Newtown High School’s girls’ track and field team has 40 athletes ready to compete, down from the usual 60-plus from past seasons. Head Coach Becky Bourret attributes the drop-off to the impact of the coronavirus. This decline will mean an increased work load for those on board.

“The girls we do have are a very invested and committed group — willing to work hard and take on different events to help the team succeed as a whole,” Bourret said.

“We have a ton of team leaders this year rather than captains. With COVID, contract tracing, and quarantining, we have maintained the pod mentality in hopes to keep our numbers high throughout the season,” the coach added.

Team leaders, composed of juniors and seniors, are Elise Barricelli, Amelia Daly, Maddie Fetchick, Courtney Henchcliffe, Arden Hildenbrand, Ally McCarthy, Sarah Nowacki, and Emily Tressler.

“All of these leaders are not only captain material but key contributors to the success of our team,” Bourret said.

Other team members to watch include freshman sprinter Jillian Bobowick, freshman distance runner Grace Chiriatti, freshman jumper Zosia Teraszakiewicz, junior thrower Shayna Millard, sophomore jumper Grace Miller, senior thrower Kate Petersen, sophomore mid distance runner Riley Powers, and junior sprinter Reagan Schoen.

“Without the spring season last year, our juniors are truly coming in as redshirted sophomores, making our team young experience-wise. There is a lot of talent lurking. It’s just about staying healthy, keeping the girls excited, and making it as a full team to the South-West Conference championship in May,” Bourret said.