears hoops team successfully defended their Class A state championship with a second consecutive unbeaten season. The Adirondack United won the New York state regional championship in Girls Hockey, making them back-to-back champions. Slingerland won multiple titles in Nordic Ski, claiming the crown both individually and in the relay.
Sunday's celebration began at the high school, making its way through the streets of Glens Falls as the crowd cheered for the champs. For these state title winning athletes, the support from the community throughout the entire year has been special.
"It's definitely helpful to know we have the support of a lot of people throughout the community," Junior for the Adirondack United, Ella Bray said. "The energy that gets brought to the entirety of the program."
The festivities also included a reception at the Queensbury hotel with each champion being honored. The celebration as a whole gave the athletes the chance to reflect on everything that went into their success after a long season.
"You take it for granted," Senior for the Boys Basketball team, Bryce McClenning said. "Mid-season you're focused on the goal, but once it's done you really appreciate what you've done."
What these athletes have done is become champions of New York in their respective sports. Accomplishments that take a lot of work and dedication. For Slingerland, it takes a year-round commitment.
"I do a lot of strength training, a lot of running," Slingerland said. "Then roller skiing in the summers. Summer training's a big part of it."
All that hard work for the athletes from these 3 state champions, all leading to one big celebration in Glens Falls.