Ryan Eberts is no stranger to Newtown High School swimmers. A six-year assistant with the boys’ team — Eberts also assisted with the girls this past fall — he takes over head coaching duties with the boys’ squad this winter.

A sprint freestyler at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Penn., Eberts looks forward to continuing to share his knowledge with the Nighthawks. Additionally, Assistant Coach Lisa Irving will play a key role with the team.

“It’s like having two head coaches,” Eberts said of Irving, who has worked with many of the Nighthawks at the youth level and continues to coach the Newtown Torpedoes.

“I’m very excited,” said Eberts, adding that the Hawks have a small roster featuring a mix of experienced and inexperienced swimmers.

Newtown is led by Peter Horan, who last season set the Class L State Championship backstroke record with a time of 50.49 seconds, and also won the 100 yard freestyle race, finishing in 46.17 — both Newtown High records he previously broke last winter.

Grant Carson, a breaststroker and individual medley standout, brings character leadership to the roster, Eberts said.

In addition to seniors Horan and Carson, senior Max Luci-Bernard, a sprint freestyle swimmer, will help guide the Hawks. Among returning juniors who scored big points in the postseason a year ago are juniors Connor Kwarcinski (sprint free) and Gabe Petertonjes (butterfly).

“Our goal is for growth and personal improvement and team camaraderie,” said Eberts, adding that things will be assessed on a meet by meet basis as the swimmers gain experience against the competition.

Newtown begins the season Tuesday, December 20 with a visit to nonconference foe Oxford at 5:30 pm. The Hawks visit New Fairfield for their first conference meet on January 4, then host Pomperaug of Southbury, the ten-time South-West Conference champion, January 10 — both scheduled to take place at 4 pm.

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