By Kim J. Harmon

This is going to be interesting.

There are enough plot elements (a local teenager drives his van across the fields at Treadwell Park and causes more than $30,000 worth of damage) and questions (Can the boys’ lacrosse team defend its South-West Conference championship? Who will replace Ellie Champagne and her 93 goals on the girls’ lacrosse field?) that the spring season at Newtown High School could make a decent television series.

Just like Boston Public – only not so dramatic and smarmily emotional.

Nevertheless, it will indeed be interesting to see what happens as nine teams take to their fields, courts, courses and tracks this week and next (if the snow will allow it) in pursuit of success in the South-West Conference.

Let’s take a closer look at those teams –

Boys Lacrosse

Well, the good news for the defending South-West Conference champion Nighthawks is that seniors Casey Kirch (80 goals) and Tom Ryan (61 goals) return to lead a prolific offense (233 total goals in 21 games).

But the bad news is the Nighthawks – who finished 17-4 overall, reached the Division II state championship game and earned the No. 1 ranking in Connecticut (according to Laxpower.com) – have been bumped up to Division I.

“We have been stressing that last year is done and this is a whole new team,” said head coach Brian Micena. “I think the team understands that last year was special and it would be foolish to expect those successes to just fall into our lap.”

With Kirch (who became the all-time leading scorer with his 80th goal last year - giving him 124 for his career) and Ryan at the forefront, the ‘Hawks return 97.8% of their offense from last season – including Mike Soder (28 goals), John Oliver (27 goals), and Kyle Kirch (14 goals), Ted Yemc (6 goals) and Clay Brier (5 goals).

At the same time, though, the defense took a hit while losing Shawn Gleason (goaltender) and Drew Narcum. Now the goaltending job belongs to junior Chris Body while freshman Marc Ingerman and junior Ross Coates will step in at defense and take their cues from senior Dan Mallen.

“Our short term goals are to get off to a good start, establish team roles, and support a young defense,” said coach Micena. “Of course, our long term goals are to make both the SWC and state playoffs – but that isn’t going to be easy.”

Casey Kirch, Ryan, Soder, Mallen, and Yemc will provide the senior leadership for the ‘Hawks. Juniors include Kyle Kirch, Dave Kramer, David Kugielsky, Jay Romanelli, Jake Vogel, David Wesley, Brier, Oliver, Coates, and Devon Manfredonia. Sophomores include Jeff Bell, Dab Gindraux, Blaise LaPorta, Sean LaPorta, Brendan O’Connor, Jay Schunter, Pat Keating, Brandon Thomas, and Alex Read. And freshmen include Greg Aiello, Jack Capito, Stephan Graham, Drew Harmata, Roy Scheunemann, Grant Speer, Kyle Ekstrom, Tyler Law, Tim Lynch, Nick Pollard, Mike Conroy, Marc Ingerman and Oliver Paynter.

Schedule –

April 10, at New Fairfield, 4 pm; April 12, at Branford, 11 am; April 17, versus New Milford, 4 pm; April 22, versus Guilford, 7 pm; April 26, versus Joel Barlow, 7 pm; May 1, at Masuk, 7 pm; May 3, versus Weston, 7 pm; May 7, at Conard, 5 pm; May 8, at Immaculate, 4 pm; May 10, versus East Lyme, 11 am; May 15, versus Notre Dame, 4 pm; May 17, versus Fairfield, 7 pm; May 20, at Ridgefield, 5:30 pm; May 22, versus Brookfield, 7 pm; May 24, at Farmington, 1 pm.

Girls Lacrosse

For coaches and fans alike, the wonderful memory of seeing Ellie Champagne score 93 goals last season comes with the harsh, stomach-dropping realization that she is no longer here. Nor is Morgan Pacheco (43 goals), Elissa Boushell (24 goals), Angela Shannon (9 goals), or Kelly Shpunt (8 goals).

No, the loss of 14 seniors has stripped the Lady Nighthawks (10-8 last year) of 86.7% of their offense and left them very young with one freshman (Karli Beitel, first ever to make the varsity team under coach Sara Patrick) and seven sophomores.

On the flip side, though, coach Patrick has some very strong athletes to work with.

“I have to say that this group of kids is the hardest working group I’ve ever coached,” said coach Patrick. “Probably because they feel they have something to prove to themselves and to others.”

Junior Kelly Collier (23 goals) will lead the offense and get some support from players like Kelly Rodden (co-captain), Robyn Pacheco and Megan Regnery (who combined for six goals last year).

Seniors include Rodden, Pacheco, Amanda Molden (co-captain), Kristen McGrath, Kathryn McDonald and Kelly Coney. Juniors are Brittany Boyle, Collier, Heidi Ekstrom, Kate Fenton, and Sarah Whalley. Sophomores are Jessica Budnick, Lindsey Coyle, Karoline Engel, Monica Latowicki, Megan Regnery, Amanda Shevlin and Jenny Urfer. And the freshman is Beitel.

Schedule –

April 11, versus Masuk, 4 pm; April 12, versus Notre Dame, 10 am; April 14, at Conard, 4 pm; April 17, at Cheshire, 4 pm; April 22, at Lauralton Hall, 4 pm; April 24, versus New Fairfield, 4 pm; April 26, at Brookfield, 11 am; April 29, versus Joel Barlow, 4 pm; May 1, at New Milford, 4 pm; May 6, versus Notre Dame, 4 pm; May 8, versus Brookfield, 7 pm; May 10, at New Fairfield, TBA; May 13, at Masuk, 7 pm; May 15, versus Lauralton Hall, 7 pm; May 20, at Joel Barlow, 4 pm; May 23, versus New Milford, 7 pm.

Boys Tennis

With a strong, strong lineup – led by senior co-captains John Perachio and Sean O’Mahoney – the Nighthawks are, quite simply, aiming at South-West Conference team and individual championships in 2003.

The ‘Hawks were seeded fourth last year in the team tournament and were blanked by No. 1 seed Joel Barlow.

“Our top five players are outstanding,” said coach Marty Margulies. “Perachio is almost certainly the best player in the conference and along the best in the state … and O’Mahoney and McFadden are not far in back of him. Bass and (Jason) Garbarino are also capable of challenging him.”

Perachio, O’Mahoney, McFadden and Bass figure to be the singles rotation (most likely in that order) and, as a group, have the potential to utterly dominate in the SWC. The same could be said of the No. 1 doubles team – Garbarino and Mark Stephenson. The rest could be successful, as well, but will likely be tested more severely – with Matt Lask and Bruno Moura teaming at No. 2 doubles and Felipe Moura anchoring the No. 3 doubles along with a rotation of different freshmen players.

“There is a gap in skill level between our top five players and the rest of the team,” coach Margulies admitted, “but they are all competitive players and our freshmen show promise. At the very least, we should make the conference playoffs and should place a number of our players in the state tournament.”

Players who should contribute include sophomores Tom Rodbell and Jim He and freshmen Drew Adamek, Peter Kim, Max Margulies and Jim Wilkins.

Schedule –

April 9, at Foran, 3:45 pm; April 11, at Bunnell, 3:45 pm; April 21, versus New Fairfield, 3:45 pm; April 23, versus Notre Dame, 3:45 pm; April 25, at Weston, 3:45 pm; April 28, at Stratford, 3:45 pm; April 30, versus Bethel, 3:45 pm; May 1, at Jonathan Law, 3:45 pm; May 5, versus Masuk, 3:45 pm; May 7, at Immaculate, 3:45 pm; May 9, versus New Milford, 3:45 pm; May 12, versus Pomperaug, 3:45 pm; May 15, versus Brookfield, 3:45 pm; May 19, at Joel Barlow, 3:45 pm.

Girls Tennis

The word INEXPERIENCED could theoretically apply to the girls’ tennis team in 2003, but first-year coach Jean Kunkel – who takes over for Kathy Davey – likes the talent she sees on the court.

“We have only six returning players,” said coach Kunkel, “but all are strong players who will do well in the SWC. We are young, but talented.”

The ‘Hawks will be without Caitlin Martin and Lauren Meyer, but senior co-captain Caroline Kunkel will return to the No. 1 singles slot and the ‘Hawks expect another fine season from her. Christina Andrews (co-captain) and Kim Allen will continue to bolster the doubles lineup in the No. 1 position while Brittany Meier and Tara Ryan will bring experience to the singles. And Michelle Serock has been a surprise, showing up with a much-improved game and some new weapons.

Ashley Gabor and Jill Tanner could make some waves this year, as well.

“My goal is for each girl to give maximum effort at every practice and match,” said coach Kunkel. “I want the girls to practice the way they play and they should enjoy the competition and continually improve. We want to set a new benchmark for achievement this year.”

Sue Gardner and Patti Meyer will lend their coaching support to that effort, too. Besides the returnees and promising newcomers, others expected to make a contribution include Danielle Alpert, Stephanie Greenfield, Christina Elsenhans, Stephanie Corleto, Emily Fields and Sarah Salbu.

Schedule –

April 9, versus Foran, 3:45 pm; April 11, versus Bunnell, 3:45 pm; April 21, at New Fairfield, 3:45 pm; April 23, at Notre Dame, 3:45 pm; April 25, versus Weston, 3:45 pm; April 28, versus Stratford, 3:45 pm; April 30, at Bethel, 3:45 pm; May 1, versus Jonathan Law, 3:45 pm; May 5, at Masuk, 3:45 pm; May 7, versus Immaculate, 3:45 pm; May 9, at New Milford, 3:45 pm; May 12, at Pomperaug, 3:45 pm; May 14, at Lauralton Hall, 3:45 pm; May 15, at Brookfield, 3:45 pm; May 19, versus Joel Barlow, 3:45 pm.

Softball

One strike – that’s how close the Lady Nighthawks came to defeating top-seeded Lauralton Hall and reaching the South-West Conference championship game last season before suffering a heartbreaking loss.

While the ‘Hawks (15-8 a year ago) have some huge holes left behind by the absence of Jess Omasta (.200, 14 RBI), Jaime Lindquist (.286, 17 RBI), Lauren Blomberg (.278, 13 RBI) and Heather Morgan (.338, 10 RBI) – not to mention Kate Fenton (.296), who chose to move on to lacrosse – there are several players who were on the field that day last May who could help bring the ‘Hawks back.

“We have a core of good players up the middle an around our entire infield,” said head coach Jay Edwards. “Our newcomers are very skilled and very versatile and they should be able to contribute in many ways right from the start.”

The core includes sophomore pitcher Lisa Morgan (14-6, 129 K, 1.70 ERA). Then there are leading hitters Erin Murdoch (.377, 15 RBI) and Trina Ramsdell (.342, 17 RBI) and co-captains Brittany Hutchison (.262, 11 RBI), Caitlyn Elf (.240, 1 RBI) and Nicole Mangarella (3 RBI).

After that, throw in sophomores Christina Wolf, Rebecca Narel, Megan LaFlamme and Emily Blewett and freshman Ashley Ferris and the ‘Hawks have the ingredients of a team that could really make something happen.

“We have a great group of players who are also great people,” said coach Edwards. “It makes it a pleasure to work so hard during the course of the season. The girls respond to coaching very well and have already shown how willing they are to support each other and be leaders for our entire program.”

Schedule –

April 10, at Pomperaug, 3:45 pm; April 11, versus Staples, 3:45 pm; April 14, versus Weston, 3:45 pm; April 16, versus New Milford, 3:45 pm; April 17, at Jonathan Law, 3:45 pm; April 21, versus Lauralton Hall, 7 pm; April 23, at Notre Dame, 3:45 pm; April 25, versus Immaculate, 3:45 pm; April 28, at Bethel, 3:45 pm; April 30, versus Joel Barlow, 3:45 pm; May 2, versus Masuk, 7 pm; May 5, at Brookfield, 3:45 pm; May 7, versus Bunnell, 7 pm; May 8, versus Trumbull, 3:45 pm; May 12, versus Foran, 7 pm; May 14, at Weston, 3:45 pm; May 15, at Kolbe-Cathedral, 3:45 pm; May 19, versus Stratford, 7 pm; May 20, versus Pomperaug, 7 pm; May 22, at New Fairfield, 3:45 pm.

Boys Track

When it comes to the 2003 boys track season, coach Ed Obloj is hoping to get everyone on D.E.C.K. – Desire will lead to Excellence through Commitment and Knowledge. That’s the philosophy the Nighthawks will employ as they battle their way through the SWC.

“We definitely lost some talent last year,” said coach Obloj, “so my goal this year is to teach the team the techniques and sportsmanship that will make them a winning team … along with placing in the top three at the championship.”

The ‘Hawks will be without the best 4x800 relay team in school history and the best shot putter in school history. Dan Phillips, Cuyler Bryant, Dan Maxwell and David Rod set a new record in the 4x800 relay at the SWC championships last year (their mark of 8:20.97 shattered the old record by 14 seconds) and Matt Regan set a new record in the shot put at 49-71/2 .

All have graduated.

The good news is, 110-meter high hurdle champion Peter Terrance is back to lead the way. He will get support from returning veterans Tim Carlisle (hurdles), Brett Eastman (hurdles), Tim Robinson (jumps), Kyle Hastedt (jumps), Evan Forstrom (sprints), Adam Konneker (sprints), and Jon Read (pole vault).

The ‘Hawks should be bolstered by the presence of athletes like Mike Nastri, Peter Dittmar, Dan McIlrath and Phil Zencey in the distance events.

“It is a very young team,” admitted coach Obloj. “More than half the team is composed of freshmen and sophomores, but I am optimistic because of the incredible attitude I’m seeing the team exhibit.”

Other seniors include Will Simmons, Eric Taylor and Mike Taylor. Juniors also include Edmund Breitling, John Kostecki, Chris Mahmoud, Chris Marsden, Matt Miller, Jim Morlath, Rory Morrissey, Steve Phillips, John Polchowski, Lee Sandberg and Joe Sgammato. Sophomores include Michael Cash, Liam Cawley, John Collins, Mike Corbeil, Kris Crockett, Adam Drummond, Scott Forstrom, Stephen Greytak, William Jacob, Ryan Kraft, Jon Larsen, Ryan Peters, Shpunt, Nick Varga and Tyler von Oy. Freshmen include Matt Cole, Jeff Lipnick, Mike Mangarella, Alister Ratcliffe, Dan Schirloh, Eddie Small, Jake Sullivan, Josh Tenenbaum and Dan Tichon.

Schedule –

April 21, versus Notre Dame, Foran and Jonathan Law, 4 pm; April 28, at Brookfield, Bunnell and Pomperaug, 4 pm; May 5, versus Masuk and Joel Barlow, 4 pm; May 12, at New Milford, Bethel, and Stratford, 4 pm; May 19, versus Immaculate, Weston and New Fairfield, 4 pm.

Girls Track

The Lady Nighthawks had a stunning 12-2-1 campaign last year and saw senior Whitney Blanchard capture a first-place finish in the discus at the South-West Conference championships.

But the ‘Hawks were unable to muster enough depth to make a run at a team championship and finished ninth. Despite the loss of Blanchard, Melanie Murphy, Shannon Kohn and Cara Delvecchio, coach Marsha Caine has hopes she could change that in 2003.

“We have a lot of girls from the (SWC championship) cross country team returning and we expect them to receive a lot of points in the distance and mid-distance events,” coach Caine said. “But there are some big shoes to fill in the throwing events, so we are looking for the younger throwers to step up and get some points. We also need some work in the jumping events, but our new coach, Doug Russell, is showing a lot of enthusiasm.”

Co-captains Elana Tenenbaum (javelin), Sarah Macknight (mid-distance) and Christine Manfredonia (distance) will lead a large group of strong athletes into competition. Alli Frobey (mid-distance), Carolyn Brennan (distance), Leah Herity (sprints), Quincey Blanchard (sprints) and Jackie Curran (jumps) are other key returnees.

Seniors include Kristen Correa, Jennifer Dahlgard, Megan Ignatius and Katie Lahey. Juniors include Erica Carino, Amanda Hadgraft, Kaitlyn Murphy, Caitlin Sullivan, and Caitlin Weber. Sophomores include Mary Anders, Jessica Biscoe, Kathryn Black, Dianna Carden Ryder, Kat Danziger, Kristen Davis, Katie Fullman, Jessica Gaddis, Jessica Remitz, Kate Stickles, Caitlin Thursland, Emily Tomasiewicz, Kristen Troy and Theresa Villafano.

And a stable of 16 freshmen includes Sadie Ball, Lindsay Beck, Jessica Cosgrove, Kate Rose Crevier, Carly Curran, Elizabeth Ericson, Tara Gaston, Lori Meehan, Emily Neff, Jacqueline Ratzing, Diana Rawson, Kate Sullivan, Teresa Taylor, Diana Taylor, Bridget VanKuren and Lindsay Weber.

Schedule –

April 22, at Jonathan Law, Notre Dame, and Foran, 4 pm; April 29, versus Bunnell, Pomperaug and Brookfield, 4 pm; May 6, versus Masuk, Lauralton Hall, and Joel Barlow, 4 pm; May 13, at Stratford, Bethel, and New Milford; May 20, versus Immaculate, Weston, New Fairfield, 4 pm.

Golf

Taking a look at head coach Jen Huettner’s roster, it seems like just about everyone in the school tried out for a spot on the golf team (there were 19 underclassmen hitting balls at Golf Quest, for heaven’s sake).

Coach Huettner will whittle the entire list down to 20 before the season starts and while she will have a little trouble seeing who fits into the No. 5 position in the rotation, her top four look pretty solid.

At the top, there is senior co-captain Mike Troy, who carded an 83 in the South-West Conference tournament at Ridgewood Country Club in Danbury last year. Then there is senior co-captains Greg Korotash and Owen Beams and junior Ben Moore.

The ‘Hawks – now without the steady influence of Tom Ragusa and Mike Hayes – were 9-4 a year ago.

“I think we will have a good season,” said coach Huettner, “even without the master (Jim Casagrande). The teams to beat will be Weston and Pomperaug … and Bunnell might be good again. I think we can finish in the upper bracket and, personally, I’m hoping we can finish third.”

Schedule –

April 21, versus Joel Barlow, 3 pm; April 23, versus Brookfield, 3 pm; April 24, versus Bethel, 3 pm; April 28, versus Stratford, 3 pm; April 29, at Masuk, 3 pm; April 30, at Watertown, 3 pm; May 1, at Foran, 3 pm; May 5, at Pomperaug, 3 pm; May 6, at Immaculate, 3 pm; May 8, at Weston, 3 pm; May 12, versus Jonathan Law, 3 pm; May 14, versus New Milford, 3 pm; May 15, at Bunnell, 3 pm; May 20, at Notre Dame, 3 pm.

Baseball

Success has eluded the Nighthawks (4-16 a year ago) for several years, but new head coach Carl Strait has a plan to change that. It starts with putting together a base of young, talented players who can grow and develop together.

“We’re very young,” said coach Strait, “but we hope to get a lot of leadership from out captains (Pete Meisel and Ron Isler). It’s nice to have captains, like them, with a lot of experience.”

It is a new program with a new way of thinking and it is going to take a lot of patience.

“As a program, we want to become more cohesive and more team-oriented,” said coach Strait. “Our goal will always be to be better than the year before and, of course, we would love to win eight games and get into the state tournament. I think the kids can be as good as they want to be.”

The ‘Hawks will be without the strong influence of players like Keith Neidig, Dan Murphy and Tim LaPak. But coach Strait is confident in the abilities of Mark Fracker (P/1B), Isler (P/3B), Meisel (P/2B), Ted Rocca (OF), Ben Bagaglio (OF), Greg Britton (P/1B), Joe DeFeo (INF), Pat McCarthy (P/INF), Matt Myslewski (P/3B), Ron Shimko (SS), Nick Magoulas (C), Alex Dolan (P/CF), Steve Marks (P/OF) and Peter Oggeri (C).

Besides being young, the ‘Hawks will spend the majority of the season on the road as their baseball field (the refurbished fields behind the high school) are not quite ready for play. The ‘Hawks hope to play a few home games in May at the Newtown Middle School.

Schedule –

April 9, at Weston, 3:45 pm; April 10, at Pomperaug, 3:45 pm; April 12, at St. Joseph’s, 10 am; April 14, at Joel Barlow, 3:45 pm; April 16, at New Milford, 3:45 pm; April 17, at Jonathan Law, 3:45 pm; April 21, at Jonathan Law, 3:45 pm; April 22, at Notre Dame, 3:45 pm; April 25, at Immaculate, 3:45 pm; April 28, at Bethel, 3:45 pm; May 2, at Masuk, 3:45 pm; May 5, at Brookfield, 3:45 pm; May 7, versus Bunnell, 3:45 pm; May 9, versus Masuk, 3:45 pm; May 12, versus Foran, 3:45 pm; May 14, at Weston, 3:45 pm; May 19, versus Stratford, 3:45 pm; May 21, versus Pomperaug, 3:45 pm; May 22, at New Fairfield, 3:45 pm.