Danbury named state’s best State Open champions claim another title

Add another title to the Danbury girls track and field team.

The Hatters have been named the CIAC Girls Outdoor Track and Field team of the year after another dominant spring season.

The team, led by CHSCA Girls Outdoor Track athlete of the year Alanna Smith, defended its State Open title with 43 points to edge out Glastonbury and Weston.

The team was presented with its team of the year plaque on Saturday.

“I was surprised, we don’t really talk about awards or anything like that,” Danbury girls outdoor track and field coach Nick Fraticelli said. “We just said ‘we are going to enjoy it’, because we knew what it was like without a season. We didn’t talk about championships or accolades. We talked about enjoying each other, working hard and setting goals. It came together really nicely because they were all about the team.”

Danbury endured a turbulent season, especially when considering its student athletes were in hybrid learning throughout.

“Even though we were hybrid all year, these girls helped each other with emotional support and academic support,” Fraticelli said. “They did everything the right way despite immense challenges. It was astounding, the team had a great GPA and they all worked for each other.”

The highlight of the season was the State Open, in which Smith claimed three state titles in the 100, 200 and 400 meter dashes.

“To see what she was willing to do for her team, especially at the conference and state meets, doing the events back-toback-to-back, I can’t remember anything like that happening,” Fraticelli said. “Her inner toughness and belief in the process really carried her through, along with fighting for a team goal.”

Danbury also earned points in the 4x100 meter relay, triple jump (Giuliana Robles), and shot put (Tianna Rogers).

“I think a lot of these kids realized they can achieve things from selfreliance and hard work,” Fraticelli said. “There is a magical thing about Danbury kids, they are gritty, tough and resilient. Amazing tributes to have that will serve them later in life.”

Contributed / CHSCA The Danbury girls track team was honored as the state's Team of the Year by the Connecticut High School Coaches Association. From left, CHSCA President Deb Petruzzello, assistant coach Briana Gilliard, Kimberleigh Williams, Corrine Whelchel, Danbury Head Coach Nick Fraticelli, and Barbara Hedden, CHSCA Girls’ Outdoor Track & Field Committee Chairperson. Back row from left, Alanna Smith, Stephanie Quieroz, Victoria Batista and Larissa Batista.