The Danbury High School boys track and field team’s dual-meet winning streak is over. The last time the Hatters lost was 2000, according to published reports. And some say it can be attributed to the suspension of 13 Danbury athletes for its meet on Tuesday.

Danbury head coach Rob Murray told The News-Times that the suspensions were for disciplinary reasons, and could not elaborate further. But as a result, Danbury fell to Trumbull 76-74 (even though the Hatters did get wins over Westhill and Wilton).

But for what it’s worth, what is a one-meet suspension worth? And did the crime fit the punishment? That part we will never know, since school records are kept under wraps.

But dual meets, in theory, are overrated when it comes to track in field. Yes, winning is great, but track is one of those sports in which dual meets are used to get ready for the post season. The regular season, in all reality, is all about developing athletes.

Yes, there is a bit of pride on the line when you go against a rival school, but that’s about it. Even if the athletes are not allowed to compete Saturday in the O’Grady Relays (which are kind of a big deal in Danbury and the surrounding area), that one is still a meet based on pride.

The streak of 137 consecutive dual meet wins is nowhere near as important as discipline. I applaud Murray for taking a stance. Form The News-Times:

“We took this action because both the track and field team and the school felt it was important to convey to the community that what took place is unacceptable,” Murray said. “It is not what we stand for.”

And with the way the team performed Tuesday, there’s little doubt that Danbury has the athletes and the depth to compete for FCIAC and CIAC championships… the meets that count.

–Tim Parry