The Starting Five: Local Athletes of the Week

Meghan Appel- Wethersfield (Gymnastics): Appel, who is the lone senior on a Wethersfield gymnastics team that celebrated Senior Night last week, has enjoyed her time at WHS, saying “I love being part of this team and representing my school and sport through gymnastics.” Along with being a top gymnast, she is also a pole vaulter for the track & field team in the spring, as well as part of DECA Marketing Club and National Honor Society at WHS. After graduating, she will pursue a Marketing major, possibly at the University of Rhode Island – College of Business. 

Tyah Pettaway- Middletown (Basketball): Pettaway scored a career-high 30 points in a win over Platt last week. The junior guard is the leading scorer (15 points per game) for a Blue Dragons team that is 5-0 entering the week.

Adela Cecunjanin- Cromwell (Basketball): Cecunjanin had back-to-back stellar performances last week, combining for 19 points, 25 rebound, and seven blocks as Cromwell defeated Valley Regional and Coginchaug. The sophomore hauled down career-high 18 rebounds in the VR game, accounting for nearly half of the team’s overall rebounds.

Madison Romanello- Newington (Basketball): Romanello played a terrific all-around game in a win over Bulkeley last week. The senior hit six of nine shots from the field, scoring 13 points to go along with eight rebound and six steals. Entering the week, Newington remains undefeated in five contests.

Nick Castanho- Rocky Hill (Swimming): Castanho is a team captain and the Terriers #1 distance swimmer this winter. The senior is a four-year varsity swimmer, who has qualified for states in the 200 and 500 freestyles during both his sophomore and junior seasons. Head coach Lisa Cooney described his as a charismatic teammate with great sense of humor, saying “others look up to him and he keeps practices fun and light-hearted.” Outside the pool, Castanho is an honor roll student who played four years of soccer at RHHS.