By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – The pieces are snapping into place for Bedford North Lawrence.
Constructing a team is similar to solving a jigsaw puzzle. After spreading out all the pieces, getting a look at what the picture will be once everything fits together, it’s a matter of choosing where to start and patiently placing each in the proper place. The Stars can now see what they’ve been working on.
BNL, competing for the second straight night, had plenty left in the energy tank while sweeping to wins over Barr-Reeve and Springs Valley on Wednesday night. In the girls meet, the Stars totaled 72 points to pull away from the Vikings (45) and Blackhawks (43). In the boys meet, BNL posted 78.5 points and cruised to wins over Valley (57) and Barr-Reeve (30.5).
In the girls meet, BNL recorded eight wins.
“We’re starting to see where things go, we’re starting to pick that up,” BNL coach Jason Webb said. “We’re starting to see things develop. It’s good for the kids to see success.”
Paige Voigtschild crossed first in the 1600 (6:05.43), Lily Mishler won the 400 in 1:05.48, Emma Heinzman was the victor in the 300 low hurdles (52.93), and Gracie Simmerman won a backstretch duel with Voigtschild to win the 800 (2:45.17).
Alaina Fish soared over 4-8 to win the high jump, while Zoe Shelton claimed the long jump at 14-2. The Stars took two relays. In the 3200, Voigtschild teamed with Ashlynn York, Simmerman and Madison Chandler to clock 10:50.26. In the 1600, Voigtschild, Simmerman, Fish and Mishler rolled to the line in 4:23.95.
In the boys meet, BNL won 10 events with a trio of double champs. Tripp Stahl demanded the most attention with wins in the shot put (53-1) and discus (167-9), with the latter the most impressive. He recorded the third-longest throw in program history, and he will now set his sights on the ancient record of former state champion Lee Wildman (175-5 in 1977, the oldest record in any school sport). Stahl also ranks among the top 10 in the state this season.
“He has worked his tail off,” BNL coach Brett Deckard said. “I knew he was capable. He’s popped one off in practice, but he had not popped one in a meet. That puts him in reachable position to get that record. Will he get it? I don’t know. But he can see it now. That record is amazing.”
Ben Conner was also a double winner, taking the high jump (6-0) and 400 (53.02). Eli McFarland went the distance in the 1600 (4:49.94) and 3200 (10:48.98). Driven Axsom won the pole vault at 10-6.
The Stars swept the relays, winning the 3200 (Sam Strauser, Noah Strauser, Hayden Rich and Tate McFarland in 9:15.99), 400 (Axsom, Parker Beeson, Luke Morris and Beau Allender in 46.51) and 1600 (Axsom, Saeben Arce, Conner and Morris in 3:39.36).
“I’m real tickled with the 1600 team,” Deckard said. “It’s the first time we’ve had one that’s pretty good in the last four or five years. I think they can compete for a sectional championship.”
Springs Valley’s Graham Nottger won three events. He sailed over the 110 high hurdles in 15.59 (beating Morris by .04 seconds) and the 300 lows in 40.65 (clipping Morris by .18). He also took the long jump at 21-11.
”Luke had a great night,” Deckard said. “Graham is going in as the sectional favorite, and I’m fine with that. Luke still has more in the tank, and he’s a competitor.”
BNL will run at North Knox in the Warrior Invitational on Friday.
