By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – If Bedford North Lawrence can finish third in the sectional with a skeleton crew, what will the Stars accomplish with some meat on the bones? With numbers and talent, BNL is ready to make a run.
Over 30 athletes have answered the call for the 2022 season, including five returning regional qualifiers. That gives BNL quantity and quality, the reason head coach Jim Lewis is smiling a lot and eager to turn his team loose. After sending only nine runners into postseason action, and finishing third in the IHSAA sectional with a short staff, BNL has the numbers to compete.
“I’ve got a bright outlook for this year,” Lewis said. “I have high expectations. I think we’ll do well.”
The optimism centers on the speed of sprinters, on the thunder of throwers, on the new depth of the distance corps. Lindley Steele, a multi-event star, and Jillian Webb (back after two years off) will headline the swift, Autumn Hall will power the strong in field events, and Grace Tanksley will lead the long-range brigade.
Steele was a regional qualifier in the 100-meter dash and the long jump (she finished fourth in the regional in that event, missing the state finals by a 1/4 inch), and she was a member of the 1600 relay team that advanced to the second stage of the state tournament series. Webb was a sectional champion in the 400 in 2019.
“Jillian is so naturally talented, one of the most talented we’ve had,” Lewis said. “With her it’s just her understanding that she is that good. If she maintains the effort, she can write her own ticket.”
Hall, a force in the discus, and Katie Baumgart will give BNL experience in the throwing events. Tanksley had an outstanding cross country season and is poised to continue her surge in the 1600 and 3200. BNL could also get consistent points from Ethaney Cain (sprints), Kalyn Ritz (pole vault) and Alessia Agostini (hurdles).
“We’re in a lot better situation,” Lewis said. “I can move some kids around and not have the best kids running four hard events every night.”
The Stars will open the season against Mitchell and Barr-Reeve on March 31.
