By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – For the last two seasons, Bedford North Lawrence has not qualified, as a team, for the IHSAA regional. That’s like the New York Yankees missing the playoffs. Something is wrong with that picture.
The Stars, with a fivesome of experienced seniors leading the redemption tour, plan to change that.
BNL will count on its experience, and the competitive push of talented newcomers, to make a run at postseason success. With Tyler Bellush and Coleson Stiles, who both qualified as individuals for the regional last year, as expected anchors for the lineup, the Stars have the potential to end their drought.
“I expect all the seniors to be leaders,” BNL coach Trey Turner said as he prepares to start his second season at the helm of his alma mater. “Tyler and Coleson were in a great spot to be able to compete at the regional. That’s a great experience for both of them, to know what the state tournament is like, to prepare the guys for what it’s like to play in the regional.
“It’s just the experience of playing varsity golf, getting used to playing in the weekend tournaments with good competition. Then it’s practicing and getting better. That should pay off.”
The rest of the senior class will include Dillon Lewis, Drew McKee and Carson Root, while Parker Foddrill also returns with varsity experience. But the beauty of golf is the only number that matters is on the scorecard, not the birth certificate. BNL also has three freshmen – Evan Tillett, Hudson Martin and Asher Thompson – poised to challenge for a lineup spot.
”I’m excited about our freshman class,” Turner said. “We have three who could step up. Down the road, they’ll be able to contribute. Those freshmen will have a chance to play in the top five if they continue to compete. That will drive us to raise our level of play.”
Bellush qualified for the regional with a solid 78 during the sectional at Cascades, and Stiles fired an 80. In the regional, Bellush came back with another 78 but missed the cut for the individual ticket to the state finals. That’s part of his motivation.
”I’m hoping to make it to the regional as a team, rather than individually,” he said. “Last year was disappointing, it would be a lot more fun to make it as a team. And I hope to play well enough to make it to the state finals. That’s a big goal, but definitely the end goal.
“I hope we will be a lot better.”
BNL will open the season on April 5 in the Seymour Invitational.
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