As we celebrate the 75th Bison Bash anniversary, it is impossible to look past Shaker’s amazing athletics program. Excelling inside and outside of the classroom, Shaker has seen many successes and wins on courts, fields, and tracks. Let’s take a deeper dive into Shaker athletics, a cornerstone of school pride and community.
Athletic Achievements Across Programs
Soccer:
In 2024, the Shaker boys team won their third straight Section II Class AAA title and advanced to the NYS Class AAA Final, where they finished as state runners-up after a 2–1 double-overtime loss to Fairport. Shaker Boys’ Soccer has also won multiple Section II titles in both Class AA and Class AAA (including 2015, 2022, 2023, and 2024). They have also been crowned Suburban Council Champions multiple times (1964, 2004, 2014, 2015, and 2024)
The girls’ team has also competed in Section II and the Suburban Council. In 2024, Shaker’s girls’ team had notable performances, including a 3-0 Class AAA semifinal win over Guilderland. In 2020, the girls’ team was named co-champions of the Suburban Council after the final was canceled due to a health case.
Basketball:
The Shaker boys’ basketball team captured the school’s first NYS Public High School Athletic Association Class AAA state title in March 2025. That season, they finished with a 23-3 season record, the best in school history. The team also won the Section 2 Class AAA championship, its first sectional title since 1992.
As of the 2025-2026 season, the girls’ team has been one of the top teams in the area. They are currently ranked number 7 in the state. They also regularly compete in the Suburban Council. They have been a strong team for a very long time, winning sectional championships, including a Class AA title in 2011, the first since the 1980s. On March 8, 2026, the team won the Section 2 championships.
Track and Field:
Over the years, the Shaker High School track and field program has produced many accomplished athletes who have competed successfully at both the section and state levels. Shaker runners, jumpers, and throwers have earned top finishes in Section II competitions and have set numerous school records. Some recent standouts include Ruby Miracle, who won the girls’ pole vault state championship, earning both Class A and Federation titles in June 2025. Distance runner Jake Gaudette set a school record in the 1600 meters with a time of 4:16.77 in 2025. Lilyana Griffin broke the school record in June 2025 in the 400 meters with a time of 55.65 seconds, which is 2nd in Class A and 3rd in Federation.
Football:
Shaker High School’s football program has been a competitive presence in Section II and the Suburban Council for many years. They captured the Section II Class AA championship in 2007. They’ve made many sectional playoff appearances and have consistently competed against the top programs in the Capital Region, posting wins throughout the season.
Additional Athletic Success:
Beyond the programs highlighted above, Shaker has seen success in many other sports, further strengthening the school’s athletic tradition. Teams in baseball, softball, lacrosse, swimming, volleyball, and tennis regularly compete in the Suburban Council and Section II tournaments. These teams have produced standout athletes who have earned titles and honors, qualified for championships, and represented Shaker with immense dedication and sportsmanship.
Coaching and Leadership
Shaker’s coaches have a big part in the success of Shaker’s teams and the overall program of Shaker athletics. Coaches not only focus on building competitive teams but also on teaching values such as discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Coach Sheeler, head coach of the boys’ varsity football team, has mentioned how he wants his players to stay consistent and be accomplished members in the community. “I define success by year-to-year consistency in how our program performs on the field. We want to be consistently successful as a program, not just once in a while. Big picture, I want our players to become successful members of our community and live their lives with dignity and compassion for others.” Our coaches have not only grounded North Colonie’s athletic success, but have also developed responsible and compassionate athletes who represent their school and community with pride.
Being a Blue Bison
At the heart of it all are the student-athletes whose passion, hard work, and dedication define the Shaker athletics program. The positive community and the strong bonds in teams are also what make Shaker’s teams so special. As one Shaker athlete explained, “Being a part of a team at Shaker has made me a better person and athlete overall. I have made so many new friends by being a part of the teams. I love the community and always have the best time at matches and meets!”
As Shaker celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Bison Bash, its athletic programs continue to shine and be a vital part of North Colonie’s identity. Through the dedication of both students and coaches and the support of the community, the Blue Bison has grown stronger and stronger. As Coach Sheeler said, “I have great pride in being a Bison. Wearing blue is second nature to me. It’s been special to see our athletic department improve every year and to see our athletes achieve so much success.”