LAKEVILLE - LaVille senior Erik Bedock has been selected to participate in the 58th annual Murat Shrine Indiana Football Coaches Association (IFCA) North/South All-Star game on July 12 at Decatur Central High School. Bedock becomes the fifth Lancer football player to be selected to the IFCA event.  He joins Leyton Czarnecki, Ben Platz, Joe Ciesielski, and Dennis Graf. "It feels awesome to be recognized by the IFCA in this manner," said Bedock, who is expected to line up at defensive tackle.  "I am honored to be given such a great opportunity to play one last game of high school football with some of the best players in the state. I’ve been playing football since I was 5 years old so it’s obviously been a huge part of my life. All of the lessons the game has taught are things I’ll keep with me for the rest of my life so I’m thankful for the game." Players, managers, and coaching staff members are scheduled to report to the University of Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 9, for three days of preparation before the annual event kicks off.  The IFCA banquet is set for Thursday, July 11, at Primo South.  Gameday will be Friday, July 12, at Decatur Central High School, with kick scheduled at approximately 7:07 p.m. The 6'3" offensive and defensive lineman for LaVille High School said the last four years have been a special time for him. "Being a part of LaVille football has been the best part of my life so far,"  I’ve made so many friendships with such great teammates that I’ve had. I’ve also been blessed with many great coaches from pee wee football all the way through high school. They have all been mentors to me and have each taught me valuable lessons for both the game and for life. " As Bedock gets set for high school graduation and ultimately heading off to Indiana Wesleyan University to continue his academic and athletic career, he shared some advice to a young Erik Bedock. "I would tell a young Erik Bedock to stay motivated and persistent," Bedock said.  "There were honestly a lot of times in my career especially when I was younger where I doubted my own abilities when it came to my production on the field and recruiting and things of that nature. If I could do it again I would eliminate any doubt that I had and trust myself more." And, as Bedock looks ahead to his collegiate football career of playing on the offensive line for the Wildcats. "This is probably the last time I’ll be able to play defense ever considering that I’m playing offensive line in college," said Bedock.  "So I hope I have some fun doing that." With Bedock heading to Indianapolis for the IFCA all-star game, Bedock becomes the fifth LaVille player overall, but first player for Lancer head coach Jeff Kaiser to be selected for IFCA'sMurat Shrine game. "Erik Bedock being selected to play and represent LaVille Football in the North/South All-Star Game is a tremendous honor not only to Erik but to the LaVille Football program," said Kaiser.  "To be recognized first as an individual to play in this game being that there are only 46 players from the North part of Indiana that get this honor and chance,  is the exclamation point to Erik's career here at LaVille and the countless hours of commitment he put in daily  to be his best day in and day out." When asked about some of the qualities that Bedock has brought to the Lancer football program, the LaVille coach was effusive in his praise for Bedock. "Erik's leadership throughout our entire program has been extremely valuable to us all and I'm anxious to see that same leadership in this game as well," explained Kaiser.  "He understands what it takes to be a leader and to be able to see it in action amongst some of the best in the state will be fun. "The greatest thing about all of this though, is the time and commitment he has put into this team and the sport he loves is that his academics are just as impressive.  He carries a 3.98 GPA and ranked 7th in his class!!    He is the true definition of student-athlete here at LaVille and has put himself in a position that he will be playing at the next level (college)." And with Erik set to put on the LaVille helmet one more time before wrapping up his high school career, his IFCA North-South involvement could surely have a trickle down effect on LaVille's younger players. "Now from a program standpoint, over the last few years our current and past players have put our program on the map, it's no secret," noted Kaiser.  "And for Erik to be able to put that white helmet on one more time to represent LV on an All Star platform is great motivation for guys going through the program to want to be the next one to do so. "Although Erik has the honor of wearing our White helmet one more time, he will be the first one to tell you that this wouldn't have been possible without ALL of his teammates throughout his career here at LaVille." Kaiser closed our Q&A by proclaiming, this is truly a "great achievement Erik. We are all proud of you!!  Go get 'em!!" GAME INFORMATION Friday, July 12, 2024 | Kick: 7 p.m. EST Decatur Central High School in Indianapolis, IN. IFCA All-Star Game Tickets In Advance: Adults $8 | Students $4 At The Gate: Adults $10 | Students $5 Online At Go Fan: Adults $11 | $ 6 (https://gofan.co/app/events/987858?schoolId=IN86890) IFCA All-Star Banquet Tickets $35 per person Contact:  John Mallery  119 Steeplechase Court  Trafalgar, IN 46181     Other: *Banquet tickets will be available during player check-in as players report for camp.Please have cash or check only. Additionally, All Star clothing will be available for purchase.    *Game programs and all-star clothing will be on sale at check in, the banquet, and the game.Proceeds from this game benefit Shrine Hospitals and the Indiana Football Hall of Fame