NHS Trio Competes At Track State Open

By Andy Hutchison

NEW HAVEN — The best of the best of the state’s track and field athletes came together for the State Open at the New Haven Athletic Center on February 20 and a trio of Newtown High athletes were among those showcasing their skills.

Shot put competitor John Wlasuk, 55-meter hurdler Lauren Pettinelli, and 300-meter runner Reagan Cerney all participated and represented NHS as one of 52 schools with boys’ athletes and 41 schools with girls’ squad team members at the Open.

Wlasuk placed third in the shot put event with a throw of 53-01.50. Cerney was 16th in the 300 in a time of 43.35.

Assistant NHS Coach Stephanie Ramsey noted that the team, historically, has field event participants go far in the postseason and was thrilled to have a thrower and two runners qualify.

Wlasuk and Pettinelli are juniors and Cerney is a freshman. All three Nighthawks were thrilled to compete with top athletes from schools all over the state and, as Ramsey said, they should be watched for in seasons to come.

“We’re not done — this isn’t it,” Ramsey said. “This is all about getting them ready for the next few years.”