Newtown High School's boys' tennis team will look to get back to the South-West Conference Tournament under the direction of a new coach as Mike Stedronsky takes the reins with enthusiasm and high expectations - not specifically for success, but in terms of work ethic that the coach believes should lead to winning ways.

"We need to go out and we need to give 110 percent every time we step on the court or go into a conditioning session," said Stedronsky, adding that he is okay with losing as long as a strong effort is put forth.

Stedronsky adds that he expects the Nighthawks to continue to give it their all as they have throughout preseason.

"I feel fortunate to be working with this group of guys," said Stedronsky, who grew up in Connecticut, played tennis at Litchfield High, and has since coached and taught tennis lessons for 13 years. Stedronsky, the director of tennis for the Country Club of Waterbury, has taught players ranging from beginner to Division I collegiate.

Newtown reached the SWC semifinals and lost to perennial powerhouse Weston a year ago, and five players graduated from that squad. Weston and Pomperaug of Southbury are among the top teams in the SWC, and the Nighthawks have some experience back on the courts as they strive to be among the top squads in the conference.

"We have the luxury of having a very deep team," Stedronsky said.

The lineup is led by returnees and upperclassmen and captains Joey Conrod and Grant Larson, along with vice captain Jordan Klein, and teammates Matt Frazzetta, Constantine Vogiatzis, and Jackson Dooley.

Preseason has been a lot about conditioning given the snowy then rainy weather and limited opportunities to play indoors, so the Nighthawks and their opponents may have to shake off some rust early on. The season is slated to begin on Thursday, April 6, when they visit Pomperaug at 3:45 pm. New Milford comes to Newtown on Monday, April 10, for an 11 am school vacation match.

"The guys are hungry and ready to get out there," Stedronsky said. "We're looking to have a tremendous season."