By Kim J. Harmon

Coach Ed Obloj had just about resigned himself to the somewhat unpleasant idea that his boys’ track team would be firmly entrenched in its effort to rebuild in the year 2000 . . . that is, until he held his first time trials.

Let’s just say, his eyes have been opened and his optimism has been ratcheted up quite a bit.

“We’ve lost a lot of talent,” said coach Obloj. “Both our 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams have been wiped out and half our 4x800 is gone. But after the time trials, we had six kids who really shined and to begin the year like that is great.”

But the Nighthawks are heading into the SWC season without the likes of Jeff Gasparini, Robb Miller, Nate Delvecchio, Frank Huisking (the captains), Doug Randlett, Kevin Conover, Quint LaChappelle, Chris Memoli and outstanding sprinter Grant Werbeck and that is an awful lot to lose from one team.

“I’m a little optimistic, though, after our time trials,” said coach Obloj.

He will be looking towards his captains – Anthony Mentessana, Kyle Tobin, Glenn Stiewing and Joe Blanchard – to step up into bigger roles in 2000. Tobin is one of the premier hurdlers in the South-West Conference and an outstanding sprinter, to boot. Mentessana is a strong long jump and triple jump athlete while Blanchard will be a solid middle distance runner and all-around utility guy. Stiewing is still recovering from an injury suffered during cross country season in the fall and will provide a lot of guts in his performances.

Coach Obloj also expects some solid performances out of Vinny Nitopi (shot put and discus); Dave Clancy (javelin); junior John Werbeck, a newcomer (“at the time trials he did quite well,” coach Obloj said); and sophomore TJ Maguire (“he is showing us something in the throwing events,” said coach Obloj).

Molding this group of untested athletes into a solid team falls on the shoulders of Obloj, of course, and his coaching staff – Carl Paternoster (assistant and right-hand man), Steve George (weights) and Dave Payne (throwing).

“Our hope is to have a well-balanced team,” said coach Obloj. “That’s where we are heading and that will be the key. The rest will fall into place.”

DATE   OPPONENT         H/A

April 11  Bethel, Foran                 H

               Jonathan Law

May 2     Masuk, New Milford        A

               Pomperaug

May 5     Bunnell, Notre Dame      H

               Immaculate

May 9     Weston, Brookfield         A

May 16   Joel Barlow, Stratford     A

               New Fairfield

May 23   SWC championship