By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Idle hands are the Devil’s workshop, idle feet are swift to mischief. That’s quoting from an old proverb and Proverbs. Bedford North Lawrence has been too busy to get into trouble.
For the second consecutive week, the Stars are in the midst of a hectic, physically taxing three-meet week. That busy schedule leaves little time for rest, recovery and practice. Truth be told, they probably prefer that to the drudgery of workouts that lack the adrenaline rush of competition.
If they were tired, the Stars didn’t show it. BNL recorded a team victory in the boys meet, totaling 101 points to conquer Springs Valley (85), Barr-Reeve (43) and Mitchell (12). In the girls meet, BNL pulled out a tight win with 80 points, followed by Springs Valley (78), Mitchell (51.5) and Barr-Reeve (31).
Jonah Bailey was a double winner for BNL in the boys meet, recording a unique mix with victories in the 1600 (his distance strength) and 400. Other winners included Tucker Inman (800), Brayden Patterson (high jump) and Oliver Brown (pole vault).
“We just wanted to see how they perform, figure out where we can fit everyone when it comes to the conference and sectional,” BNL coach Brett Deckard said. ”We’re using it more as training. And they will run harder in a meet than they do in practice. They’re competing.”
Bailey’s win in the 1600 (4:52.98) was expected. His win in the 400 (56.00) was not, considering it was his debut at that distance.
”We have an advantage, as a distance runner in the 400, because we can maintain a pace longer,” Bailey said. “Some people take off too quick. I tried to pace myself.”
Patterson, a two-time state finalist in the high jump, cruised to that victory by clearing 6-2, almost a foot higher than any other competitor. His surprise came in the long jump, where he competed for the first time – with only two days of training and no real sense of the technique – and finished second with a leap of 20-6. With a little work, his potential would be quite interesting.
”Everything is different. I don’t know anything about it,” Patterson said. “I know what I’ve been told. Two days of practice. And the jump form is a work in progress. But it’s really fun. It’s right up my wheelhouse.”
Inman battled from behind during the final 100 meters to win the 800 in 2:17.37. Brown cleared 10-0 in the pole vault.
Graham Nottger was a double winner for Springs Valley in the 110 high hurdles (15.59) and 300 hurdles (41.56), while Christian Hamilton tripled up by winning the 100 (10.80), 200 (22.89) and long jump (22-8). Mitchell’s Nate Robertson unleashed an impressive throw of 158-5 to win the discus.
In the girls meet, the Stars won four events. Paige Voigtschild was a double winner in the 1600 (5:54.00) and 800 (2:34.19), plus she was a key figure in the opening relay. She admitted to fatigue with the week’s heavy workload.
“I get tired,” she said. “I wasn’t trying to go super hard.”
BNL also won the 3200 relay (Elise Williams, Voigtschild, Gracie Simmerman and Francesca Orozco in 11:00.20) and 1600 relay (Simmerman, Williams, Lily Scott and Kinleigh Root in 4:34.37).
“This helps to get them in shape for the end of the season,” BNL coach Jason Webb said. “They’re getting experience and running into shape. They see the success. They like to compete.”
Mitchell’s Brinley Slaughter crossed first in the 400 (1:05.84). Springs Valley’s Kinsey Saliba won the 100 hurdles (16.37), 300 hurdles (53.81) and high jump (4-8), teammate Gracie Breedlove took the 100 (13.95) and 200 (28.93), and Ella Meehan won the shot put (34-10.5) and discus (99-10).
BNL will cap its full week by competing in the Warrior Invitational at North Knox on Friday.
