Newtown High School's cross country teams had their only home meet of the campaign on the Fairfield Hills trails adjacent to Reed School on October 6. The runners were treated to sunny skies and cool air.

The girls' squad defeated Joel Barlow of Redding 25-32 and Notre Dame Prep of Fairfield 15-50, and lost 19-36 to Pomperaug of Southbury. In the boys' race, the Nighthawks defeated Barlow 24-37 and Notre Dame 19-44; the Hawks lost to Pomperaug 20-39.

Keeley Ferriter was the top Nighthawk finisher in the girls' race, placing sixth overall in a time of 22:41.11. Barlow's Katie Duggan was first in a time of 20:54.55, 39 seconds faster than the next finisher; Pomperaug had the second, third, and fourth place finishers. Newtown's Nyla Peterson was eighth in 22:45.38, just ahead of teammate Annie Fattore, who finished in 22:45.63. Audrey McLean was 11th in 23:24.14, Eleanor Smith 12th in 23:25.97, Lahja Kurjiaka came in 16th in 24:39.46, and Maddie Britton was 21st in 24:57.44.

Orion Lowery was second in the boys' race, clocking in at 17:18.07; Barlow's Max Mehner won the race in 17:03.54. Pomperaug took the third through eighth finishes. Newtown claimed the 11 through 15 spots with Ubay Dissa crossing the finish line in 18:42.13, Duncan Kolb finishing in 18:42.56, Sebastian Colburn in 18:43.38, Bryce Taylor in 18:43.77, and Marc Cartas with a time of 18:53.59. Owen Mulcahey was 17th in 19:00.74.

The teams supported the 15 For Life Foundation to support awareness of depression and mental health.

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