Bits & Pieces

By Kim J. Harmon

About 26 years ago, I was swimming in high school gym class and executed a pretty good (if I do say so myself – which I do) turn at the walk. My gym teacher was also the swim coach and seeing that he begged me to try out for the swim team.

It seemed pretty cool, but when I found out they practiced every day and sometimes on Saturdays, I quickly said – no thanks.

I was not one for commitment back then.

Which is why I am so impressed by those student-athletes who not only trudge out to practice or competition five or six days a week but also manage to immerse themselves in so many activities as well as maintain a handle on their academic careers.

Wow.

Every year two students from Newtown High School (along with scores more from around the state of Connecticut) are named CIAC Student Athletes of the Year. This year the selections were Chris Giacolone and Kristen McGrath.

Chris is a cross country runner while Kristen played field hockey in the fall and lacrosse in the spring. Kudos to both for being able to juggle both parts of their lives and become successful at both.

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There are those athletes who have built up a fine reputation and anticipating their performances (perhaps an assault on a school record) is one of those things that make any season fun.

But one of the real joys of any season is seeing someone unexpected force people jump up and take notice.

Like –

Christina Wolf

John Oliver

Meg Regnery

Jason Garbarino

While the softball team was looking for players like Trina Ramsdell and Lisa Morgan to lead the way, Christina Wolf – a sophomore – came along and batted .455 with three doubles, three triples and 10 RBI.

Casey Kirch was assaulting the school’s all-time scoring record and Tom Ryan had one of the hardest, if not the hardest, shot in the entire state but junior John Oliver comes along in 2003 and scores 60 goals for the boys’ lacrosse team.

The girls’ lacrosse team lost so much and the only person coming back with strong experience was Kelly Collier. But along comes Meg Regnery, who ends up leading the team with 43 goals.

Jon Perachio was the ace, one of the top players in the South-West Conference, but when it came to saving the bacon of the boys’ tennis team it came down to Jason Garbarino. Coach Marty Margulies was forced to pop Jason into different spots in the lineup based on need and on more than one occasion he pulled the ‘Hawks through a tough match.

There were more, a bunch more.

Yeah – people stood up and took notice.

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As most of you know, I often get aggravated with the way parents behave at the games and behind the scenes but last Tuesday, I have to say, I was impressed.

The Newtown High School boys’ lacrosse team had just been pummeled, 15-3, by one of the top teams in the nation and as the players were walking off the field they got a long standing ovation from their loyal fans.

That was nice.