By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Running first requires learning to walk. Bedford North Lawrence, in terms of experience, will not have time to take tentative steps. The Stars have to hit the ground on the dead run as the chase for success begins in 2025.
With only one returning veteran who scored among the top five BNL finishers in last year’s IHSAA sectional, the Stars will unveil several new faces in unfamiliar places. Rather than follow, they must lead. Rather than coast in the back, they must accelerate to the front.
BNL coach Nick Boyd is not sulking about the losses, both to graduation and choices. He chooses the opposite approach, one of optimism and opportunity for the unknown to step from the shadows to the spotlight.
“We have a good group of runners who were here last year as younger individuals,” Boyd said. “They have stepped into some quality leadership roles, and I’m excited to see if we can continue to build this season.
“They have competed at the varsity level, and in cross country, everyone is running the same race. Everybody on the team has some level of experience. We have prepared well.”
BNL finished fourth in the sectional on its home course, and claimed second in the Hoosier Hills Conference, a year ago. Eli McFarland, now a junior, was a solid contributor for that squad, while senior Kason Gulley and sophomore Sam Strauser were also key members. They will be joined by senior Clayton Schaefer and sophomore Hayden Rich in a top fivesome that could change on daily basis. Running is based on the basic principle of time. Beat the clock and those in opposing uniforms. Earn the chance based on performance.
“I expect us to grow, to start off slow,” McFarland said. “It will be different, getting to know each other. We have gained some experience. We’ve learned a lot about racing, about running with patience. The older guys have mentored the younger, to teach them how to run and give them some guidance.”
BNL will count on its pack mentality, on the strength of the many to carry the banner for the few.
”The challenge will be having our kids become great teammates for all of BNL,” Boyd said. “The running will fall into place.”
The Stars will open the season in the Valley Kickoff at Terre Haute on Aug. 16.
