Newtown High School's boys' cross country team raced in the State Open, at Manchester's Wickham Park, on November 3. Newtown's girls' squad was represented by freshman standout Emily Tressler.

The boys came in 13th among 20 schools. Newtown top five runners scored 323. Xavier of Middletown, with a meet low of 61, was first, edging out Staples of Westport, which also had 61, based on placement of the sixth- and seventh-place finishers.

The Nighthawks were led by Ryan Escoda, who placed 41st among 181 runners, and 32 among runners representing teams, completing the course in a time of 17:05. Teammate Nick Jacobs was 47th and 35 among team runners in 17:14.

Drew Thompson, of Fairfield Prep, won the race in 15:44.

In the girls' race, Tressler placed 49th among 176 competitors, coming across the finish line in a time of 21:08.

Wilton's Morgan McCormick was first, clocking in at 18:23.