Every year at this time, we sit to write an editorial extolling our blue chip Athletics Department for another incredible winter run on championship titles and personal bests. This year is no exception.

We would like to congratulate Athletics Director Chip Salvestrini and his competitive and driven coaches and trainers who guided our student-athletes to glory during the winter sports season.

Just about every day on the morning announcements, or on our Twitter feeds, or on GameTime CT, the News-Times, and the FCIAC websites, we would hear or read about another Hatter victory. It is easy to lose track of all the wins, titles and accolades. By the way, click here for the All-FCIAC selections. And here is the CHSCA All-State Girls’ Basketball Team, which includes Lady Hatter Susan Almeida.

On March 21, the student-athletes gathered with their coaches and trainers to celebrate all of the successes, some of which came without a trophy or a medal. They gathered in the cafeteria for a celebratory dinner honoring the efforts throughout the winter months.

As the department gears up for the spring season, which we anticipate being successful as well, we tip our hats to our winter sports teams including our players and coaches in the Unified Basketball program.

Here are some of our 2018-19 Winter Athletic Program highlights, as provided by Salvestrini:

Wrestling

* FCIAC Western Division Champions

* Ryan Sabbagh Holiday Tournament Champions

* Sanford (ME) Tournament Champions

* FCIAC Champions

* CT State LL Champions

* CT State Open Champions

* New England Champions

* CT State Wrestling Team of the Year

* Head Coach Ricky Shook-State LL Coach of the Year

* Assistant Coach Keith Lynch-State LL Assistant Coach of the Year

* Wrestler Ryan Jack-CT State Wrestler of the Year

Girls’ Track

* FCIAC Western Division Champions

* FCIAC Champions

* CT State LL Champions

* CT State Open-3rd Place

Boys’ Track

* FCIAC Western Division Champions

* FCIAC Champions

* Athlete Malcolm Going ran the 2nd fastest HS time in the U.S.  in the 800M.

* Athlete Malcolm Going finished 3rd in the New Balance Indoor National Championships and earned All-American status.

Cheerleading

* FCIAC Champions

* FCIAC Grand Champions

* Head Coach Joann Tatarzycki-FCIAC Coach of the Year

* New England Invitational Open Champions

* CT State LL Champions

Boys’ Basketball

* FCIAC Championship Finalist

* CIAC Post Season Tournament-2nd Round

* 16-8 season record

Girls’ Basketball

* FCIAC Playoffs-1st Round

* CIAC Post Season Tournament-2nd Round

* Danbury Holiday Tournament Champions

* Head Coach Jackie DiNardo won the 500th game of her career

* 16-7 season record

Athletic Trainer

* Emily Renna received a citation from the CT Athletic Trainers Association during National Athletic Trainers Month (March) for her contributions to the athletic training profession.