By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – All the miles are adding up to success for Bedford North Lawrence.
After finishing third in last year’s sectional, and 18th in the new-look regional after the IHSAA contracted the state tournament series, the Stars are focusing on reaching the next level. With a strong returning cast of veteran runners, BNL has a shot at reaching the state finals (as a team) for the first time since 2010.
“We have a great group of girls and high hopes for this season,” BNL’s Danielle Garrison, one of the co-coaches with Amy Spence, said. “We’re excited to see how this team comes together when it’s time to race. We feel confident that we will be back at regional and beyond this fall.”
The reasons for optimism are multiple, centering on the returning talent. That starts with sophomore Elise Williams, a fierce competitor who made a significant splash as a team frontrunner. She earned All-Hoosier Hills Conference honors and finished 19th in the sectional.
“I just want to run and push my team to be better, do the best I can,” Williams said. “I try to lead as much as I can, run the best I can. It takes a lot of work to run on this team. I didn’t know what I was expecting last year, but it was fun to work together.
“We think we can make it to the state finals this year. We have a very solid group that will push each other. We will all keep getting better throughout the year.”
BNL also has depth with senior Francesca Orozco (who suffered a season-ending injury late last year), plus returning juniors Madison Chandler, Jabrie Sullivan and Gracie Simmerman.
They will be pushed by a flock of newcomers, with sophomore sisters Paige and Claire Voigtschild (who enjoyed success during the 2024 track season) plus freshmen Caroline Sheldon, Abby Khleige and Izzy Taylor.
“The freshmen have been putting in hard work at practice and we’re excited to see what they can do,” Garrison said. “Ady McIntosh joins us again this season as our lone sophomore. She has worked hard all spring in track and summer training, and she is hanging right there with our upperclassmen.”
The Stars will open the season in the Valley Kickoff meet in Terre Haute on Aug. 17.
