NHS Alums Out In Force

By Andy Hutchison

The bleachers were packed, as was the concourse above the stands … and, for that matter, so was the line for the Snack Shack. Blue and Gold Stadium, on Thanksgiving Eve, was the place to be for current Newtown High School students and recent alumni who were around for the long holiday weekend and gathered to support the Nighthawk’s football team.

“It’s big — everyone comes back for it,” said Joey DeVellis, a former NHS running back, who watched his brother and current NHS quarterback, Jake, compete.

Newtown lost to Masuk but, even so, advanced into the state playoffs (see related story). Win, lose, or draw, the alums on hand were just happy to see former classmates again. Some of the former football players who went to the game said watching their former team made them feel like strapping on the pads once again.

“It definitely brings back a lot of good memories, but it makes you miss it at the same time,” said Tom Jackman, a former NHS center who graduated this past spring and now attends Western Connecticut State University.

“It’s nice to see everybody back together again. It makes you miss it a lot,” added ’07 grad Steve Orrico, guard and nose tackle. “They’re like my brothers. It’s nice to see them again.”

Watching the game, rather than being a part of it, took some getting used to by the former players.

“It’s different seeing it from the stands,” said recent grad Josh Tenenbaum, who was a defensive lineman and guard for the Nighthawks.

Of course, the alumni on hand included more than the football contingent.

“It’s so much fun seeing everyone again,” said Katie Condon, a former NHS basketball player.

“It’s the first time back seeing everyone that we graduated with,” added Kristen Gucciargo, who played volleyball and cheered for the football team until graduating this past spring. She was at the game with Holly Hayes, another grad, with whom she cheered.