A sluggish beginning, but a strong finish.

The Newtown High School football team opened the 2003 season by losing its first four games (15-6 to Stratford, 7-0 to Bethel, 22-14 to Brookfield and 21-3 to Bunnell) but a 14-7 win over New Milford on October 10, which helped the Nighthawks regain the Boot Trophy, turned the season around.

A 0-0 tie with Foran and a 14-6 loss to Immaculate followed, but the ‘Hawks ran off three consecutive wins (34-19 over Jonathan Law, 26-6 over Weston, and 41-8 over Bullard Havens) before falling to powerhouse Masuk in the annual Thanksgiving Day football game.

The ‘Hawks were victimized a bit by bad luck and injuries in 2003, but now hope to build on that 4-2-1 record in the final seven games of the 2003 season. Conditioning practice opened on Monday, August 23, and continued through the week with full practices beginning next week as the ‘Hawks prepare for the 2004 season opener on Friday, November 17, against Pomperaug High School in Southbury.

The rest of the Newtown High School fall sports teams will officially open practice this weekend.

 

Volleyball – Saturday, August 28. Freshmen and sophomores from 8 to 9:30 am, juniors and seniors from 9:30 to 11 am in the NHS main gym. Bring sneakers and water and be prepared to play; Girls’ Swimming – Saturday, August 28, 8 to 11 am. Swimmers should report to the NHS Pool and must be able to swim 800 continuous yards with flip turns; Boys’ Soccer – Saturday, August 28. Players should report with their running shoes to the high school track promptly at 7 am for the fitness session. Practice sessions for freshmen and sophomores will be held from 9 to 11 am and 1 to 3 pm. Juniors and seniors will meet from 11 am to 1 pm and 3 to 5 pm; Girls’ Soccer – Saturday, August 28 Players should report with their running shoes to the high school track promptly at 8 am for the fitness session. The practice sessions will be held from 10 am to 12 noon and 6 to 8 pm; Cross Country – Monday, August 30, at 2:15 am at NHS track. Be prepared to run; Field Hockey – Saturday, August 28. Tryouts for all returning players will be held at the high school from 7:30 to 10 am. There will be an open tryout from 3 to 6 pm at the high school for all interested girls. All players should report to the high school field with their sneakers, cleats, mouth guard, shin guards and water.