Coming off a South-West Conference Championship run in 2025, Newtown High School's boys' cross country team has plenty of reason for confidence in repeating as the lineup returns six of its top seven competitors.

"Add to that some 'new' runners, Marc Caratas, Chris Accettella, and a healthy Sebastian Colburn who we lost to a knee injury midway through the season, the outlook is extremely positive among the team. That being said, with all the talent we have up top, and the fact that there are so many athletes that are new to our program, we have a great deal of talent," Coach Carl Strait said. "Talent only helps when you are healthy. Our top goal is stay healthy and hungry."

Caratas and Accettella may be new to the team, but they are experienced runners in the school's track program. This year's team features nearly 50 participants, way up from the 30 it had last year, so there certainly is plenty of depth to go along with all of that experience.

"On the [down low], we are a lock with the talent we have returning, but a lot can happen. We are taking it all one day at a time and enjoying the time we have together. We are helping in the community," said Strait, whose team spent an afternoon weeding at the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary grounds during preseason, helps with 5K races in Newtown at water stations and handing out trophies and medals, and holds a food pantry drive. "The kids are all in and we are excited to be back with this incredible group of student athletes."

Captains are Orion Lowery, Duncan Kolb, Sam Irving, Aarav Shetty, and Hudson Hiruo. Returning from last year are Lowery, Kolb, Bryce Taylor, Shetty, Ubay Dissa, Colburn, Ali Elawa, and Kayden McGuirk. Only graduate Reid Karnas leaves shoes to fill among the top seven.

"Looking to repeat SWCs and make a run at a state title if we can stay healthy and on track," Strait said.

Bethel and Pomperaug of Southbury are tough conference teams the Nighthawks face. In addition to its regular meets, Newtown will participate in multiple invitationals this year. The season begins with the Nighthawks visiting Brookfield Tuesday, September 15 at 5 pm. The lone home meet is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, when Notre Dame Prep of Fairfield, Joel Barlow of Redding, and Pomperaug of Southbury visit the Fairfield Hills course at 4:30 pm. The SWC Championships will be held at Bethel on Wednesday, October 21 at 4 pm.

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