Track Teams Start Season With Postseason Berths

By Anna Hodge

As the holiday season starts to slow down, the Newtown High School girls’ and boys’ Indoor Track teams heat up as a competitive season begins for the athletes. On December 27, the teams competed in a South-West Conference developmental meet at the Newtown Youth Academy, against teams from Brookfield, Bethel, Weston, Pomperaug of Southbury, and Oxford.

On the boy’s side, there were various SWC championship qualifiers as well as Class LL State Championship qualifiers. In the 55 meter dash, Brendan McNamara qualified for both the state championships and SWCs with a finish in 6.8 seconds. Brandon Capaldo, finishing in 7.2 seconds, and Jimmy Leidlein in 7.3 seconds, both qualified for SWCs as well.

Qualifiers continued throughout the day. In the 55 meter hurdles, Chad Cullens locked in a spot at SWCs, finishing in 9.7 seconds; Pat Sullivan qualified in the 1600 meter run, with a 4:49.6 finish.

In the field events, Brendan McNamara qualified for the conference meet in the shot put event with a throw of 36-4. Meanwhile, Hunter Bassett and Capaldo both earned spots in the the SWCs in high jump with leaps of 5-6.

On the girls’ side of the meet, there were also various athletes who qualified for both states and SWCs. 

In the 55 meter hurdles, Zoe Eggleston earned her spot in both championships, finishing in 9.3 seconds. Lydia Beiter followed in 9.7 seconds, also qualifying for states and SWCs. In the 600 meter run, Reagan Cerney finished in 1:45, qualifying for both championships. Melissa Buccino qualified for SWCs in the 55 meter dash, finishing in 7.8 seconds. In the 1600 meter run, Brianne Moulder completed the race in 5:59 and qualified for SWCs.

In the field events, Stefanie Clavette qualified for SWCs in shot put, with a throw of 26-11. Brianna Hart and Kamryn Harmeling will compete in the SWCs in the high jump, each earning spots with jumps of 4-4.

Although many athletes were not present at the meet due to the holidays, Newtown Head Coach Doug Russell is optimistic about the teams’ performance for the duration of the 2011-2012 season.

“I was pleased with the performances we did have and am excited about the remainder if the season,” Russell said.

NHS athletes have the remainder of the regular season and the SWC championship itself to qualify for the state championships. 

The teams will compete this Saturday, January 7, at a SWC meet at Wesleyan University in Middletown.