Woodland sets sights on titles   

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Woodland’s Ava Capuano and the Hawks enter the NVL championship May 24 among the top contenders to win the boys and girls track titles. –FILE PHOTO
Woodland’s Ava Capuano and the Hawks enter the NVL championship May 24 among the top contenders to win the boys and girls track titles. –FILE PHOTO

BEACON FALLS — The Woodland boys and girls track teams honored their seniors Tuesday to mark the season’s final regular season meet at home. However, in some ways, the season is just getting started.

The Hawks are prepping for next Tuesday’s NVL championships in Torrington, and both the boys and girls teams appear to be in prime position to win their respective titles with an eye towards state competition.

“We’re getting better every week,” Woodland boys head coach Tim Shea said. “We were hoping to be in the conversation [for a NVL title] and we are.”

The boys wrapped up NVL play with a 13-1 record, while the girls went 14-0 in league play.

Before Tuesday’s out-of-league meet against Amistad Academy, Bulllard Havens, O’Brien Tech and Platt Tech — the Woodland boys and a girls swept the meet — the school honored the seniors.

On the girls’ side, Kailyn Accetura, Ava Capuano, Alexa Casimiro, Clara Drozdowski, Lauren Lombardo, Kelsey Mitchell, Jess Rodrigues and Lisa Thrasher were recognized.

For the boys, Brandon Clifford, Tyler Collodel, Matt Covello, Colton Cronin, Gregg Fagan, Mike Gallagher, Jeff Giusto, Matt Hopkinson, Sean McAllen, Damani Rashadeen, Jeramy Rodigues, Brian Sardinskas and Ryan Soda were honored.

Woodland dominated the meet. The boys and girls teams won 15 of their respective 18 events.

The meet also marked one last chance for athletes to make an impression leading up to the deadline for coaches to send in their entries for the NVLs.

The entries were due on Wednesday. Athletes can only be in three events at the meet, which presents a challenge for coaches.

Shea said strategy will play a role with the format of the meet.

“We’ve told the guys all year every point counts,” Shea said. “Now, they see it and understand it.  I think we’re in a good position along with some other teams.”

The girls team enters the meet with a target on its back. The Hawks have yet to lose this year.

“I’m very happy with my girls team this year,” Woodland head coach Jeff Lownds said.  “They’re extremely dedicated with a single sense of purpose.”