Running And Jumping Into The Record Books

Newtown High School’s indoor track and field team had three record-setting performances during recent competitions.

The 4x200 meter boys’ relay team broke the old school record of 1:39.91 set in 2009 with their time of 1:38.45 at the SCC Coaches Invite Indoor Track & Field Meet at the Floyd Little Athletic Center in New Haven on January 14. Then, two days later, the boys reset that record again with a time of 1:37.84 at a South-West Conference developmental meet at Wesleyan University in Middletown.

The 4x800 boys’ relay team also set a new record of 8:32.49 at the SCC Coaches Invite. The previous record had been 8:37.4, set in 2007.

Hunter Bassett tied the school high jump record of 5-8 at the SWC developmental meet. That mark was originally set in 1988 and then tied in 2009 and 2011.

By Anna Hodge

Newtown High School’s indoor track and field team team did not compete at the Yale Invitational this past Saturday, following a district-wide concern over weather conditions with the snowfall. However, Head Coach Doug Russell remains optimistic about the upcoming South-West Conference and Class LL State championships.

“I feel we have a really good chance to be competitive, both girls and boys, at the SWC level,” Russell said.

He adds that the entire team participated in a “heavy duty” workout this past Tuesday to prepare for championships.

“I see kids being motivated and committed to doing well at SWC as well as at the Class LL meet,” Russell said. “I’m excited about the potential at both levels.”

The Nighthawks will compete in the SWC championships at Hillhouse High in New Haven on Saturday, February 4. Competition begins at 5 pm.

The state championships will be held on February 9 at the Floyd Little Athletic Center.