Newtown High School’s girls’ and boys’ cross country teams competed in Bethel against the Wildcats on October 20. The Nighthawk girls came out on top 24-31, led by second-place finisher Courtney Henchcliffe, who competed the course in a time of 21:32.47. Bethel’s Ava Graham won the race in a time of 19:16.91.

The Nighthawks showed their depth by claiming the second through fifth spots. Emily Tressler followed Henchcliffe to place third in 21:59.04, Emily Litke was fourth in 22:46.20, and Maddie Fetchick came in fifth in 23:12.58. Newtown’s fifth-fastest runner, and tenth-place finisher was Gloria Rowley, who came across the finish line in 24:27.15.

Newtown’s boys fell 22-33 to Bethel, but every race is a win in Coach Carl Strait’s book.

“Not about W’s. It’s about staying healthy, staying in school, and enjoying our second family,” Strait said. “We all know this year isn’t about winning meets. Every time we put our uniform on, we are winners because we are competing and not quarantining.”

Newtown’s top finishers were Drew Poseno in third with a time of 18:40.74; Aidan Budge in fourth, clocking in at 18:43.87; Saahil Ray in seventh in 19:25.58; Derek Bobowick in ninth with a time of 19:29.55; and Dan Sibley in tenth in 19:34.21.

The Nighthawks are scheduled to race Immaculate of Danbury at their home course, at the Reed School trails, on Friday, October 23, the girls at 4:30 pm and the boys at 5 o’clock.