Correction: This article has been updated to reflect the correct spelling of Newtown High's head coach.

The goals of challenging perennial South-West Conference powerhouse New Milford for a title and pushing the state's top teams with a deep lineup have been commonplace for Newtown High School's wrestling team. This year, however, the Nighthawks - while they are still striving to be the best they can be individually and collectively - have different aspirations thanks to a thinned down roster that will mean some weight class forfeits.

Graduation claimed six team members, including four individual conference champs, from its 14 weight divisions; and a combination of injuries and some other grapplers not returning leaves Ron Chivinski, the team's first-year head coach, with a roster of just 15 and some holes in the lineup.

"Those who are here are committed and ready to go," Chivinski said at preseason practice as he team members worked on their techniques in the wrestling room. "We may be a small unit, but there's great camaraderie and spirit in this room."

The Hawks may be able to make up for some of their missing links with their attitude and effort, but they will be at a disadvantage in some matches.

"When there are forfeits it's very hard to compete with the best," said Chivinski, the team's assistant coach of last year's SWC and State Open runner-up squad.

"It's a very different approach. This team will go as far as they bond together as a team. They will need to embrace the team philosophy," the coach added. "The expectations will be different. There's still a high bar to be reached."

The Nighthawks were second in the SWC to New Milford, third in the Class LL state championships, and second in the State Open (Danbury won both state competitions).

This year, there are opportunities for individual success and, despite leaving some points on the mat via forfeits, the Hawks can make some noise in the postseason. And while the lineup may not be as deep as the Hawks would prefer, there is a wealth of experience and talent in the fold.

Newtown is led by senior captains Aaron Occhipinti and Owen Walsh.

Also back in the mix are Nik Accousti, Evan Rooney, Joe Zeller, Fritz Maurath, Sebastian Vona, and Aidan Occhipinti. Ayden Kasbarian is among the team newcomers who bring wrestling experience to the mats.

Andy Seras is a volunteer assistant who brings tremendous experience and impressive accolades to the team. Seras is a former Division I coach at Sacred Heart University, a Division III champion while wrestling at the University of Albany in 1985, and wrestled for the US at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, and in five World Championships between 1989 and 1994. 
He was a Pan American gold medalist in 1991 and a silver medalist in 1995.

Assistant Michael Long, a former Nighthawk standout on the mats, returns to help guide the grapplers.

"Coach Long has been a great asset as an assistant. He has worked with these young men for many years and has established great rapport," Chivinski said.

The first match of the season is on Wednesday, December 13, when Weston visits NHS for a 7 pm clash.

The season continues with the Guilford Invitational, on December 16.

The Hawks will compete in eight tournaments and have just four home matches.

Chivinski has also coached high school wrestling at Fairfield Prep and youth wrestlers in New Fairfield. He's worked in Newtown for 20 years as a middle school teacher, and has taught some of his Newtown High team members. He is thrilled to take over the Nighthawk program after a campaign under the leadership of Chris Bray, who stepped down last year.

"I am as enthusiastic, as passionate, and as happy ear to ear as I've ever been," Chivinski, whose Pennsylvania team, North Schuylkill High, was featured in Sports Illustrated in 1989. "It's an honor."