Nighthawk Boys’ And Girls’ Runners On Track

By Andy Hutchison

When you think of indoor track — it’s only natural to think of, well … track indoors.

But in the case of the Newtown High School teams, field events and running off track (outside) have been the theme in seasons past. Now, that’s changing.

In previous years, the NHS winter indoor and spring outdoor track teams have excelled in field events. This winter, Coach Doug Russell anticipates, the Nighthawks will turn to the actual on track events — distance runs, relays, and sprints — for most of their success.

The Nighthawks boast a large contingent of boys and girls — 77 and 61, respectively — with a majority of the participants sophomores, Russell said.

What’s more, for the only the second season, the indoor runners have chance to utilize an indoor track — at the Newtown Youth Academy — to train. The coach said this is a good opportunity for the participants to train well in the preseason after having to count on good enough weather to utilize the outdoor track in years past.

Last year’s graduation of key field event personnel, such as Lauren Sudbey (long jump and pole vault), Emily Korth (high jump and pole vault), Rachel Taback (shot put), and Kevin Bonacci (high jump and long jump) will leaves the Hawks stronger in the on track events, Russell said. A season ago the boys were 22nd and the girls 21st in the Class LL State Championships.

The Nighthawks’ senior leaders are girls Katie Howell, Courtney Berko, Julie DeAngelis, Melanie Isola, and Scarlett O’Sullivan; and boys Rockwell Anyoha, Marc Bonacci, Ben Miles, Stephen Forgione, Gabe, Marmolejos, Matt Bobkowski, and Shane Casey. These upperclassmen will help Russell and Assistant Coach Stephanie Ramsey lead the many young participants.

“We are excited about the motivation and enthusiasm of this group of student athletes. It is great to see so many of the younger kids shining during practices. Everyone works very hard to improve,” Russell said. “Coach Ramsey and I are holding time trials during each week so the kids can begin to set goals and identify where they are in regard to the standards set by the SWC and state.”

Russell said the distance events stand to be a strength and he is interested to see how the sprinting contingent shapes up.

The toughest competition will come from South-West Conference rival Weston on the girls’ side and Bunnell of Stratford on the boys’ side.

Russell, who alternates indoor coaching duties with Dave Foss, is back at the helm this winter and is excited to get a preview of things come for the outdoor spring campaign.

“Coach Ramsey and I think this will be a successful season and it will also give each of us a chance to see what the prospects will be like in the spring,” he said.

The regular winter season does not get underway until a January 5 developmental meet at Staples High in Westport.