Newtown High School’s girls’ outdoor track and field team is coming off a South-West Conference championship last spring and striving to pick up where it left off.

“Obviously, we’re looking to continue with success at the SWCs, and hopefully bring more of a presence to states. We have the talent,” said Coach Becky Knapp, in her first year with the outdoor crew but continuing to coach many of the athletes following the indoor track season.

Tough competition stands to come from Weston, and Bunnell of Stratford is coming off a strong season. Other programs can emerge and surprise with the addition of a few standout newcomers at any time, Knapp acknowledges.

The program lost nine athletes to graduation and brings back a wealth of experience as well as some promising newcomers.

There are 96 team members, making depth a sure strength for the team.

With so many participants, Knapp has implemented a new system. The team members will have to qualify for road meets.

“It gives them something to look forward to — to work on, to get to,” Knapp said.

The captains are Sarah Tressler (jumps), Annika Brady (throws), Jackie Matthews (heptathlete), Brianna Lovely (sprints), Claire Dubois (distance), and Carly Swierbut (sprints).

Other key team members include Sarah Nowacki (throws), Juliette Cryder (jumps), Amy Sapenter (jumps), Elise Barricelli (sprints), Ally McCarthy (sprints), Audrey Benson (hurdles), Emily Tressler (sprints), and Courtney Henchcliffe (sprints).

The team picked up some gymnasts who will add depth to the lineup for jumps.

Newtown’s season begins with a home meet on Tuesday, April 9, when Notre Dame-Fairfield, Weston, and Joel Barlow come to Blue & Gold Stadium at 4 pm.