Spring Sports Previews

By Kim J. Harmon

Questions, questions, questions.

Can the Newtown High School boys’ lacrosse team re-invent itself and defend its 2003 South-West Conference championship? Is the baseball team ready to make that next step into the SWC and CIAC postseason? Can the tennis teams keep themselves afloat after losing key members? Can the softball team make a run at an SWC championship? Are the track teams as good as everyone is saying? Will the girls’ lacrosse team continue to move forward in its rebuilding project? And can the golf team survive the loss of its top player?

Questions, questions, questions.

The answers?

Well, all of those questions – and more – will be answered in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Boys Lacrosse –

Scoring could be a problem.

Of course, it doesn’t take a genius to figure that out. Through the process of graduation and general attrition, the Nighthawks have lost 145 of the 237 goals they scored a year ago (61%) and the biggest pain comes from the loss of all-time leading scorer Casey Kirch (65 goals in 2003) and second all-time leading scorer Tommy Ryan (50 goals in 2003).

That will put a crimp into their hopes of repeating as South-West Conference champions.

“With the loss of some solid attackmen, we are going to be starting some younger sophomores at attack this year,” said head coach Brian Micena.  “Of course, that is going to put some pressure on our midfielders to add to the scoring … something they were not previously asked to do. But I think they can handle it.”

Senior attackman John Oliver (62-25-87) returns as the top scoring threat from a year ago, but his production could drop now that Kirch and Ryan are not there to spread the defenses. Kyle Kirch (18-10-28) is another offensive threat who should see his production increase now that he has been asked to shoulder more of the burden.

“Kyle definitely seems to be able to handle the ball much better than he has in the previous year,” said coach Micena, “and he seems much more confident.”

But a team (ranked 98th in the nation last year according to Laxpower.com) that was accustomed to scoring 13.2 goals per game is going to have to find a way to win while scoring five, six or seven goals a game.

“I think that our defense, with Chris Body in the net, will be our strongest asset,” said coach Micena. “With our lack of depth, I am a bit concerned though about being able to withstand some of our competition’s offensive power.  I think much will depend on how quickly Tyler Law, Grant Speer, and Dan Gindraux can assimilate into the flow of the game we try and play.”

The ‘Hawks will move Devon Manfredonia down to close defense along with Bob Pattison and Marc Ingerman while Dave Kugielsky will played long stick midfield. This type of defense, with only six midfielders, will force the ‘Hawks to be more selective when running up and down the field.

“We are going to look to play a more methodical game,” said coach Micena. “I am hoping we can get used to playing in a 6-4 ballgame.”

With the losses of Casey Kirch, Ryan, Mike Soder, Ted Yemc and Dan Mallen to graduation and the further losses of Jay Romanelli, Jay Schunter, Ross Coates, Clay Brier and Matt Wheeler, the pre-season started off a little somber.

“We have been scrimmaging teams like crazy (Simsbury, Norwalk, McMahon, Barlow, Amity, Southington, and Branford) in an attempt to get our “game legs” and mentality going,” said coach Micena. “I thought it would be good for everyone to get a feel for the team without (those guys). I do think that we are starting to find ourselves, but it is going to take a few games to really have an identity.”

The ‘Hawks will also be looking for contributions along the way from Jeff Bell (4-3-7) and Brendan O’Connor (4-7-11), as well as Scott Regnery, Alex Read, Jim Davis, Kevin Regan, Matt Gerry and Mike Conroy.

“I think that the team has been working hard and focused on the next day and getting better and this is a great sign of a positive year,” said coach Micena. “We are trying to establish a culture within the program that playing hard, with class and dignity, is something that is expected on a daily basis. The residue of that attitude comes in the form of some success on the scoreboard.”

Schedule –

April 10, at Branford, 7 pm; April 12, EAST LYME, 4 pm; April 15, at Notre Dame, 4 pm; April 20, at Amity, 4 pm; April 22, GREENWICH, 4 pm; April 24, NEW FAIRFIELD, 1 pm; April 26, at New Milford, 4 pm; April 27, BROOKFIELD, 4 pm; May 6, JOEL BARLOW, 7 pm; May 8, CONARD, 7 pm; May 13, GUILFORD, 4 pm; May 15, at Immaculate, TBA; May 18, at Ridgefield, 7 pm; May 20, WESTON, 5:15 pm; May 22, at Fairfield, 3:30 pm; May 24, at New Canaan, 4 pm.

Baseball –

Last year might have been an agonizing one what with the preseason turmoil under first-year coach Carl Strait and the season-long road trip, but the Nighthawks – who had been stuck in a downward spiral for some time – took a step in the right direction.

And this year could be even better.

The ‘Hawks finished 6-14 a year ago, two wins shy of qualifying for a CIAC state tournament berth and while they will be without the offensive production of guys like Ron Isler (.515. 10 doubles, 12 RBI), Ben Bagaglio (.380, 9 RBI) and Ronnie Shimko (.324, 4 doubles, 14 RBI), they are exceedingly optimistic about 2004.

It helps that the ‘Hawks crushed Kennedy High School of Waterbury and Shepaug Valley during recent preseason scrimmages.

“Having a new field with true bounces helped us defensively,” said coach Strait.  “New coaches Peter Ivey and Tim Place (Class of ’98) have been such a positive influence on our program. They are here for selfless reasons and they have been doing a tremendous job with our kids. Along with Joe Crimi and Matt Childs, we have a well-rounded coaching staff. The kids have worked hard in the off season and it shows.”

One of the strengths of the team could be its young pitching staff. Pat McCarthy (1-0 in 10.2 innings of work last year), Matt Myslewski (0-1), Alex Dolan (2-2, 3.56 ERA), Stephen Marks and Mike Tibbetts will hold the fort until junior Brennan Coakley, a transfer from St. Joseph’s of Trumbull, serves his 30 days on the sidelines.

“Coakley has shown a great deal of promise with his arm and bat,” said coach Strait.

Pete Oggeri (.204, 9 RBI) will be the man behind the dish while freshman Ryan McGrath will join junior Kyle Lyddy, sophomore Steve Vichiola and junior Nick Magoulas (.333, 4 RBI) in battling for infield positions. Anthony Santella, Graham Philbrick and Brian Shimko will battle for the three outfield positions.

The team is still very young, but it has some high hopes.

“Optimistically we would like to win eight games and get to the state tournament,” said coach Strait, “which would be the first time since coaches Place and Ivey played here.”

Schedule –

April 7, ABBOTT TECH, 3:45 pm; April 8, POMPERAUG, 3:45 pm; April 10, ST. JOSEPH’S, 11 am; April 12, WILTON, 4 pm; April 14, WESTON, 3:45 pm; April 16, at Brookfield, 3:45 pm; April 19, MASUK, 3:45 pm; April 20, at Pomperaug, 3:45 pm; April 23, at Immaculate, 3:45 pm; April 26, at Notre Dame, 3:45 pm; April 28, JOEL BARLOW, 3:45 pm; May 3, NEW FAIRFIELD, 3:45 pm; May 5, at Stratford, 7 pm; May 7, BROOKFIELD (at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport), 6 pm; May 10, at New Milford, 3:45 pm; May 12, JONATHAN LAW, 3:45 pm; May 14, at Joel Barlow, 3:45 pm; May 17, at Bunnell, 3:45 pm; May 19, BETHEL, 3:45 pm; May 20, at Foran, 3:45 pm.

Girls Tennis –

A year ago, the Lady Nighthawks won 10 of their first 11 matches under first-year coach Jean Kunkel and seemed prepared to make a whole LOT of noise in the South-West Conference team tournament.

But the girls hit a wall after that, losing their final four regular season matches and slipping out of the SWC team tournament. Still, a 10-5 record (finishing second in the Colonial Division and fifth in the SWC) is something that coach Kunkel hopes to build on for 2004.

“My goal is to build on the success we had last year – 66% wins; fifth-place ranking in SWC, second-placing ranking in Colonial Division and qualifying for the CIAC team tournament,” said coach Kunkel. “This year we hope to qualify for both the SWC and CIAC team tournaments and to finish No. 1 in our Colonial Division.”

The ‘Hawks lost Caroline Kunkel (No. 1 singles, now playing for the Gettysburg College women’s tennis team) and Christina Andrews (No. 1 doubles). And they return co-captains Brittany Meier and Kim Allen (both four-year varsity players). Allen and Andrews were seeded fifth in the SWC tournament last year.

The ‘Hawks also return juniors Tara Ryan and Michelle Serock. While Ryan won almost 90% of her matches last year and was seeded third in the SWC tournament, Serock only lost one match last year (during the regular season). Sophomores Ashley Gabor and Jill Tanner, who placed second at the SWC tournament at No. 2 doubles and only lost in a very close match, and Emily Fields, Sarah Salbu, Christina Elsenhans and Stephanie Corletto bring experience back to the court.

Coach Kunkel will have her eyes on Lauren Nemeth, a sophomore transfer from California who played varsity singles as a freshman and displayed athleticism and solid fundamentals. Then there are promising freshmen Kristene Salbu, Jenna Moser, Katie Datin and Nikia McFadden (sister of Matt, co-captain of the boys’ tennis team).

“I am impressed with the improvement of all my players from last season who have really worked hard during the off-season, attending summer camps, taking lessons and clinics, playing recreationally and in tournaments and coming into the season in great shape,” said coach Kunkel. “Everyone from the team had the opportunity to get lots of match experience last year, including close matches and tournaments. So even though on paper we are a young team, it is a team that has had a season-long maturation.”

Schedule –

April 7, at Joel Barlow, 3:45 pm; April 12, at Foran, 3:45 pm; April 14, at Bunnell, 3:45 pm; April 16, NEW FAIRFIELD, 3:45 pm; April 26, NOTRE DAME, 3:45 pm; April 28, at Weston, 3:45 pm; April 29, at Stratford, 3:45 pm; May 3, BETHEL, 3:45 pm; May 5, at Jonathan Law, 3:45 pm; May 6, MASUK, 3:45 pm; May 10, at Immaculate, 3:45 pm; May 12, NEW MILFORD, 3:45 pm; May 13, POMPERAUG, 3:45 pm; May 17, LAURALTON HALL, 3:45 pm; May 19, BROOKFIELD, 3:45 pm.

Girls Track –

Ten points.

That is all that stood between the Lady Nighthawks and an undefeated season in 2003 and coach Marsha Turek is hopeful the team – which somehow slipped to a 10th-place finish at the South-West Conference championships – could repeat its regular season performance and make amends for what happened in the championships..

“We are looking forward to a successful season this year,” said coach Turek, who guided her team to a 13-1-1 record last season, “since we are returning our top five point scorers.”

Graduation took away a solid sprinter in Alli Frobey and two fine distance runners in Sarah MacKnight and Christine Manfredonia.

But the key returnees include co-captains Caitlyn Weber and Carolyn Brennan, who helped guide the Newtown High School girls’ cross country team to a second consecutive league title last fall. Joining them will be top jumpers Jackie Curran, Tara Gaston and Quincey Blanchard as well as runners Leah Herity, Kate Stickles, Sadie Ball, Lindsay Weber, Dana Taylor and Jessica Cosgrove.

A few newcomers – Alex Konneker, Ciara Simek and Julie Landin – could provide some spark, too.

Aside from Brennan and Weber, the only other senior on the team is Kaltrina Behluli. Juniors include Kaitlyn DiVanno, Jessica Gaddis, Jackie Gutbrod, Allison Hornak, Melissa Russell, Caitlin Thursland and Emily Tomasiewicz.

Sophomores include Remy Ball, Lillian Campbell, Katie Rose Crevier, Elizabeth Ericson, Lauren Howel, Becky Huot, Melissa Metzger, Emelye Neff, Veronica Reitan, Jackie Ratzing, Kate Sullivan, Teresa Taylor, Bridget Van Kuren, Alana Wenick and Stephanie Winkler.

And a huge contingent of freshmen includes Sarah Bonacci, Nicole Borruso, Michelle Brennan, Jessica DiVanno, Erica Federman, Kimberly Mannino, Lucy Manos, Alison McEmber, Jessica Neufeld, Caitlin Norcross, Holly O’Day, Britney Pasko, Megan Petruney, Ellen Reid, Callie Ryan, Lisa Sapienza, Cleo Schmitt, Shannon Tredennick, Allison Whitney, Sam Wong, Heather Young and Lon Taylor.

Schedule –

April 12, at Jonathan Law, Notre Dame and Foran, 4 pm; April 26, BUNNELL, POMPERAUG, BROOKFIELD, 4 pm; May 3, STRATFORD, BETHEL, NEW MILFORD, 4 pm; May 10, at Immaculate, Weston, New Fairfield, 4 pm; May 17, at Joel Barlow, Masuk, Lauralton Hall, 4 pm.

NOTE: The South-West Conference championship meet will be held Monday, May 24, at Masuk in Monroe.

Softball –

The team was young, but the team was good. And the Lady Nighthawks (14-7 a year ago, with their first-ever Colonial Division title) are ready to challenge for another South-West Conference championship.

“We’re looking to be competitive again in the always-tough SWC,” said head coach Jay Edwards. “And we turn to some familiar faces and some new players.”

Like any team, the ‘Hawks took a hit with graduation – but it was a hit from which they would recover. Although Caitlyn Elf (.354, 11 runs, 6 RBI), Brittany Hutchison (.228, 10 runs, 7 RBI) and Rebecca Narel (.333, 6 runs, 5 RBI) are no longer here the ‘Hawks return their top four run producers.

Leading the threat will be senior tri-captain Trina Ramsdell (.357, 21 runs, 4 doubles, 3 HR, 10 RBI), who can score a run or drive in another simply by rolling out of bed in the morning. Then there is junior Christina Wolf (.428, 11 runs, 3 doubles, 3 triples, 11 RBI), who somehow slipped under the radar at the beginning of the 2003 season but then exploded out of the gate. Then there is senior tri-captain Erin Murdoch (.210, 8 runs, 2 doubles, 10 RBI) and sophomore catcher Ashley Ferris (.254, 2 doubles, 3 triples, 1 HR, 15 RBI).

Of course, one of the major components in the sport of softball is the pitching and the ‘Hawks return their ace, junior Lisa Morgan (13-4, 0.46 ERA, 147 strikeouts, .130 opponent batting average) who was – at times – simply dominant.

Coach Edwards will also look to other returning players for contributions – like senior tri-captain Stacey Gordon (4 runs, 2 RBI), Megan LaFlamme (.206, 11 runs, 4 RBI) and Emily Blewett. Newcomers Courtney Brunton, Jenna Van Waalwijk, Annie Grills and Sammie Ciaccia could help boost the team’s skill, versatility and positive attitude as the ‘Hawks strive for postseason action.

Looking to the future, the ‘Hawks have Lisa Alberico, Sophie Cerreta, Erin Clark, Bria Innaurato, Kaitlyn Ferguson, Rachael Warburton, Rachel Nicolosi, Kaitlyn Herwig, Mariale Renna, Sarah Greenfield, Ali Legros and Val Nezvesky down on the farm.

Lyn Hertberg and Dan Winsett assist Coach Edwards. Handling the management duties will be Katie DeSimone.

Schedule –

April 7, POMPERAUG, 3:45 pm; April 12, at Masuk, 3:45 pm; April 14, WESTON, 3:45 pm; April 17, at Weston, 11 am; April 19, MASUK, 3:45 pm; April 21, at Pomperaug, 3:45 pm; April 23, at Immaculate, 3:45 pm; April 26, NOTRE DAME, 7 pm; April 28, at Lauralton Hall, 3:45 pm; April 30, KOLBE-CATHEDRAL, 3:45 pm; May 3, NEW FAIRFIELD, 7 pm; May 5, at Stratford, 7 pm; May 7, BROOKFIELD, 7 pm; May 10, at New Milford, 3:45 pm; May 12, JONATHAN LAW, 7 pm; May 14, at Joel Barlow, 3:45 pm; May 17, at Bunnell, 3:45 pm; May 19, BETHEL, 5:15 pm; May 20, at Foran, 3:45 pm.

Boys Tennis –

Coach Marty Margulies is facing his toughest challenge yet.

For three years, the Nighthawks have challenged for a South-West Conference championship with guys like Jon Perachio and Sean O’Mahoney leading the way at No. 1 and No. 2 singles. But those guys are gone now and the ‘Hawks have to move on.

Now they turn to co-captains Matt McFadden and Jason Garbarino.

“McFadden has the capability to defeat, or least challenge, anyone in the conference (at No. 1 singles),” said coach Margulies. “And Garbarino is a skilled player and should win most of his matches (at No. 2 singles). Other than that, the situation is fluid and (the lineup) depends upon how the ‘ladder’ evolves.”

The ‘Hawks will look to have Drew Adamek – a tenacious and consistent player who did well at doubles in 2003 – fill the No. 3 singles slot and freshman Chris Meier fill the No. 4 singles slot. Junior Bruno Moura and sophomore Max Margulies will grab the reins of the No. 1 doubles slot while sophomore Jim Wilkins and senior Tyler Hull should handle the No. 2 doubles slot.

“Tyler is a newcomer to the team and indeed to the sport,” said coach Margulies, “but is tall, talented and coachable; he has improved considerably since practice began just two weeks ago and should be a real contributor.”

Sophomore Peter Kim and freshman Wes Boisvert, another talented newcomer, will slip into the No. 3 doubles slot. Rounding out the squad will be freshmen Mike Coster, Shane McCarthy, Ben Wicki and Dave Wilkins.

“They lack the experience of the others but all of them show commitment and promise,” said coach Margulies. “I hope to work them into at least some of the matches. In addition, we may have two other players – one a junior, the other a freshman – joining us later in the season and that could help.”

Given the youth of the team, coach Margulies expects the ‘Hawks to have a difficult time make the SWC team playoffs.

“But I wouldn’t count us out,” he said. “And I anticipate that we shall win most of our matches. Our first one, unfortunately, is against our strongest opponent, defending conference champion Joel Barlow, a perennial powerhouse. If we can at least give them a fight, it will bode well for our chances over the rest of the season.”

Schedule –

April 7, JOEL BARLOW, 3:45 pm; April 12, FORAN, 3:45 pm; April 14, BUNNELL, 3:45 pm; April 16, at New Fairfield, 3:45 pm; April 26, at Notre Dame, 3:45 pm; April 28, WESTON, 3:45 pm; April 29, STRATFORD, 3:45 pm; May 3, at Bethel, 3:45 pm; May 5, JONATHAN LAW, 3:45 pm; May 6, at Masuk, 3:45 pm; May 10, IMMACULATE, 3:45 pm; May 12, at new Milford, 3:45 pm; May 13, at Pomperaug, 3:45 pm; May 19, at Brookfield, 3:45 pm.

Golf –

Everyone should be as fortunate as coach Jen Huettner. Although faced with the prospect of losing her best player to graduation, all she had to do was turn around and there was another one to plug in the hole.

Yes, the Nighthawks lost one of their dominant players, Mike Troy, who helped lead the team to a surprising fourth-place finish at the South-West Conference tournament last year. But in comes Ronnie Shimko, displayed a pure and natural swing and giving coach Huettner added hope for 2004.

“I anticipate that the team will, once again, compile a respectable record,” said coach Huettner. “Last year, we surprised some teams at the SWC tournament. I think that we will be in the top half of the league again this year.”

The ‘Hawks also lost Greg Korotash and Owen Beams, but return four-year starter Ben Moore and two-year starter Andrew Fiscella to the squad. Moore, Fiscella and Shimko will serve as captains.

The junior class looks solid, too, with Matt Ronan, Jake Maher and Jon Cain fighting for spots in the rotation. Coach Huettner could also look to a couple freshmen like Billy McCann and JP McDade for contributions.

More than 30 players tried out for the team and coach Huettner took 15. The ‘Hawks will play their early home matches at Heritage Village Country Club in Southbury and move to the Newtown Country Club later on.

Other players who made the squad include Joe DeFeo, Dave Freeston, Nick Moser, Dave McLaughlin, Matt Taylor, Drew Taylor and Mike Vontobel.

NOTE: The 2004 schedule was unavailable at press time.

Boys Track –

What is true in mind, is true!

A year ago the Nighthawks finished 9-5 during the regular season and were shooting for – but never expected to get – third place at the South-West Conference championships. Well, with Peter Terrance earning a 300-intermediate hurdle championship and the foursome of Adam Konneker, John Collins, Evan Forstrom and Terrance earned a 4x400 relay championship, the ‘Hawks did indeed finish third.

What is true in mind, is true.

Can the ‘Hawks do something similar in 2004? Well, Terrance is gone as is Tim Robinson and recovering from that will be difficult.

“It is going to be an interesting year,” said coach Ed Obloj. “We added a new coach, Laura McLean, who will really boost our throwing program. The loss of Terrance and Robinson will be tough, but we are expecting some great things from our seniors.”

Tim Carlisle and John Kostecki in the hurdles, Matt Miller in the pole vault, Joe Sgammato in the long and triple jump, Dan McIlrath and Phil Zencey in the distance events, Edmund Brietling in the weights, and Konneker in the sprints – that’s where the senior leadership is going to come from in 2004 and that ain’t bad.

Miller finished second in the pole vault at the SWC championships last year with a leap of 11-6, Carlisle was third in the 300 intermediate hurdles and Konneker was third in the 400 meters. That is a lot to build on for 2004.

Juniors include Mike Cash, Liam Cawley, Collins, Mike Corbeil, AJ Craparo, Ryan Davies, Peter Dittmar, Ryan Kraft, Tim Larsen, Ryan Peters, Brian Poetl and Nick Varga.

Sophomores include Joe Brewer, Matt Cole, Will Jacob, Jeff Lipnick, Mike Mangarella, Sean Myslewski, Alister Ratcliff, Dan Schierloh, Eddie Small, Jake Sullivan, Josh Tenenbaum and Dan Tichon.

And freshmen include Charlie Baldour, Joe Collins, Kevin Donahue, Anthony Klabonski, Steve Kramer, Eric MacKnight, Scott Nichols, Joe Pisacreta, Bobby Schwarz and Joe Curran.

Schedule –

April 13, at Jonathan Law, Notre Dame, Foran, 4 pm; April 27, at Brookfield, Bunnell, Pomperaug, 4 pm; May 4, STRATFORD, BETHEL, NEW MILFORD, 4 pm; May 11, at New Fairfield, Immaculate, Weston, 4 pm; May 18, at Masuk, Joel Barlow, 4 pm.

NOTE: The South-West Conference championship meet will be held Tuesday, May 25, at Jonathan Law in Milford.

Girls Lacrosse –

The rebuilding project that began two years ago when the Lady Nighthawks lost 14 members to graduation continues, but the girls are heading into 2004 believing they can improve on the 7-9 record they posted last year.

That’s because their five of their top offensive threats are returning – Megan Regnery (43-3-46), co-captain Kelly Collier (14-5-19), Karli Beitel (6-8-14), Heidi Ekstrom (8-4-12) and Lindsay Coyle (9-3-12). And along with co-captain Kate Fenton (2-3-5), the ‘Hawks have a solid core for 2004.

“We have high hopes that (the seniors’) leadership will strengthen our team both offensively and defensively,” said coach Sara Strait.

The ‘Hawks will also return juniors Amanda Shevlin, Monica Latowicki and Karoline Engel (0-1-1) to the defensive side of the field in front of goaltenders Kerry Canavan (a sophomore) and Jenny Urfer (a junior).

“We are hopeful that their varsity experience last year as sophomores will create a solid defense this season,” said coach Strait. “And we have many strong midfielders who are in great condition to handle the task of moving the ball up the field and we are looking to see great ball movement and speed from them.”

Coyle, Maggie Boushell, Jessica Budnick (3-0-3), Kimberly Solheim, Lou Yemc and Casey Frobey will feed the attack contingent of Regnery, Beitel, Jackie Darigo and freshman Moira Collier to power the offense.

The ‘Hawks – with the added coaching of Jen Dellasala and Maura Fletcher – will continue to rebuild with junior varsity talent like Brianna Berg, Carly Curran, Rachel Eastman, Christina Ercole, Jen Greenwood, Aileen Kerns, Rachel Maley, Christina Matsis, Kate McNulty, Mandy Nostrand, Mary Ober, Erin Ruddock, Dana Schunter, Katie Sudbey, Erica Vacaro, Bethany Weber and Kara Whipkey.

Schedule –

April 8, at Notre Dame, 4 pm; April 10, CHESHIRE, 10 am; April 13, MASUK, 4 pm; April 15, LAURALTON HALL, 4 pm; April 20, at Mercy, 3:30 pm; April 22, NOTRE DAME, 4 pm; April 27, at Trumbull, 7 pm; April 29, NEW MILFORD, 4 pm; May 4, at Joel Barlo, 4 pm; May 6, BROOKFIELD, 4 pm; May 11, at Pomperaug, 7 pm; May 13, at Masuk, 4:30 pm; May 18, DANBURY, 7 pm; May 20, NEW FAIRFIELD, 4 pm.