Hockey 

Through the first few weeks of the ‘25- ‘26 winter season, the boys hockey team describes their year so far in one word: unrecognized. Despite a 3-4 record, the team feels they have been underestimated. Other hockey teams in the league underrate how close they’ve been to winning games, and their ability to compete with strong teams in their division. One of their biggest moments this season was an exciting overtime win against Shepaug, which proved their capabilities. 

Major challenges helped unify the team, and trained them to score consistently, while improving passing skills. Early on, according to Senior Captain, Lukas Longo, the team struggled with work ethic and “playing for each other.” He now feels as though they are finally coming together and finding their groove, even while dealing with a lot of sickness throughout the team. The boys stay motivated by getting hyped up with music before games and embracing their roles as the underdogs in the division. While team chemistry is still a work in progress, their goal is to make a statement by qualifying for both tournaments. Advice from their coach that has stuck with them is to “be a dog.” 

Wrestling 

This season marks the debut of our newest athletic addition, a wrestling co-op composed of Pomperaug, Naugatuck, and Watertown students. Danial Tyriq, Watertown Junior, described the start of their season as steady. In just their second tournament, the team had four wrestlers win their weight classes. An event they were most proud of was their win at the Stratford tournament. Danial noted that one of the hardest parts of the season has been the intense training and cardio, along with staying disciplined and truly wanting to put in the work. Early on, the team struggled with teamwork and some “bickering,” mainly because athletes from three different schools were coming together and didn’t know each other. Over  time everyone has adjusted, Daniel believes. He also believes the team is beginning to work together. Despite setbacks, such as sickness, that slowed their development, the team is proud of their current 4–3 record and hope to improve it. Motivation comes from the coaches and from each other as the team continues to bond. Team chemistry still has room for improvement. “Our captain Alex [Krajeski, Senior, Pomperaug], does a really good job in leading us,” Daniel stated. Looking ahead, the team hopes to be more cohesive next year, wants wrestlers to make States, and encourages the drive and discipline needed to succeed.

Boys Indoor Track 

The boys indoor track team has had a surprising start. They’ve exceeded their own expectations, despite losing. Their biggest moment came when Hayden Stango broke the school record in the 300 meter. Another highlight was their stellar performance at the Yale Classic Game Invitational, where athletes beat their own PR’s. Staying healthy has been a challenge, with sickness affecting some athletes, but the team has improved its endurance. Senior Captains, Andrew Barfi and Owen Cipriano, contend that motivation comes from their desire to win, especially after being counted out by other teams. They describe their team chemistry as really good, with lots of bonding. A piece of advice from their coaches that has stuck with them is not to focus on other people’s times, but your own. Looking ahead, the team hopes to improve their meet placements and bring the work they’ve done into the outdoor season.

Girls Indoor Track

“Determined” is one accurate descriptor for the girls. When asked about the season, Senior Captain, Emma Omeri stated, “Everyone has been working hard at practices, following the coaches’ workouts, and staying focused on improving and hitting personal records.”  The team is proud of their relay groups, particularly the boys’ and girls’ 4×4’s. Athletes have been putting in consistent effort to make each relay as strong as possible. 

When interviewed about the hardest parts of the season, they conveyed dealing with setbacks like injuries, as track can be demanding and even small strains can slow progress. As the season has gone on, the team has improved on relay handoffs and overall times, with many athletes continuing to drop their marks. Early on, the team struggled with work ethic, but as practices became more intense, athletes became more focused and willing to push through tough workouts. Motivation comes largely from the head coach, Mr. Brain Lafontaine whose pep talks help energize the team. 

Team chemistry is still a work in progress due to a large group and many freshmen, but it has been steadily improving as everyone begins to come together. Advice from the coaches that has stuck with the team is to leave everything on the track.  Looking ahead, their goal is to encourage athletes to try different events to add depth and strengthen the team overall.

Swim and dive

The boys swim team would describe their season so far as intense, disciplined, and successful. One of the biggest moments this season was beating Woodland for the first time in several years, which was a major accomplishment. The hardest part of the season has been the demanding practices, as the coaches have significantly increased the workload with tough sets like 21 clubs and 10x100s, pushing swimmers to adjust both physically and mentally. As the season has gone on, the team has improved greatly in skill and composure. They are learning to stay focused, move on from races, and handle the intensity of the sport, especially newer swimmers adjusting to the program.  Senior Captain, Cole Demond, suggested that motivation comes largely from Coach Carlos, whose loud, energetic personality and strong desire to win fires the team up. The team describes its chemistry as great, with a close-knit group that bonds through activities like pasta parties and supports one another despite having a larger roster than past years. The team is most proud of being undefeated so far, consistently earning PR’s each week. They are also further ahead at this point in the season compared to last year. While sickness affected some swimmers, the team pushed through.  Some  advice from their coach has been remembering that it’s not if they win, but when they win. Looking ahead, their goals are to win NVL’s and compete for a Class S state championship.

Girls Basketball

The girls basketball team would describe their season so far in one word: developing. One game they are especially proud of is their matchup against Shepaug, which highlighted the team’s potential and growth.  With a current record of 1–4, the team has faced challenges in turning strong performances into wins, but they have continued to improve their teamwork and ability to work together. Off the court, the players are most proud of the bonding they’ve built during team pasta parties, which has helped strengthen their connection. Early on, finding chemistry was difficult, especially after losing seniors. However the team is getting better and Junior Captain, Caitlyn Grabel describes their chemistry as “good.” Their motivation comes from a strong desire to win and improve. Moving forward they want to continue developing their technique and team play.

Boys Basketball

The boys basketball team is having a strong season with a current record of 8–3, and Senior Captain Justin Davis describes the year as “electric,” noting that it’s the first season Watertown has been winning consistently in large amounts. One of the biggest moments so far was a thrilling 50–49 comeback win against Wolcott, where the team worked together and collectively problem-solved to secure the victory. Another big accomplishment is Senior Christopher O’Toole with 1,000 career points! Justin says he is most proud of how much the team has grown, especially after he missed last season due to transferring back to Watertown following his junior year. This made adjusting and meshing with the team a challenge at first, but one they have handled well. Justin says that the hardest part of the season has been each player discovering their individual role while the team struggled with chemistry early on due to new players and time apart. If he had to describe the team chemistry in one word, Justin says it would be “together,” as the players are all friends and feel comfortable communicating about mistakes and how to improve. Motivation comes from the desire to win and bring something special to the school.  Advice from the coaches that has stuck with the team is to be themselves and play with confidence, as their coaches believe they can go far. Looking ahead, the team’s goals are to win the NVL’s and potentially a state championship!

Cheerleading

The cheer team described their season as “outstanding,” according to senior captain Mia Frenis. “Our stunts are hitting now, and we placed ninth out of 17 teams,” Frenis said. She shared that senior night at the boys basketball game was one of the team’s proudest moments because “we were cheering loud and showing our school spirit.” Even though attendance and early struggles with stunting were challenges, Mia said the team overcame them by practicing hard and remembering their coach’s advice to “never give up.”

Unified 

Unified Sports has had a “successful” season filled with teamwork and growth, said advisor Mrs. Wolf. One of the biggest highlights was attending the Holiday Hoops tournament in Derby, where athletes competed while celebrating with Christmas music and team photos. “The kids always have a great time no matter where we go,” Mrs. Wolf said. Although the team hopes to get more student partners involved, she is proud of their improved basketball skills and supportive team chemistry. Looking ahead, Unified Sports hopes to host more events in Watertown and continue expanding the program.