From left, Kristi Link, of Bethlehem, and Sarah Bassett, of Shenendehowa, battle for the ball during the Class AA girls' soccer title game in Clifton Park, on November 11, 2009. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

Fall in upstate New York triggers for me distinct memories of both cross country running and high school soccer.

Peak colors and brisk mornings inspire recollections of games and running meets won and lost, bonding as a team while pursuing individual goals. Memories of digging deep and joining teammates while pushing bodies to the limit are punctuated by getting rewarded with a fresh-picked apple and a cider doughnut.

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I’ve recently moved to Saratoga Springs, site of the 1979 high school sectional championships at Saratoga Spa State Park. I remember that meet like it was yesterday. I........

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