The football itself is, naturally, a key item needed for the game on the gridiron. But for the past month-plus, Newtown High School’s football players have been hard at work going through a variety of drills sans pigskin, to gear up for game season. As has been the case every summer in recent memory, the Nighthawks rise and shine weekday mornings four days a week and compete from 6:30 to 8 am throughout the summer in the program’s Summer Strength and Conditioning program.
From lifting in the weight room to endurance, speed, and strength training out on the hot Blue & Gold Stadium turf, the Nighthawks have been breaking a sweat and then some with hopes this hard work will pay dividends in the form of wins come the cooler nights of fall.
“It’s been amazing. It’s always fun coming out in the summer, grinding with everyone, and seeing kids you don’t normally see — making memories that will last forever,” said captain J.J. Haddick, a running back and linebacker.
It is only a matter of time before the footballs are back on the scene and regular practices begin. The team members will first practice without padding before traditional football is reintroduced in its full breadth.
“I’m excited. The entire team’s been working hard this offseason,” said captain and defensive end Jack Chappa. “We’ve got a new team, new coaches, new players. Teams don’t know what to expect from us.”
Traditionally among the best if not the top squad in the South-West Conference, the Hawks certainly do not stand to be overlooked by the competition. There will be somewhat of a fresh look from the players on the field to coaching staff with graduation claiming, among others, the starting quarterback, along with starters from the running back and wide receiver corps, as well as linemen on both sides of the ball.
Dan Farina is the new head coach and believes this annual offseason program is key not only in that it prepares the athletes for the regular season but also given the connections that are established on the field and in the weight room.
“I think our summer lifting program is a time not only to get strong and in better shape but bond as a team. The kids really love it. They get after it,” Farina said. “It’s really a great time and it’s a competitive atmosphere.”
On Fridays the Hawks broke into groups and competed with each other, moving from station to station with the weighted prowler push, medicine ball toss, and tug of war.
Overall, the summer program is a combination of grueling training and fun.
“It’s tough — especially the first week,” said captain and offensive/defensive tackle Cole Wanzer, adding that the players get used to the challenging workouts in the heat as the summer unfolds and nobody is alone. “It makes it better when you’re here with your teammates.”
Farina, who succeeds Bobby Pattison as the team leader, likes what he has seen from this group.
“We’re excited. We feel like we haven’t wasted a week. We’re feeling like we’re in good shape,” the coach said. “We had a really good summer, kids worked super hard, kids got after it, attendance was incredible.”
The preseason will wind down with a scrimmage against Fairfield Warde, at Blue & Gold Stadium, on Thursday, August 31 at 6 pm. Then, a week and a day later, the regular slate kicks off. Newtown jumps into game action with a nonconference clash as FCIAC representative St Joseph of Trumbull comes to town Friday, September 8 at 7 pm.
Week two features the annual Boot Trophy Game when SWC foe New Milford, much improved last fall, visits Blue & Gold Friday, September 15, also at 7 o’clock.
Newtown’s other out-of-SWC games are against Trumbull and West Haven. The annual Thanksgiving Eve game with conference rival Masuk of Monroe is set for Wednesday, November 22, when the Panthers visit the Hawks at 6 pm.
Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.
The Nighthawks engage in a tug of war battle during preseason training. Pictured are: Will McManus, Kieran Garrity , Aiden Calle, Drilon Lena (obstructed), Dylan Macey, Jackson Chacon, and Ryan Zaniewski, and Graydon Brand (off rope) supporting their teammates. —Bee Photos, Hutchison
Parker Paulos tosses the medicine ball during summer drills.
Cole Wanzer pushed the prowler during a race against teammates.
Nathan Pikard gives it his all in the prowler push event.
James Hartigan, Luke Stewart, Julian Moore, Henry Quirk, Jayden Cordova, and Cole Wanzer combine efforts.
Will McManus, Kieran Garrity, Aiden Calle, Drilon Lena, Dylan Macey, and Jackson Chacon work hard during tug of war.
Stephen Johnson keeps the weighted prowler moving.
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