LAKEVILLE - After having a solid showing during the 2023 high school track and field season, the 2024 version of LaVille boys track and field are looking forward to competing. Coach Kathe Beehler's squad finished last season 7-0 in dual/triangular meets, won the Lancer Relays, finished second in Hoosier North Championships, 4th place of 16 at Goshen Relays. The Lancers also sent three participants to the IHSAA state finals at Indiana University last June. "Yes, 2023 was a great season," recalled Beehler. "We had a lot of success. Sending 3 athletes to the state meet was a great experience for them!" Lincoln Hulsey finished in third place at the IHSAA state championships in pole vault, while Owen Smith was top 15 in the 300 intermediate hurdles, and Eric Bedock closed out in the top 25 in the shot put and discus. Now in 2024, Beehler's unit welcomes back 12 letterwinners and a large group of freshmen that want to make their mark in track and field. Among those Lancers to watch will be Hulsey in pole vault and sprints, Michael Good in throws, Colin Christy in the 1600, Dylan Miller in hurdles and sprints, along with Lance Edison in high jump and middle distance, among others. Also back are: Matthew Schaefer, Cody Allen, Avery Garrett, Jonathan Neese, Eli Platz, Sam Sherk, and Brock Gest. In 2023, LaVille earned critical points during field events. The depth in throws and jumps helped Beehler's team start many meets off on a strong foot. "Yes we dominated in field events last year," the 15th-year Lancer boss. "I don’t know that we will have that same dominance this year, but we will be very strong again. "Lincoln is back and I look for him and Matthew to continue their dominance in pole vault. Unfortunately due to injury in football Erik will not be able to compete this season which is a huge loss. Michael Good has returned to the team this year and I look for him to take over where Erik left off last season in the discus and shot put." With several student-athletes participating in multiple sports, there is a risk of injury. Unfortunately for state qualifier Erik Bedock, a football injury looks to keep him out of the throwers area in 2024. Likewise, an injury to Cody Allen, In other areas around the track, Beehler noted, "Cole Stafford has really shown leadership and drive this preseason and I look for him to be our leader out of the sprints group. Colin Christy and Isaac Beelby have had great distance practices. Sam Sherk and Avery Garrett lead the middle distance group. Newcomer Lance Edison may step into the top of that group." 2024 LAVILLE BOYS TRACK & FIELD Head Coach: Kathe Beehler (15th season) Assistant: JT Beehler 2024 Dual/Triangular Record: 7-0 (Champions: Lancer Relays, Dennis Rippy Relays, Hoosier North Athletic Conference) Letterwinners Lost (11): Collin Allen, Ashton Artrip, Langston Artrip, AJ Bedock, Carson Horner, Alex McFadden, Noah Richhart, Owen Smith, Levi Stafford, Garrett Wagoner, Hudson Doyle Returning Letterwinners (12): Seniors - Colin Christy (mid-distance), Erik Bedock (throws; out due to injury), Michael Good (throws, sprints), Lincoln Hulsey (pole vault ,400), Matthew Schaefer (pole vault, hurdles). Juniors - Cody Allen (throwing), Avery Garrett (high jump, mid-distance), Jonathan Neese (long jump, sprints), Eli Platz (throws), Sam Sherk (long jump, hurdles, mid-distance). Sophomores - Brock Gest (hurdles, sprints), Cole Stafford (long, sprints). Newcomers: Juniors - Brandon Aquirre (sprints), Aiden Johnson (mid-distance). Sophomore - Isaac Beelby (mid-distance). Freshmen - Konnor Amor (long jump, sprints), Colin Andert (distance), Madden Brown (pole vault, sprints), Brian Burghduf (distance), Troy Carder (throws), Ryder Devin (pole vault, distance), Lance Edison (high jump, mid-distance), Carter Lewandowski (high jump, distance), Dylan Miller (hurdles, sprints), Aaron Platz (distance), Caleb Rock (hurdles, throws), Austin Wright (throws). Opener: April 5 v. Triton at Plymouth, 5 p.m. 2024 LAVILLE BOYS TRACK & FIELD (All Times EDT) April 5 v. Triton @ Plymouth, 5 p.m. April 9 v. ELKHART CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, TRITON @ LAVILLE, 5 p.m. April 11 @ South Central, 5:30 p.m. April 18 v. Triton @ Knox, 5:30 p.m. April 20 @ Goshen Relays, TBD April 23 v. MC MARQUETTE, WINAMAC @ LAVILLE, 5:30 p.m. April 26 LANCER RELAYS @ LAVILLE, 5:30 p.m. April 30 v. Jimtown @ Bremen, 5 p.m. May 3 @ Dennis Rippy Invitational, 5:30 p.m. May 9 HOOSIER NORTH ATHLETIC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS @ LAVILLE, 5:30 p.m. May 16 IHSAA Sectional @ Penn, TBD May 23 IHSAA Regional @ Goshen, TBD June 1 IHSAA State Finals @ Indiana University, TBD Home meets in CAPS