Tom Brant, coach of Newtown High School's boys' track and field team, is hopeful that his squad - led by its depth in field events - can compete for a South-West Conference championship this campaign.

Brant wants to see the effort match the level of ability, which would could carry the Nighthawks a long way.

"As a program we have a lot of talent and potential. However, talent and potential is only as good as the amount of time and effort we put into practice. If we put in the time and effort in practice, our talent and potential will become a reality and we should be competing for a SWC championship in Bethel," the coach said.

Newtown is coming off a ninth-place finish in the conference and a 16th-place outcome in the Class LL state championships last spring.

Significant losses to graduation include sprinter Gus Porto, thrower Peter Manfredonia, and distance runner David Csordas.

Captains are senior distance runners Ethan Burg and Richard Linley, senior jumper Cole Terry, junior sprinter Jack Lavelle, and junior thrower Jack Godfrey.

Others whom Brant expects major contributions from include sprinters Hunter Cobb and Kevin Arther, thrower Ben Mason, pole vaulter Dylan Lew, and distance runner Joel Duval.

"We have quality invitationals in Bloomfield and White Plains which will always test our best athletes against the region and country's very best. Schools such as Pomperaug, Weston, and Masuk will be competing with us for the SWC Championship," Brant said.

"We should be extremely deep in the shot put, javelin, and discus, along with some potential to have strong seasons in pole vault, long jump, and triple jump."

Brant would like to see some improvement from his team members in the distance events.

"We have talent with our distance team. However, we need to become more consistent and not allow ourselves to lose focus. The success of our distance squad will go a long way in determining how successful our season is," he said.

The season begins with the Bloomfield Invitational on April 9. Newtown's first home meet is set for April 19 when Pomperaug of Southbury and Bethel visit Blue & Gold Stadium for a 4 pm start.