4 Former Newtown Baseball Players Thrive in College

(Submitted by Nighthawks baseball Coach Matt Memoli)

Four former standout baseball players at Newtown High School – Bryan Czel, Chris Haylon, Ryan Powers and Ryan Tita – are now playing at the collegiate level.

Bryan Czel, a three-year starter for the Nighthawks baseball team was recruited to play at Central Connecticut State University, a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I school. Bryan was a stellar center and left fielder for the Nighthawks, hitting over .391 his senior year with 23 hits, 16 RBI’s, 3 doubles and 3 triples. Central Connecticut has been to the NCAA tournament in four of the previous seven years.

“Study hours, time management, and preparation are essential components to thrive in the classroom, and to receive the best education possible – that is my goal," Czel said.

Chris Haylon, a two-year varsity starter as a pitcher for the Nighthawks was recruited to Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA. F&M is a competitive Division III program which boasts five conference championships, and three NCAA appearances. During his senior year, Haylon, who was recruited to pitch, has a 3.1 ERA, facing 150 batters and allowing only 31 hits. During his junior season, he had a tremendous 6-0 record with a .093 ERA.

“Our coach expects everything done efficiently and with 100-percent effort, and if you don't do that, you don't play," Haylon said. "Even with that, it is a ton of fun and I really like the guys on the team. The academics are challenging, but it is nice to have a lot more time to deal with them. As long as you manage your time well, you will never notice the full extent of work you actually have.” 

Ryan Powers, a standout infielder for the Nighthawks recently made the varsity squad at Division 1 Manhattan College. Manhattan’s program boasts two NCAA appearances in the past six years, and in 2006, Manhattan upset nationally ranked Nebraska in the NCAA regionals.

“It is definitely a challenge but well worth it," Powers said. "I plan to play baseball competitively as long as I can. Managing your time with five classes, baseball practice, work study, and a social life is anything but easy. However I know the hard work will pay off.”

At Newtown, Powers hit .391 with two doubles and two homeruns during his senior season.

Ryan Tita, a three-year starter for the Nighthawks made the team at Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. Tita was a solid all-around player for Newtown, playing shortstop, second base, third base and pitching. Tita made the Roger Williams team as a pitcher and is getting accustomed to academics and athletics at the collegiate level.

”Baseball and academics in college is all about hard work," he said. "The more work you put in, the better results you will get out.”

During his senior season at Newtown, Ryan hit just under .300. On the mound Ryan had a 2.6 ERA, holding opposing batters to an average of .174.

Correction: Franklin & Marshall College is in Lancaster, PA. An earlier version of this article incorrectly listed its location.