A group of Newtown High School track and field competitors represented the Nighthawks in unique, challenging, and grueling postseason multiple-event races, including at the New Balance Nationals, and state Heptathlon, Decathlon, and Steeplechase competitions in mid-June.

The Steeplechase is a footrace over an obstacle course that includes such obstacles as water ditches, open ditches, and fences. The Heptathlon features seven events over two days: 100 meter hurdles, high jump, shot-put, and 200 meter on day one, then the long jump, javelin throw, and 800 meter on day two. The Decathlon is a two-day, ten-event race that includes: 100 meter, long jump, shot-put, high jump, and 400 meter on day one, and 110 hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin, and 1500 on day two. Only the top 32 competitors from the first day of these competitions qualify for the second day of activities.

Sophomore sensation Aashni Shetty and sophomore rookie track and field standout Amanda Reyes competed in the State Heptathlon at Willow Brook Park. Shetty placed 14th with 3,315 and Reyes was 20th overall with 3,102 points.

“Aashni has been a rock star for us this year. From her freshman year to this year she dropped almost four seconds off each of her hurdle races, and over two feet improvement in her long jump. Aashni was given two-week notice that she’d be doing the Heptathlon. Aashni took it as a challenge and went after it,” said Becky Bourret, coach of the NHS girls’ team, who called on Shetty when fellow standout Kayleigh Troy pulled out of the Heptathlon due to injury.

Reyes was a surprise and versatile addition who, along with Shetty, helped the Nighthawks win the South-West Conference championship this spring.

“Amanda was an athlete that came to the team and I could put her anywhere to train and she could succeed. A longtime cheerleader/tumbler, she had strength, speed, and agility for almost all aspects of track. Our team was short on throwers so it was a no-brainer to put her there. At the Heptathlon her strongest events were javelin, shot-put, high jump, and the 200,” Bourret said.

Junior Clara D’Amico, who ran the Steeplechase last year, decided to do it again this spring and recorded a personal record time, cutting 20 seconds, and placing 11th overall, clocking in at 7:59.85.

On the boys’ side, Soheib Dissa represented the Nighthawks at the New Balance Nationals in Philadelphia. Dissa participated in the 2K Steeplechase and placed third overall in a time of 5:51.34. Dissa waited out a two-hour rain delay then earned the distinction of All American with his standout performance on June 17.

Dissa, Caleb Smith, Noah Masotta, and Hayden Bobowick, who helped give Newtown two conference champ track teams this spring, competed in state Decathlon and Steeplechase events at Willow Brook Park. In the Decathlon, Smith finished second with 6,169 points and Bobowick came in 31st with 3,674. Dissa won the 3K Steeplechase with a time of 9:27.43 and Masotta was fourth in 10:17.45.

“Extremely proud of the boys and their accomplishments starting with Soheib making All New England, All State again, and then All American in one week is amazing for anyone — especially a sophomore,” said Becky Osborne, coach of the NHS boys. “Caleb Smith ended his expansive high school career placing second at the CIAC Decathlon, scoring over 6,000 points, which is very hard to do. He improved in almost every event and did an amazing job. Big shout-out to Noah Masotta and Hayden Bobowick for trying these postseason events for the first time and doing very well. Can’t wait to see how they improve next year.”

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.