The Newtown High School golf team members had a historic day on their home course, Rock Ridge Country Club, firing a school-record 141 to defeat Stratford (163) on September 8. The team’s incredible combined score was just one over par, showcasing a dominant performance from the entire lineup.

Leading the charge was Jack Wishneski, who earned medalist honors for the first time with a career performance. Wishneski carded a personal-best, one under par round of 34, edging out his playing partner, Will Lokey, by a single stroke.

The record-setting day was a true team effort, with multiple players posting personal bests. Lokey finished with an excellent 35. Quinn Kull also carded a personal-best 35, and Nate Pickard contributed a fantastic round of 37, also a personal best.

Newtown Coach Shawn Tierney said his team has a lot of talent and put it all together after showing glimpses of this sort of lineup domination. The players previously struggled to complete a match without taking a big number on one hole which wrecked an otherwise great score on a given day. The win over Stratford proves just how good the Nighthawks can be when they play to their potential throughout the entirety of a match.

“Their course management and golf IQ is improving and their scoring is following along. That round (September 8) shows we can compete with anyone in the state. Now, it’s about being consistent,” Tierney said.

The Nighthawks began the season with two losses before defeating visiting New Fairfield 156-180 on September 3. Newtown looked to carry this incredible momentum into a packed week with three more matches on the schedule.

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