Practice began in earnest this week for the start of the 2000-2001 winter sports season at Newtown High School. While the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams actually got started last Monday, all the sports (indoor track, wrestling and swimming included) were in full-scale practice mode on Monday.

The winter season will officially get underway next Saturday at 7 pm when the Nighthawks’ girls’ basketball team – the defending South-West Conference champion – hosts perennial state powerhouse Norwalk. Steve Selezan, Nick Feola and Matt Sullivan will captain the ‘Hawks as they strive towards a conference title.

Pictured above, new assistant wrestling coach Steven Ford illustrates a move to the ‘Hawks during practice in the small gym. Pictured at left, Amanda Marsilio boxes out Lauren Adamek (while assistant coach Ken Good looks on) in an early drill. Marsilio, Adamek and Jayme Beckham will captain a team that will attempt to defend its title in amidst a sea of state-caliber basketball teams.

Team previews will appear in the December 8 issue of The Newtown Bee.