With new Coach Tony Fitti in the fold, Newtown High School’s boys’ lacrosse team is gearing up for a strong campaign. Fitti brings with him a solid background that includes high school and collegiate experience as a player (University of Massachusetts Boston) and coach (including at UMass Boston and Post University in Waterbury).

“Our goal is to be playing our best lacrosse in May. We put a focus on how we show up every day, our attitude, our effort, and our energy. If we focus on our controllables we expect to compete at a high level when it counts. Our goals are to be championship-caliber students, community members, and lacrosse players,” Fitti said.

“Our program’s fundamental pillars are trust, buy-in, hard work, and dedication. As a program, using our four pillars to guide us day in and day out will help us accomplish our goals,” the coach added.

Captains who will lead the Nighthawks are attack player Sam Steare, midfielders Eli Williams and Colby Harrell, and goaltender Reilly Nydell. Other key players include midfielders Fisher Stites, Charlie Massett, and Griffin Clemen, along with defender Asher Williams, Fitti said.

Newtown possesses a combination of youth and depth, and Fitti looks forward to seeing what this team can do.

“We have some strong players in some important spots. We are deep through the midfield with returning experience and young at attack with a balance of speed, skill, and lacrosse IQ. Our youth at defense will be our strength. We have a solid group of young players who are eager and excited to learn. We are a very athletic group and will use that to our advantage in all phases of the game,” Fitti said.

Defending South-West Conference champion Weston and a New Fairfield squad that won three consecutive conference crowns capped by a 2021 victory over Weston, are among a large pool of challenging teams with which the Hawks will contend. There will be nonconference clashes with Amity of Woodbridge, Daniel Hand of Madison, Danbury, Fairfield Warde, and Norwalk. Fitti is not looking past anybody.

The season gets underway Thursday, April 6, when New Milford visits Blue & Gold Stadium at 7 pm.

“Our schedule is loaded with some very good teams that have strong traditions of success. Every game is as important as the next,” the coach said.

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