With a need for more space to spread out due to coronavirus-related regulations, Newtown High School’s gymnastics team jumped to find a new home after years of competing in the tight confines of Kinetic Kids in Oxford. The Nighthawks landed in their hometown at Vasi’s International Gymnastics, at 8 Pecks Lane.

They will look to land some solid beam, floor, vault, and bars routines as the season unfolds.

The Nighthawks have two captains, floor specialist Ava Berry and all-around competitor Brynn Reilly.

Sophomores and freshmen make up the rest of the roster, including second-year high schoolers Addie Sullivan, Lauren Young, Kayleigh Troy, Cyrena Arokium, and Caroline Gardner; and first-year Nighthawks Ella Hall and Annika Bozenko.

Coach Kim Kane said that with a small roster, athletes will be asked to compete in a variety of events this winter.

Newtown lost five seniors, including four balance beam standouts, to graduation, and a trio who competed in at least three events.

The Hawks have some competitions in which they will be the only team at the gym, as well as some head-to-head meets. It starts on Saturday, February 13, with a Newtown-only home competition.

Last season, the Nighthawks finished just behind co-champions New Milford and Pomperaug of Southbury in the South-West Conference meet, and placed third in the state competition against a group of challenging large schools.

A lot will come down to the balance beam, which Kane likens to free throws in basketball. Just like a team missing foul shots opens the door for the competition, a gymnastics team that has too many falls on beam can create chances for its counterparts.

“If it’s a close meet, beam’s going to be the determining factor a lot of times,” Kane said.

“I’m excited. The girls are really excited — they’re eager to get back at it,” Kane said of the season finally getting going after a long layoff during which sports were suspended due to the Connecticut Department of Public Health recommendations relating to the spread of the virus.

“We want the kids to be able to stay healthy but doing something they love, having some normalcy,” Kane said.

“I really want my seniors to really enjoy this last part of their senior year. The biggest goal is to be able to finish and do the things last year’s seniors missed out on,” said Kane, alluding mainly to the State Open competition.

Win or lose, the season is sure to be a success given the personality of the roster, Kane believes.

“I have the most respectful kids. They work hard, they’re good to each other — that, to me, is number one above gymnastics,” Kane said.