By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – The newly-minted, freshly-cut preseason poll from the Indiana High School Golf Coaches Association pinned some pressure on Bedford North Lawrence, placing the Stars at No.19 in the first ranking of potential state qualifiers and contenders. That’s nothing new. With a sectional streak that’s approaching a state record, as a defending regional champion, BNL shoulders pressure like another club in the bag. No problem.
That’s great extra burden to lug around, because it means the expectations are there before the first shot is fired. Over the past dozen years, BNL has quietly built a program that has become self-sustaining and regenerative. Lose some pieces, replace them with others.
Even after losing two seniors from the lineup that made back-to-back trips to the IHSAA state championship, the Stars started official practice sessions for the 2024 campaign with great and reasonable goals. Win a sectional, contend for a regional, advance to the state finals. And why not? With three returning veterans and two talented freshmen ready to make their mark, BNL is primed and prepared for exactly that kind of season.
As Kori Johnston enters her fourth season as head coach at her alma mater, she also has an extra burden – she’s expecting her first child (think pink) in late October, just after the state finals. Hopefully the stress of guiding teenagers through the season will not start that process prematurely. She’s got a good group, and support system, in place.
Johnston will count on her veterans to make things easy.
“Experience is so beneficial, especially when we get into bigger tournaments,” Johnston said. “Nerves will always be there, but it’s not as scary as the first time around. It’s always beneficial to have veterans in your lineup.”
BNL’s lineup will begin with Kinleigh Root, who has enjoyed a successful summer (that included winning the Bedford Girls Junior City). Ellie Horton, one of three seniors on the 10-player roster, and Sammie Nusbaum were also key figures last season.
“Those three are pretty solid,” Johnston said. “Root has put in a ton of time in the summer, so we expect big things from her. Ellie is a fantastic senior to have on the roster, and Sammie has the firepower to shoot low numbers.
“I go into every season the same way, nothing is guaranteed. We have to earn everything we do. We lost two seniors (Chloe McFaddin and Kenley Craig) from the top five, so there are big shoes to fill. But we have two freshmen coming in to step right into those spots.”
The newcomers will include Emma Endris (who is already making a big splash in practice, earning the second spot in the early lineup) and Emma Voris, who will be among those vying for the fifth spot.
“We lost two key players, but we’ve gained some good freshmen and we are capable of a lot,” Horton said. “By the end of the season, I want us to be proud of what we did.
“I realize the more pressure I put on myself, the worse it gets and the worse I play. I’m used to it now. We’ve learned we’re better when we work together, when we communicate with each other. And I play better when I’m just trying to have fun.”
BNL has won 11 consecutive sectional titles (chasing the state record of 16, set by Penn), and ranks 13th in state history with 18 overall sectional crowns. Last year’s regional championship was only the program’s second, and the state finals appearance (BNL finished 14th) was the 15th in school history.
“Those are the main goals,” Johnston said. “We want to continue the sectional streak. Another regional title would be fantastic, but we just want to punch our ticket to advance.”
BNL will open the season on Monday in the Bloomington South Invitational.
