By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Tradition on Senior Day dictates a color splash, a wild uniform, and a team victory for Bedford North Lawrence as the celebrated upperclassmen take their final regular-season stroll around Otis Park.
This time, the Stars outdid themselves. Christmas theme, in September? On the hottest day of the season? Even the Grinch’s icy personality would melt in this southern Indiana sweatbox.
The Stars didn’t care, and it ultimately didn’t matter. Springs Valley, the opponent for the finale, had only three competitors, not enough for a team score. That didn’t stop BNL’s celebration for seniors Sammie Nusbaum, Kadynn Canada and Bella Warren, who made their last tour of their home course quite memorable.
Nusbaum carded two birdies on the front nine and carded a 2-over 39 to earn medalist honors. Canada fired a 46 and Warren posted 52. Together, along with a solid 42 from Emma Voris, they used this round as a final over-dressed rehearsal for the best present – a 14th consecutive sectional championship when BNL hosts the first stage of the IHSAA state tournament series on Saturday.
Nusbaum, back to expected form with her late-season scoring, birdied the second and ninth holes. After losing her swing just a month ago, she’s ready for the postseason. She’s the defending regional medalist, even though that round has been moved to a new venue. That’s just typical of the challenges golf can present.
“Everything, every lesson, golf shows you about life,” Nusbaum said. “It’s literally the game of life. You can be at your lowest at one moment, and at your highest the next. There’s never one moment, the course is always throwing you different stuff.“
For Canada, this final season has been about facing expectations. That sectional steak, the program tradition, carries some weight. Golf is tough enough without the extra stress.
“It’s definitely been challenging,” she said. “You learn the ups and downs, a bunch of mental things to get through. I have felt the weight a few times. With the sectional at our course, it gives me a little ease. I know the course, I know I can do well.
“Golf has been a big part of my life, especially being with these two seniors. I’ve been with them since kindergarten.”
Warren arrived late on the scene, taking up the game when BNL coach Carly Stigall was looking for a fifth player last year. She got hooked on the sport.
“I thought it would be fun to try,” Warren said. “I started to get competitive, knowing I could be better. I’ve learned patience and mental health. And now it’s crazy that it’s senior year.”
BNL’s final tee time on Saturday is scheduled for 10 a.m. The top three teams, plus the top three individuals who are not members of qualifying teams, will advance to the regional at Hulman Links (a late course change away from Country Oaks) on Sept. 25.
BNL 179, Springs Valley NS
BNL – Sammie Nusbaum 39, Emma Voris 42, Kadynn Canada 46, Bella Warren 52, Bella Montgomery 61, Kaleigh Lewis 58, Bailey Fisher 58
Springs Valley – Haley Minton 64, Dakota Goff 65, Lexi Grinter 67
