Faced with finding replacements for four of his top seven runners from a year ago, David Foss, coach of the Newtown High School boys’ cross country team, isn’t sure exactly what to expect from his team this year, but views potential for the lineup to make some noise if enough runners emerge at the top of the team’s pack.

Newtown went 10-4 last fall and placed fifth in the South-West Conference championship meet, but lost some key contributors to graduation. Losses include All-SWC runners Grandon Smith and Tom Floros, as well as Nate Steinebrey, Kevin Gorman, Nick Swenson, and Don Sun.

Back in the mix are senior captains David Csordas, Christopher Gamble, Kyle Mangold, and Joey Whelan. Other runners whom Foss expects big things from are Ethan Burg, Joel Duval, and Josh Bent.

“We have a lot of inexperience at the top but also a lot of talent,” said Foss, adding that Gamble, an All-SWC performer who placed sixth in the conference last year, is the top returnee.

“It seems like we have a really strong top-three with the potential for three or four other guys to close on those three. Most of the top runners ran at the Newtown Road Race and ran quite well. If the group can stick together we could surprise a few people,” Foss said.

Gamble was fourth in the Newtown Road Race, and was followed by Csordas, Burg, Mangold, and Duval in the fifth through eighth spots. Whelan came in 13th.

As usual, New Milford, along with Brookfield, Pomperaug of Southbury, New Fairfield, and Weston are top teams the Hawks will have to contend with as the season unfolds, Foss said.

“Depth is usually our strength but this year we are a little shallow. We have strong guys at the top but are a little thin,” Foss said. “Finding a number four and five runner will be key.”

The season began with a visit to Bethel High School on Tuesday, September 9, for a meet with the host Wildcats, along with Stratford and Masuk of Monroe. Newtown will participate in the Wilton Invitational on Saturday, September 13. The next regular meet features a tough test at Pomperaug, against the Panthers, as well as Brookfield and New Milford, on September 16.

Newtown has only one home meet scheduled, an October 7 meet with Bunnell of Stratford, Immaculate, and Notre Dame-Fairfield (5 pm on the Fairfield Hills trails surrounding Reed School).