By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Who’s the fastest? That question has been asked for centuries. On dry land, that debate is settled on the track, with a stopwatch and a finish line. In the water, there’s no question who’s on track to shatter records and break a few clocks.
Bedford North Lawrence’s Cole Baker, a former distance runner, is a sprinting sensation in the pool. He will lead a talented senior class as the Stars seek to compete for team titles and individual glory on the highest levels during the 2022-23 campaign.
Baker, who finished 14th in the state in the 50-yard freestyle race last year, is a pre-season All-American with the potential to compete for state titles. He will join classmates Trey Kimbley and Hayden Puckett, plus divers Kade Bailey and Cameron Miller, in the quest for coveted tickets to the IHSAA state finals.
“Cole is not just one of the best swimmers in the state, he’s one of the best in the country,” BNL coach Adam Young said of his senior star. “That’s no joke. He has a chance to win state in a couple of events (the 50 and 100 freestyle). He’s in the mix, there’s no doubt about it. That’s pretty cool. We’re looking to break some records and do some special things.
“He’s worked hard. He’s kind of a late bloomer for swimming, but he really committed and has worked his tail off. Whatever he achieves, he will definitely deserve.”
Baker also advanced to the state meet in the 100 backstroke last season, but the freestyle sprints are his strength. During a recent club meet, he was already posting times to break the school records in those events. His decision to forego his final cross country campaign and concentrate on the pool could reap rewards.
“I think that will pay off, It’s already paying off,” Baker said. “I’m really excited. I’m expecting some good things.”
Kimbley was a member of a 400 free relay that won a sectional title and finished 22nd in the state meet. That experience opened his eyes to the possibilities and the realistic work ahead.
“We think we’re the best of the best here in Southern Indiana,” Kimbley said. “But when you go up there, and swim against those top schools, there are a lot of great swimmers out there. Our excitement is at an all-time high. We have a lot of great swimmers. Everyone has been working hard.”
Half of BNL’s roster will be comprised of sophomores. Two BNL divers (Miller and Jaevyn Nikirk) competed in the regional last season. The Stars must replace key graduation losses, but Young likes this collection of talent.
“I have high expectations,” Young said. “We have as much depth as we had last year, as far as the numbers, but it’s higher quality across the board. We lost some top-shelf speed, but our seniors have top-shelf speed. It remains to be seen. We’ll know what we have heading into the sectional.”
BNL will open the regular season
