Russell Expects Track Teams To Be Strong Again

By Andy Hutchison

Newtown High School’s girls’ and boys’ indoor track and field teams begin the 2011-12 campaign with high hopes for success coming off second and third place finishes, respectively, in the South-West Conference championships last winter. The boys placed eighth in the Class LL state championships and the girls were 14th.

Between boys and girls, more than two dozen graduates leave shoes to fill — most notably John Wlasuk (Class LL and State Open champion shot put thrower) and Lauren Pettinelli (fourth in the class meet and seventh in the State Open in the 55-meter hurdles).

Even with those losses, Coach Doug Russell is optimistic his squads will perform well this winter. “I believe we will continue to be strong on both the girls’ and boys’ teams,” Russell said.

Standout distance runner Jake Feinstein returns to the boys’ team along with other members of the cross country team (Pat Sullivan, Dietter Gutbrod, Palmer Lintz, and Jordon Hensel). Returning in the sprints and long jump events is Peter Kerns, who will be very competitive at the conference and state levels, Russell anticipates.

The coach expects his team to be competitive in the field events as well as on the track. “They seem to be much stronger and faster and we have some new additions who will provide quality performances for the team,” Russell said. “Our relay teams will be returning pretty much intact. There may be some adjustments as we see some of the younger kids make a move forward.”

The girls’ squad has a number of strong returnees, including middistance runner Reagan Cerney, along with distance standouts Katie Burns, Erin Begg, and Jenny vanVeen. A strong group of freshman and sophomores will also provide quality performances in the distance events, Russell expects.

Even with the loss of Pettinelli, the hurdlers will continue to be strong, especially with the return of Zoe Eggleston and Melissa Buccino. Lauren O’Connell will return to compete in the pole vault and long jump events. She had exceptional performances in both events during the spring outdoor season, Russell said. Thrower Amy Anyoha also returns and is much improved, the coach said.

“The conference as a whole has a number of strong individuals returning. It will be interesting to see who the stronger teams will be this season,” Russell said. “Our goal is, as always, to do well at conference championships and perform well at the state class meet and to get as many student athletes as possible to qualify for State Opens.”

The season kicks off with developmental meets after Christmas and culminates with conference and state championships in February.