Girls’ And Boys’ Track Teams Have Lots Of Depth

By Andy Hutchison

Newtown High School’s girls’ and boys’ track and field teams both have large squads and plenty of talent throughout many of the events as the 2008 campaign gets underway. The two teams combine for nearly 200 participants (the girls alone start the season with 100 and the boys have 88) — these are the largest squads girls’ coach Doug Russell and boys’ coach Ed Obloj have had in at least six or seven years.

Although big numbers alone don’t transform into success, returning and new talent often does and both teams appear poised for good seasons.

The girls went 12-1 last year (the only loss came to Weston) and ended up 14th in the Class LL State Championships. The boys were 8-4 and finished 22nd in LL.

The girls’ team features a strong distance group, which includes four top runners from the cross country team. Elise DeRoo runs the 800 meters, 1600, and is a member of the 4x400 relay team; Jen Brill runs the 3200; and Sara Pollock runs the 3200. Carolyn Gingras, a top-five runner on the cross country team, will be key in distance events.

Tania Domingos is returning in the 800 and 4x400 and 4x800. Emily Weber competes in the 4x800, Kelley Sullivan in the 400 and 4x400 and Jacqui Kirol races in the 800 and 4x800. Emily Lockhart, Meghan Barbour, and Kristen Hudock are strong sprinters and Melanie Isolais a solid hurdler.

Key returnees to field events include: Gabby Nastri (triple jump); Harriet Morgan (high jump); Lauren Sudbey (pole vault, long jump, and high jump); Emily Korth (pole vault and high jump); Annie Garret (high jump and hurdles); Rachel Taback (discus); and Claire Ober (javelin).

Newcomers whom the coach is expecting big things from include Keegan Frobey (high jump); Ally Modzelweski (sprinter); Jaclyn VanWaalwijk (thrower); Anne Martino (a distance runner, who was among the fastest on the cross country team). Distance runners Mara Scallon and Kelly Stendahl are others to watch, the coach said.

“I think we have a strong dual meet team,” said Russell, adding that he would like to see a stronger showing in postseason competitions. “Weston will be tough but I think we will be more competitive this year.”

On the boys’ side, Obloj is optimistic about prospects for a good season. He said the Nighthawks have a strong group of sprinters and an experienced squad overall.

Participants who are expected to be standouts are seniors Jamie Goodwick (sprints and pole vault); Ryan Hudock and Steven Ashbolt (sprints); Kevin Hoyt (distance); and Cody Cullens (sprints and jumps). Up-and-coming team members include sophomore sprinters Ryan Ames, Kevin Barretto, and Ben Miles.

Among the goals for the Hawks are to have a better conference record than last year and finish among the top three of the South-West Conference. Tough teams the boys will face include Weston, Bunnell, and New Milford, but the Hawks have a lot of returning, experienced runners and appear poised to have a strong campaign.

“We have an incredible number of talented seniors and juniors coming back,” Obloj said.