Boys’ Track Team Strives To Continue Winning Ways

By Andy Hutchison

For the past several seasons, Newtown High School’s boys track and field team has had double-digit regular season win success. Coach Ed Obloj is hopeful that trend will continue, but notes that it will not be an easy task given the talent lost to graduation a year ago.

Graduates Jamie Goodwick, Ryan Hudock, Kevin Hoyt, Stephen Ashbolt, Kris Kling and Cody Cullens all scored significant points last year when Newtown came in tenth in the South-West Conference championships and 20th in the Class LL state championships after the team’s depth led to a successful 11-2 regular campaign.

“It’s a major rebuilding year because we lost some extremely talented seniors,” Obloj said.

That said, there is a fair amount of talent back. Senior captains are Kevin Bonnacci (long jump, high jump and sprints), Tony Fragoso (sprints), Harrison Gillis (shot-put and discus throw), David Meyer (distance runner), Josh Milas (hurdles and sprints) and Drew Woods (distance).

Other seniors who are looked upon as likely point-getters for the Hawks are hurdler/sprinter Brian Cawley and sprinter Dave Hutchison. Junior middle-distance runner/jumper Shane Casey and sophomore shot-putter and discus and javelin thrower John Wlasuk are also key participants.

Bonnacci broke Newtown High’s indoor long jump record this past season and Wlasuk was second in the SWC in the shot-put throw.

The team has 25 freshmen and 13 sophomores among its 65 total participants.

“We have a very young team,” Obloj said.

The Hawks will get their first taste of competition this season against Stratford, New Fairfield and Bethel at Bethel on April 13. The lone home meet is April 20 against Oxford, Weston and Brookfield.