Newtown High School's baseball team is looking to be the last team standing in both the South-West Conference and state tournaments this spring. The bar is set high, the goals are lofty, but why not try to win every time you take to the field?

"Our goal is to make a good run and win the SWC and state championships. We set our goals high," Coach Ian Thoesen said.

Last year, Newtown went 10-12 overall, making it to the first round of the SWC tourney and Class LL state tourney. Bethel dethroned two-time conference champ Joel Barlow of Redding in last year's SWC title game. Newtown last won it in 2022, and the Nighthawks have a talented roster loaded with a combination of experienced players, strong pitching, hitting, base running, and lineup versatility that Thoesen believes can get the team back to the pinnacle.

"Our strengths are our athleticism and players being able to play multiple positions. We have a good mix of speed and power and a lot of arms on the mound," the coach said.

Captains are Travis Rekos (outfield), Jamie Piccuillo (pitcher/first base), Jack Carta (pitcher/first base), and Kieran Garrity (pitcher/outfield). Other key players in the lineup include Luke Libero (infielder), Ryan Schmidt (catcher), JT Walsh (utility player), Cam Kullgren (outfielder/pitcher), Trevor Stott (infielder/pitcher), Chris Moseman (infielder/pitcher), Braden Kozek (outfielder/catcher), and Evan DePasquale (outfielder/pitcher).

Piccuillo, headed to Fairfield University next year, will be the ace of the pitching staff. Garrity, who will be playing at Springfield College, will be leading the outfield and is a significant contributor on the mound. Pitching can carry a team far and the hope at Newtown is that this returning talent on the mound combined with the overall talent and experience of the squad will lead to winning ways.

"I’m very excited for this year’s group. I’m looking forward to seeing our young guys compete," Thoesen said.

Bethel, New Milford, and Masuk of Monroe will be key games in the conference. The season opens Monday, April 6 with the first of three consecutive nonconference clashes when Shepaug Valley visits at 4:30 pm. NHS will also take on Ridgefield, Westhill of Stamford, Daniel Hand of Madison, Bridgeport schools Bassick and Harding (Senior Night under the lights at Fairfield Hills, Monday, May 18 at 6:30 pm), and a regular-season ending clash at Nonnewaug.

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