Winners of the South-West Conference Championship and third-place finishers in the State Championships last winter, Newtown High School’s cheerleading squad enters into the 2024-25 school year with a bit of a new look following the graduation of several standouts.

Despite the fact Coach Susan Bridges and company will be relying on underclassmen to step up the quick emergence of freshmen newcomers has Bridges pleasantly surprised and thinking this has the potential to be another very strong — potentially championship-level — season.

“The Nighthawks added ten talented freshmen to the line up this year. This along with the experienced and skilled upperclassmen we are looking forward to an exciting competition season,” Bridges said.

A large contingent of freshmen will be relied on to help fill out a roster led by senior captains Ella Macey and Cydney Turoczi and junior captains Mel Lordeiro and Leticia DeOliveria.

Returnees from last year’s championship lineup are Ashley Jackson, Isabella Walder, Abi Gonzalez, and Olivia DeCatur. These team members have all proven themselves at the varsity level and Bridges is confident in the newcomers as well.

“They’re hardworking — they’re hungry, already as freshmen,” the coach noted.

One of the strengths of this year’s team should be ... its strength. The Nighthawk cheer lineup has benefitted from time working out under the direction of Strength and Conditioning Coach Jason Ostrowski.

The Nighthawks also possess a strong work ethic, they’re team oriented, and there is a lot of chemistry on the mat, Bridges said.

Sharpening skills and working on stunts will take place over the course of the coming months as the Nighthawks work toward the winter competition season. For now, the focus is more on sideline cheers and halftime performances at fall football games.

“We’re really excited for football season. We love football season,” Bridges said.

Once February rolls around Newtown will look to defend its conference crown with the likes of Brookfield, Joel Barlow of Redding, and Masuk of Monroe all providing tough competition.

“Our conference gets stronger every year. It keeps us on our toes,” Bridges said.

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