By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – When Ava Lipp was a young swimmer, she hated putting her face in the water. That aversion could be a deterrent in that sport. That’s when she started the backstroke. Face up, splash backward. She has never looked back.
Lipp and a strong senior class will lead Bedford North Lawrence into the 2025-26 season, taking dead aim at a sectional championship. That’s a big goal for a program that has won only two titles in its history, the last in 2018.
BNL will also look to end its mini-drought of sending sectional event winners to the IHSAA state finals. The Stars could take care of both those goals.
“We think we can win multiple events, and a relay or two,” BNL coach Adam Young said as he prepared for the first official day of practice sessions. “I will be disappointed if we don’t get the sectional. I think we have the talent. We will see if we get the work in and have the passion, but it should be a good year. And it’s long overdue. There’s a lot of vacant space on that championship banner. It’s time to fix that.”
Lipp will be a strong contender in the 100-yard backstroke, hoping to join a list of recent record breakers in that event. Emma Gabhart’s school record of 59.43, set in 2023, will be in play. Lipp will also be a factor in the 200 individual medley.
“She is primed to be able to win the backstroke,” Young said. “We’re hoping she can get the record.”
BNL will also count on contributions from Sabrina Lipp (50 and 100 freestyle) and Mia Manke (200 free), while a seven-strong senior class will provide leadership and depth. The Stars will also have three freshmen, among the roster of 16, ready to make an immediate impact.
“I want to have strong relationships,” BNL senior Kayeh Kwakye said. “As our team has gotten bigger, we’ve not been as close. So that’s the most important thing. I want us to have fun, and win. We can accomplish anything we want to. Just work hard and show up.”
BNL will be seeking to snap Jasper’s seven-year reign as sectional champion. While the Stars will not have any divers (because of a lack of coaches and athletes), they can make up the difference with winners and depth.
“That is important,” Lipp said. “I’m looking forward to this year. It would be good for the team. We’re getting a little tired of losing.”
“There is still some good competition,” Young said. “We have some freshmen who will contribute immediately. Our goal is to have three people in the finals of each event at the sectional.”
BNL will open the regular season on Nov. 25 against Edgewood.
