By Kim J. Harmon

By KIM HARMON

Published: Apr 05, 2000 12:00 am

By Kim J. Harmon

an they keep it going? After a dismal 3-12 season in 1998, the Nighthawks went off on a thoroughly impressive rebound in 1999 â finishing 9-10 overall and reaching the quarter-finals of the CIAC Division II state tournament.

And so the question is, can they keep it going?

Sure, the âHawks lost a couple of offensive threats in Scott OâBrien and Chris Monahan and a strong goaltender in Dan German, but as first-year co-coach Jason Hiruo said, âThere is plenty to work on, but the foundation is still there.â

The âHawks continued success will begin with the four captains â Sean Raby, Adam Hunzeker, Erik Martenson and Ben Kunkel. Raby, Hunzeker and Martenson â all scoring threats â bring a football mentality to the offensive side of the field while Kunkel will anchor a rough and tough midfield and defensive contingent.

âRight now,â said coach Hiruo, âwe have a very strong defense and a smart offense and both are very physical when it comes down to getting the ground ball.â

The first-line attack will be in the hands of Martenson (currently nursing an injury suffered during a scrimmage in pre-season), Bryan Hamilton and Spencer DâAgostino. Feeding them the ball will be Raby, Hunzeker, and the always tough Matt Saunders. Holding up the line on defense will be Mike Nitopi, Matt Gabarino, Drew Narcum and Jesse Weber in front of the goaltenders â Brad Bernstein and Shawn Gleason.

Again, it is the toughness of every player on the team that may spell the difference.

âThese guys are doing a good job of hitting and of learning how to hit,â said coach Hiruo. âThe are definitely in condition.â

Other players that will see plenty of time include Robert Konkos, John Conlon and Matt Sullivan on attack; Dan Maley, Peter Yemc, Travis Long, Christian Huray and George Wurtz in the midfield; Charlie Hill and Tim McCloud on defense.

âThis team looks solid,â said coach Hiruo.

The âHawks showed just how solid they are with an impressive pre-season tournament at the high school. The âHawks battered New Milford, 12-2, and Brookfield, 10-1, and showed coach Hiruo and coach Brian Henricksen quite a bit in the process.

So, can they keep it going?

âOur ultimate goal is to go all the way,â said coach Hiruo.

DATEÂ Â Â Â Â OPPONENTÂ Â Â Â H/A

April 6Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â FairfieldÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â A

April 8Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â NewingtonÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â A

April 11Â Â Â Â Â Â GlastonburyÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â A

April 13Â Â Â Â Â Â New FairfieldÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â H

April 18Â Â Â Â Â Â FitchÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â H

April 22Â Â Â Â Â Â St. JosephâsÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â H

April 25Â Â Â Â Â Â HandÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â A

April 27Â Â Â Â Â Â DanburyÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â H

May 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Fairfield PrepÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â A

May 6Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â StaplesÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â A

May 12Â Â Â Â Â Â Â SomersÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â H

May 13Â Â Â Â Â Â Â New MilfordÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â H

May 16Â Â Â Â Â Â Â East LymeÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â H

May 24Â Â Â Â Â Â Â RidgefieldÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â A

May 26Â Â Â Â Â Â Â NorwalkÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â A

The Voters Chose Newtown

The Plastic Problem

Margaret ‘Peggy’ Elizabeth Annett (July 31, 1943-April 26, 2025)

Making America: The Story Of An Immigrant

Snapshot: Andy Ashla

The voters certainly spoke — and I respect the outcome — but let’s not forget that a “majority” doesn’t mean everyone agreed. Many of us are deeply concerned about the rising cost of living here. Supporting schools and services is important, but so is ensuring that residents can afford to stay in the town they love. We all want Newtown to be a great place to live, but lately, it’s starting to feel less like “Nicer in Newtown” and more like “More Expensive in Newtown.” That’s not sustainable, and it’s not a criticism of the town itself — it’s a call for responsible budgeting and long-term planning that doesn’t rely on tax increases year after year. I hope future decisions will reflect not just the desire to maintain services, but also the need to ease the financial burden on residents.

Budget, Capital Projects Pass: Officials Respond

I appreciate the passion behind this message, and I absolutely understand the desire to invest in our town. That said, I voted no — not because I don't care about Newtown, but because I do. Fiscal responsibility is not about ignoring problems, it’s about making sure we address them in a sustainable and transparent way. It’s frustrating to feel like every year there’s a new “urgent” reason to raise taxes, with little serious effort to curb spending or prioritize needs. I worry this just sets the stage for another round of increases next year. That doesn't mean I’m against education, safety, or our town’s future — it means I believe in accountability and in asking tough questions about how our money is managed. Voting no wasn't a rejection of Newtown — it was a call for more thoughtful, balanced leadership. I hope future conversations can include all perspectives, not just those willing to write a bigger check.

The voters spoke, loud and clear that they support our schools and municipal services. The majority vote was a mandate to keep delivering well rated education services and keep it" Nicer in Newtown."

Great effort by the those who attended to shine a light on the attacks on Democracy. Thanks for the article so all can understand whats happening.

Hundreds Attend ‘Rock This Democracy’ Rally

Thank you LeReine, for speaking out about this. The list of public servants who are unfairly targeted for abuse just for doing their jobs has been growing. It is a testament to the power of propaganda that otherwise good and well-meaning people can get so emotional as to act out in this way.

Discusses Role As Registrar

<< Apr 2025 >>
S	M	T	W	T	F	S
30	31	1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30	1	2	3

Log In

By Kim J. Harmon

Leave a Reply Cancel reply