Newtown High School Athletes Of The Year

Newtown High School’s sports teams fielded many talented athletes during the 2007-08 school year. Those who excelled at multiple sports and received conference and, in some instances, state and national accolades are being highlighted in recognition of their efforts and on-field, court, track and ice achievements as The Bee’s NHS Athletes Of The Year.

Two senior girls, in particular, stood out with record-setting performances this past school year. Cross country and outdoor track distance runner Elise DeRoo and lacrosse/field hockey player Courtney Gleason, each of whom set school records in the spring season, are honored as the top NHS female athletes of the year. Soccer and basketball player Dan Smith, a senior, along with hockey/lacrosse player Christian Beitel, a junior, each of whom were among the key players on their respective teams and played at a high level in two vastly different sports, are The Bee’s top NHS male athletes of the year.

Elise DeRoo

DeRoo, despite missing some time from running and not competing at full strength before having her tonsils removed this spring, competed at a high level and set NHS records in the 1600 meter run (5:02.97) and 3200 (10:58). She was first in the Class LL State Track Championship in the 1600. Also a cross country standout (DeRoo set two course records this past fall), she earned All-New England cross country honors and All-State recognition in track and cross country. DeRoo was recruited to run cross country and track at Colgate University, where she will study molecular biology. She graduated with a grade point average of better than 4.0.

Favorite aspect of competing: “I really like the adrenaline rush,” said DeRoo, adding, “It’s nice seeing hard work pay off.”

Toughest part of competing: Getting over prerace nerves. “As soon as I get to the line it turns into positive energy and you can focus on the race.”

When she’s not running: DeRoo works at Ferris Acres Creamery and spends time with her friends.

Courtney Gleason

Gleason was an All-American in lacrosse, as well as an All-State First Team honoree and an All-South West Conference nominee in field hockey and lacrosse. She was the MVP of the SWC Lacrosse Tournament, won by Newtown. Gleason set an NHS lacrosse mark with 74 goals and 46 assists this spring and was recruited to play lacrosse at Wheaton College.

Best aspect of competing: “Being part of a team. You become so close with all the girls on the team regardless of what grade they are in. It gives you discipline and sense of structure that helps you in every aspect of life. And of course, watching all your hard work pay off when you win against a rival or win a championship.”

Toughest part of competing: “The hours you have to sacrifice to be at the level of competition Newtown athletics are at. Athletes have to work year round if they want to stand out. This involves practicing stick skills, weight lifting, running, and just staying healthy. Coming into a new season, the expectations are always so high — so there is a lot of pressure to really go out there and raise the bar once again.”

Best memory: Upsetting Greenwich and defeating Brien McMahon in the state field hockey playoffs.

When she’s not playing: “Anything I do off the field usually always has to do with something that will help me on the field,” said Gleason, who competes on premier teams and attends tournaments in the area. Gleason will also work with up-and-coming field hockey and lacrosse players at camps this summer.

Dan Smith

Smith, a goalkeeper during the fall soccer season, was an All-South West Conference First Team honoree. A member of the basketball team, he received All-Conference Honorable Mention recognition. Smith was invited to preseason soccer camp at the University of New Hampshire this summer and hopes to be a walk-on member of the team. His twin, Jason, was a standout basketball player at NHS as well, earning All-Colonial Division honors.

Best aspect of competing: “It keeps me busy. You always have your friends come out to the games — it’s a good atmosphere.”

Toughest part of competing: Preparation for the regular season, including getting into shape and raising the fitness level during preseason workouts.

When he’s not playing: Smith stays active, playing pickup basketball, golfing, or swimming in his spare time.

Christian Beitel

Beitel helped the Newtown boys’ lacrosse team reach the state tournament quarterfinals and earned All-Conference Second Team honors in lacrosse and All-Conference Second Team recognition in hockey.

Favorite aspect of competing: “My favorite part about competing is definitely the sense of camaraderie there is on a team and the feeling that everyone around you is looking to succeed.”

Toughest part of competing: “The hardest part is making sure everyone is focused on the same thing and that everyone is trying to win.”

Best memory: A come-from-behind win over New Milford and a pair of victories, including one in the state tournament, over Norwalk in lacrosse action.

When he’s not on the fields or ice: Beitel enjoys reading and riding his bicycle with his brother, Max, who also was a standout hockey and lacrosse player at NHS.