Track Teams Are Off And Running

By Andy Hutchison

Newtown’s girls’ and boys’ outdoor track and field teams are getting set to start the new season and girls’ coach Doug Russell and new boys’ head coach Dan McIlrath are anxious to see what the up-and-coming team members bring to their respective teams.

The Newtown girls placed eighth among 24 schools and the boys were 19th among 21 schools at last year’s Class LL State Championships.

Just how far these teams can go in 2010 hinges on the development of the newcomers and performances of returnees.

“There’s a lot of talent. I think there’s a lot of hidden talent,” said McIlrath, who was an assistant with the wrestling team.

Enough talent, McIlrath believes, that the Hawks can contend for a top-five spot in the South-West Conference.

In the distance running events, McIlrath will look to senior Matt Bobkowski, junior Austin Baldour, sophomores Dieter Gutbrod and Palmer Lintz, and freshman Jake Feinstein for success. The sprinters are led by seniors Evan Barreto, Marc Bonacci (hurdler), Adam Buccino, Eric Thornberg, and Rockwell Anyoha and juniors Ian McEvoy (hurdler), Aaron Nezvesky, and Ken Toal.

The throwers are led by junior John Wlasuk, who was setting recording throughout this past indoor season, and sophomores Lou Fenaroli and Palmer Lintz. Anyoha and senior Ben Miles are the leading long jumpers, juniors Sean Maher and Joe Pieretti are the leading high jumpers, and Nezvesky is the top pole vaulter.

“I think, at the end of the season, as long as everybody improves — whether it be an inch, or a foot, or a mile — I think as long as they’re improving over the season, and getting technique down … that’s the best thing that can happen,” McIlrath said.

The NHS girls’ squad, which includes 120-or-so participants, is loaded with young talent.

The team is typically strong in the field events and returns strong pole vaulters Becca Castegner (senior) and Lila Korman Glaser and Abbey Keough (juniors).

The Nighthawks, though lost jumper and pole vaulter Lauren Sudbey and discus thrower Rachel Taback — both standouts in their roles — to graduation and have many new faces in the field events.

Runner Natalie Villa is another of the key graduates who leaves a big void, but Russell is excited about the group distance runners, which is heavy on underclassmen.

Freshman Reagan Cerney, who had a solid indoor season during the winter months, and sophomore Melissa Buccino are strong sprinters. Lauren Pettinelli and Lilly Rodriquez are hurdlers whom Russell expects will perform at a high level.

Juniors Anne Martino and Mara Scallon, and sophomores Erin Begg, Katie Burns, and Jenny VanVeen all ran in states last year and bring experience back to the distance running corps. Other distance runners to watch for include sophomore Cassie Fallon and juniors Dani Villa and Emma Fiore (member of indoor 4x400 relay team).

“I’m curious to see what a lot of these young girls are going to be able to do,” Russell said. “I’m very excited.”

Russell is back with the team after taking sick leave for back surgery toward the end of the indoor track season.

The girls begin the regular season April 19 when they visit Joel Barlow and take on the host Falcons, Weston, and Lauralton Hall of Milford.

The boys also open on April 19 at Barlow and will face only the host Falcons and Weston Trojans.