From repeat championship performances to individual success stories, 2025 had it all in the world of Newtown athletics. The Annual C.H. Booth Library Turkey Trot drew a record 1,700-plus participants. There were awards earned by coaches, an athletic director, and athletes. Here is a look at what unfolded in 2025:

*It was a trifecta for the Newtown High School cheerleading team, which won South-West Conference, State, and New England Championships.

*The NHS boys’ golf team made it a three-peat, winning its third straight SWC Championship in the fall.

*NHS boys’ golf set a new standard with a program-best score of 141 in a match against Stratford at Rock Ridge Country Club.

*Newtown High School’s dance team won a State Championship.

*NHS wrestling won the South-West Conference title with six individual champs, nine finalists, and 13 place-winners.

*Wrestler Marc Maurath became Newtown High School’s winningest grappler when he earned his 161st victory on the mats (he finished with 188). Maurath also reached an impressive milestone with his 100th career pinfall victory.

*NHS wrestler Kenna Gioffre (second all time with 171 wins) won a State Open Championship in his weight class.

*NHS Wrestling Coach Chris Bray earned his 100th dual meet victory. The wrestling milestones continued as Kenna Gioffre and Marc Maurath joined the 150-win club, Gioffre also earned his 100th pin, and Charlie Dunn, Antonio Arguello, and Jake Maddox all earned their 100th career victories on the mats.

*The NHS indoor girls’ track team made it back-to-back SWC Championships in the winter, then made it three consecutive spring outdoor track and field SWC Championships.

*Newtown’s boys’ runners got in on title success as the cross country team raced to the conference crown this fall.

*Grade 6 girls’ and grade 5 boys’ basketball teams claimed New England tourney titles.

*The U10 Hawks baseball team won its second straight state title and reached the Elite Eight at the Cal Ripken World Series.

*Newtown’s 11-year-old baseball team won a New England Regional Championship.

*Newtown Youth Basketball Association President and Coach Tom Martinez was named the Newtown Bee Sportsman of the Year.

*Newtown Youth Wrestling captured several champs and place-winners at the USA Wrestling Connecticut State Championships.

*The NHS Athletics Department received the Michael’s Jewelers Achievement Cup, as well as the Fred Balsamo Award For Sportsmanship.

*NHS Athletic Director Matt Memoli was selected as the Unified Sports Paul Mengold AD of the Year.

*Youth wrestler Camron Veneziano captured a National Wrestling Championship.

*Matthew Dos Santos signed a professional soccer contract with Red Bulls II.

*NHS track and field standouts Aashni Shetty (long jump) and Elias Brady (triple jump) won State titles. Shetty broke multiple school jumping records during her senior year.

*Tristan Rosenschein was named to the 15U National Lacrosse Team.

*Sandy Hook’s Mackie Samoskevich brought the Stanley Cup back to town after his Florida Panthers won the game’s biggest trophy.

*50 in 50: Bruce Goulart accomplished his goal of running a marathon in all 50 states.

*NHS Lacrosse Coach Maura Fletcher earned the SWC’s Outstanding Coach Award.

*Stephen Kopcik won the NAPA Sports Sizzler at Stafford Motor Speedway.

*NHS football player Travis Rekos earned the first Bob Zito Coach’s Award.

*Among the notable passes of the baton this past year was Debi Modzelewski retiring and Stacey Nasser taking over as assistant to the athletic director at NHS.

*On the coaching front, Tricia Harrity took over the NHS gymnastics team, and David Warren is the new head coach with NHS track.

There is sure to be much more excitement in store as we flip the calendar to 2026. See you at the games!

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