Newtown High School's cheerleading team had an impressive showing in the Team of the Year competition, which the Nighthawks hosted, on March 14. Bringing together the top six squads from each state class, including Class L champion Newtown, the event showcased the top two-dozen cheer teams across Connecticut. The Nighthawks came in eighth with a point total of 90.10; Greenwich was first, outscoring Danbury 97.55 to 97.35.

The Nighthawks already had many difficult stunts woven into their routine and looked to duplicate or possibly even improve on their Class L showing.

"We just worked on cleaning up what we were working on and hitting our routine the best we can," Coach Susan Bridges said. "Our biggest competition is ourselves."

All teams get just one chance to execute basket tosses, flips, tumbles, and various creative and athletic stunts in a performance that lasts two and a half minutes. There might not be a glitch in some attempts during warm-ups and practices, but doing everything perfectly with one chance is not always possible.

"You've got to do your best," Bridges said.

The NHS coaches are impressed with the efforts of the girls, who practice practically year-round. "Nobody works harder," Bridges said.

"It's pretty hard — it's jam-packed," said Ava Keil, a sophomore with the Nighthawks. "All we can do is fight for it, do our best."

The Nighthawks certainly do a great job; they have won the South-West Conference three years running, captured their second straight Class L crown, and will contend for a second straight New England Interscholastic Spirit Championship at Worcester State University in Massachusetts on March 21.

"Tons of practice, we're always staying positive, lots of reps," are keys to success on the mats, according to sophomore Mikaela Sisenstein.

Regardless of how the Nighthawks fare in taking on the best in the region, the Nighthawks have a lot to be proud of and look forward to. The roster features four senior captains, but has a large contingent of underclassmen. Captains are Isabella Walder, Mel Lordeiro, Abi Gonzalez, and Leticia DeOliveira; sophomores, in addition to Keil and Sisenstein, are Lily Willinger, Reese Roland, Macie Phillips, Madison Moore, Charlotte Oltran, and Kaelyn Rosvally; and freshmen are Ellie Pickard, Cassie Shpak, Hailey Velsmid, and Brielle San Souci. What's more, standout newcomers should keep joining the mix with youth teams standing out at Globals.

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