Softball Alums Reunite At NHS

By Andy Hutchison

Current Nighthawks took on past players in Newtown High School’s first annual Alumni Game at NHS on June 17.

Former teammates, many of whom have been away from the game for several years, had an opportunity to catch up — and to show that they still have skills.

“It’s so much fun. It’s a great place to be. There are so many memories at this field,” said 2006 graduate Lisa Morgan, a pitcher who got to play with her sister, 2002 grad Heather Morgan once again.

NHS coaches Bob Guererra and Lin Hertberg served as umpires for the game. Guererra said it was great to see his former players and added that he was thrilled so many from various graduating classes, including 1997 grad Samantha Byrne and former Hawks who graduated only a year ago, came back.

“That’s what every coach hopes to accomplish in his or her career is that every kid who leaves the program wants to come back,” Guererra said.

The current players built a 5-0 lead and carried a 6-4 advantage into the last inning before 2008 alum Melissa Fracker smacked a two-run double to help the players of the past salvage a 6-6 tie. No extra innings were played in this mostly-for-fun scrimmage.

“They tied it up. Everybody goes home happy. It’s good — it doesn’t get any better than that,” Guererra said.

On June 19, the Nighthawks held their annual season-ending banquet. Several awards were handed out. Shortstop Nora Lynn Shimko received the offensive and defensive player awards and Laura Newberrry received standard of excellence honors. Those three awards were voted on by the players. In addition, the coaches recognized pitcher Jenna Legros for her excellence in career high school pitching and overall contributions to the program and honored Rachel Ruiz is the team’s most versatile player. The Nighthawks voted on captains for next spring and Katie Bowen and Ashley Kuligowski were chosen.

Newtown reached the quarterfinals of state tournament play for the third straight season.