Newtown High School’s girls’ and boys’ indoor track teams are preparing for competition this winter, and coaches of both squads are hopeful for success.

“A huge goal this season is building our mental strength and our confidence in our abilities. It’s scary to get on the track and push your body so hard you feel uncomfortable. We are teaching the girls to be fearless this season,” said Becky Bourret, coach of the Nighthawk girls’ squad.

“We are extremely excited for the indoor season,” said Bourret, adding that there are approximately 60 girls on the team, 17 of them freshmen. “There are a lot of talented athletes who are looking to do field events. It’s exciting that we have ten fearless ladies who are pole vaulting with our new coach, Barbara Skidmore.”

Senior captains include Elise Barricelli, a sprinter committed to D-I Quinnipiac and Ally McCarthy, a middle distance runner committed to D-I University Of Connecticut.

“Both of these returnees are a huge benefit for this season — both are returning state champions who work hard and simply love the sport and want others to enjoy it as well,” Bourret said.

Other captains to help lead the way are distance runner Emily Litke, jumpers Jamie Adams and Kayleigh Troy, thrower Annie Connors, and sprinter Amelia Daly.

On the boys’ side, the number one goal is to simply make it though the slate given the coronavirus-related potential for cancellations, Coach Becky Osborne said.

“We have talented runners. We’re very young. I think we have a the chance to do some really good stuff if we get the opportunity,” Osborne said.

The boys’ squad captains were to be selected at the end of preseason. Key team members include distance/mid distance runners Aidan Budge and Colby Harrell, sprinters Will Elkins and Brock Dukate, sprinter/jumper Caleb Smith, and thrower Tommy Varga. Newcomers to watch for include hurdler Oliver Guzy and distance runner Soheib Dissa.

Competition is set to begin in early January with developmental meets as the teams work toward the South-West Conference championships to be held Saturday, February 5, at the Floyd Little Athletic Center in New Haven.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.