By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Bedford North Lawrence has won 15 team sectional titles in program history. The Stars are self-anointed to add a sweet 16th to that list.
With seven seniors comprising half the roster, BNL has the depth and talent to contend for another crown. The Stars return veterans with state finals experience, and they were members of the last championship squad in 2023. They know what it takes, and it’s more than just talking about it.
“The expectations will be a little higher this year than normal,” BNL coach Adam Young said. “We’re looking for a sectional title this year. We should be in the mix, it might be ours to give away. So we have to put the work in. At the end of the day, we can talk about it, but they’re the ones who have to get in there and do it.
“I hope that motivates them to put it together for one last ride. They’ve had a nice run. There’s an adjustment period where you realize those guys (the seniors from ‘23) are gone, it’s up to me now.”
Garrett Gabhart will be a central figure. He finished 21st in the state in the 100-yard backstroke last year, and he teamed with classmate Oliver Brown on two relays (200 freestyle and 400 free) in the state meet.
“Garrett will lead the way, and Oliver has turned into a fantastic swimmer,” Young said. “We would like to see Garrett get in a position to medal at state. He’s certainly capable of that. We’re counting on everybody, it will be a team thing this year. But they are the fastest. We have some good specialists.”
Other Stars to watch will include senior Logan Langley in the 100 breaststroke and junior Dustin Haltom.
“We’re hoping to get as many people as we can to the state finals,” Brown said. “If everyone shows up and does what they’re supposed to, I think we can accomplish a lot. It takes some more time, more practice. We have potential, we have a great foundation.
“We remember that sectional win, remember being very proud of our team. People on this team want to win it again.”
BNL’s only current issue is a lack of freshmen on the roster. That will take some recruiting to fill and avoid a future problem for the program. Right now, it’s all about the present.
“It’s a good group from top to bottom,” Young said. “And they will all have to contribute.”
BNL will open the season at Edgewood on Nov. 26.
