By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Everyone knows the unsettling feeling, walking along with a large group, enjoying the camaraderie – then suddenly separated from the pack. Everything is instantly unfamiliar, that queasiness of being lost overwhelms the senses.
That’s life for Bedford North Lawrence’s Bruce Walker, the only senior on the roster. He looks around and wonders ‘Where is everyone else?’ Fortunately, he’s not alone. There’s plenty of help surrounding him as the Stars prepare to make a big splash during the 2026-27 season.
With a strong freshman class about to dive into the water for the first day of official practice sessions, expectations for the future are high. Walker’s job is to show them the way, without getting swept up by the currents of competition. Even with a slim total roster of 10, the Stars are still poised for team improvement.
”Our numbers are up, and the talent level is up significantly,” BNL coach Adam Young said. “We have all the top draft picks we could want, whether it’s freshmen coming in with a lot of swimming experience, or some brand-new guys with a lot of natural talent. They’re picking it up fast.
“We’re headed in right direction. It should be a much better season. It should be a strong team, even though it’s not a veteran team.”
Some of the names joining Walker are familiar, with junior Franklin Johnson and sophomore Jaxon McIntosh back from solid campaigns a year ago. Almost everyone else might be a little wet behind the ears.
“It feels a little weird,” Walker said. “In my previous years, there’s been so many seniors. Now it’s only me. It’s all on me now. But they’re all great guys, We have some very prospective swimmers that look good in the water.
“I’m expecting very good things. I expect this year to be good, and I’m even more excited to come back as an alum and see what they’re doing once I’m gone. It’s going to be great.”
The cast of rookies includes Alex Lipp, a common name in BNL swimming, with his sisters setting a standard of excellence in front of him. Others to watch include Levi Millspaugh, Cooper Evans, Ben Couch and returnee Justin Wu.
“Alex might have the richest genetics for swimming,” Young said. “He’s already on the cusp of really good times, and he hasn’t swam since elementary. He’s shown up, and he’s got the goods.”
BNL will start the regular season on Nov. 24 at Edgewood.
