Newtown High School's girls' outdoor track and field team has further cemented its South-West Conference dynasty status, capturing its fourth consecutive championship at New Milford High on May 21. The win came in dramatic fashion as the Nighthawks scored 87 points to edge Joel Barlow of Redding (84) on the final event of the meet. The top five were all close, with Weston scoring 81, Brookfield 80, and Pomperaug of Southbury 75.

On the boys' side, Newtown had a strong showing, placing third with 74 points, behind only runaway champion Bethel (197) and Stratford (80).

The favored 4x100 meter relay team comprising Gwyneth Lyon, Nyla Peterson, Summer Chaljub, and Gemma Marks was first in 49.76. Faith Weir took home the discus title with a throw of 93-feet-6, a huge win given she moved up a handful of spots from her ranking and earned the team ten key, unexpected points. "Probably the biggest surprise of the meet," Nighthawk Coach David Warren said.

It all came down to the 4x400 team of Natalie del Campo, Maddie Zupan, Addy Kopp, and Peterson, in the last event of the meet. Newtown was neck and neck with Barlow and Weston in overall team scoring. The relay was seeded sixth, but needed to finish fourth or better for the team victory, Warren anticipated. Due to these variables, he held back freshmen Zupan and Kopp from an earlier race to keep their legs fresh for this crucial event — and the strategic decision paid off. The relay placed fourth, clocking in at 4:11.30 to secure the team triumph.

Warren said del Campo's endurance, having already competed in other events, and Peterson, also a freshman who runs like a sophomore or junior, helped put together the decisive relay effort. "It really made a difference," he said of Zupan and Kopp saving their energy for the last race.

"Coming in, I knew it was going to be close," Warren added. "I have faith in the girls. They work hard all year long, we push them."

The coach said to the team "Why not today?" and they came through.

Both squads had numerous impressive runs, throws, and jumps. Keeley Ferriter placed fifth in the 3200 in 12:21.28. Marcela Corral came in third in the 100 hurdles in a time of 17.51.

The 4x800 team of del Campo, Clare Csaszar, Eleanor Smith, and Ana Morris was third in 10:07.58. Jamie Humphreys was fifth in the shot-put with a throw of 30-6.5. Mackenzie Penrod was third in the javelin with a 102-3. Anna Parsons came in fifth in the high jump, clearing the bar at 4-8. Violet Assante-LaBash was fifth in the triple jump with a 33-0.5.

Newtown's boys also had a first-place relay as the 4x800 team of Marc Cartas, Beckett Williams, Orion Lowery, and Reid Karnas took the top spot in 8:27.55.

James D'Amico was fifth in the 400 with a time of 51.72. Duncan Kolb was second in the 800 in 1:58.68. Lowery came in third in the 1600 in 4:33.82. Lowery and Bryce Taylor came in second and third, respectively, with times of 10:07.88 and 10:12.2 in the 3200.

The 4x100 team comprising Justyn Gonzalez, Bryce Maddox, D'Amico, and Grady Marks finished in third in 44.15.

Spencer Maddox was second in the high jump, clearing 5-10, and Aiden Tanis was fifth, clearing 5-8. Mandela Clouden took sixth, also with a 5-8. Tanner Smith came in fourth in the long jump with a 20-8.25.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.