Newtown High School’s boys’ golf team put an exclamation point on its ultra-successful conference play campaign by claiming the South-West Conference Championship, at Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course in Fairfield, on October 18.

The Nighthawks have been dominant this year, posting a 14-0 record in the conference and winning the SWC tournament by 18 shots. The Nighthawks shot 317, New Milford was second with 335, and Pomperaug of Southbury third with 336. Coach Shawn Tierney noted that this is probably the best season the program has had.

Individually, the top four players earned several accolades as well. Senior captains Charlie Hanson and Colin Luby, both made the All Conference Team with differentials under three. Senior captain Carter Briggs and freshman Will Lokey were also named to the All Colonial Division Team with differentials under five. At the SWC Tournament, all four of those players led the team to the win, by all placing in the top ten individually. Carter Briggs led the way with a fifth-place finish shooting 77.

“The senior captains really led by example this year with a great mindset. They realized that practice and dedication were crucial to improving skills and achieving consistent results. I’ve coached these guys since they were freshmen and it was great to see their steady growth each year. In the last four years the team went from eighth place, to sixth, to fifth, and eventually first,” Tierney said.

“It takes hard work and commitment to be able to go undefeated. This year, they played all of the best teams on the road, beating New Milford, Immaculate, and Pomperaug at away courses. In golf, you don’t win by luck. I’m not sure who said it first, but it’s definitely true” ‘The more you practice, the luckier you get,’” Tierney added.

“The captains got the team together all summer to run practices and play together to push each other to get better. Their success was earned by the countless hours on the range, the putting green, and on the course. We are appreciative of the continued support that Rock Ridge has given us for years,” said Newtown’s coach, referring to home course Rock Ridge Country Club.

Tierney is optimistic this year’s run to the top will lead to continued success in the program.

“I’m really hoping that the underclassmen learned something by being with the seniors day in and day out at the course — that hard work reaps results, that it takes a whole team to win, and that winning is way more fun than not winning,” he said. “We have a talented group of kids that will return next year. Freshman Will Lokey is already on his way to being a star in the conference, and I see several kids that can make the jump to solid and consistent golfers. I look forward to seeing who will fill the very big shoes left empty by our graduating seniors.”

The SWC match did not mark the end of Newtown’s stellar campaign. The Nighthawks are the only team from the SWC that qualified for the Division I State Tournament, held at Stanley Golf Course in New Britain on October 24. Tierney said the Hawks were looking to surprise some of the lower Fairfield County schools at the tourney.

“No matter what happens Tuesday, I’m proud of the team and I will consider this year a total success for the Newtown boys’ golf team,” the coach added.

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