By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – According to the tape measure, Bedford North Lawrence is poised to go the distance. According to the stopwatch, the longer the clock ticks, the better the Stars will be.
BNL, with experience and strength in the field events, with stamina and stability in the distance races, expects to flex some power during the 2025 track season. With a two-time state finalist, with multiple regional qualifiers returning, and a roster of long-distance depth, the Stars have the potential to make an impact in the postseason.
There’s plenty of horsepower. All that’s missing is some front-end speed.
“Our field events are strong,” BNL coach Brett Deckard said. “Distance will be good with the entire cross country team out, they had a good fall, and they’re training hard. I expect a lot out of them. We’re still looking for sprinters. We need to find some speed.“
BNL’s marquee performer will be senior Braydon Patterson, who’s gunning for a third straight trip to the IHSAA state championships in the high jump. He finished 14th as a sophomore and 15th last season, and he’s chasing the school record of 6-8, set by Lane Hawkins in 2019.
The spotlight will also shine on Frank Decker, a regional qualifier in the pole vault after a second-place finish in the sectional. Tripp Stahl, a regional competitor in the shot put, will also demand attention.
“Braydon has been there to the state twice, and Frank should be there,” Deckard said. “Frank also ran the 100 and was the fastest guy on the team, so he’s going to be on a relay.”
Jonah Bailey, a successful veteran in track and cross country, will anchor the distance squad. Deckard expects freshman Tucker Inman to shine in the 3200, which will allow Bailey to focus on the 800 and 1600 events.
That leaves positions up for grabs in the hurdles and shorter sprint races. Those slots could be filled by Oliver and Porter Brown, Driven Axsom and freshman Easton Moore.
”We have nice numbers,” Deckard said. “Easton will surprise us. He has that athleticism, we just need to teach him how to use it.”
BNL will open the campaign at home against Barr-Reeve, Orleans and Mitchell on April 3.
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