INDIANAPOLIS - Along with making new friends, staying in shape, and playing on a team, sports offer so many life lessons. For 2024 LaVille High School graduate Erik Bedock, he not only appreciated the opportunity to represent LaVille football one last time, but more importantly he appreciated the many valuable lessons that the North football coaching staff talked about following each practice session. The 58th annual Murat Shrine Indiana Football Coaches Association (IFCA) North-South All-Star game was held at Decatur Central High School a week ago. The South team defeated the North, 41-14. "I took away many valuable lessons that help me not only with football but with life in general," recalled the 2024 LaVille graduate. "After every practice we had a member of our coaching staff give a speech about a wide variety of life lessons. Accountability, leadership, perseverance, etc. I'll honestly remember those more than I'll remember anything football related I learned. Because those lessons can be applied to my life forever." Bedock became the fifth Lancer football player 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 lined up on defense. "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 spent four days at the University of Indianapolis. The IFCA banquet was held on July 11 at Primo South in Indianapolis, with the game played on July 12. The 6-foot, 3-inch Lancer offensive and defensive lineman talked about what a "special time football was," for him. "Being a part of LaVille football has been the best part of my life so far," noted Bedock, who plans to continue his academic and athletic career at Indiana Wesleyan in the fall. "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." With three days to prepare for the Murat Shrine Classic, the North squad held several practices. "The practices were actually a lot different than what we normally do at LaVille," explained Bedock. "Firstly, having that many practices in such a short duration is something that I was not used to. I think we practiced seven times in a span of 2.5 days so that was a little different. The overall format of practice was also different because I wasn't practicing both sides of the ball, only defense." Bedock was one of 46 players selected to participate in the traditional North-South Classic. The event brings together some of the finest 2024 Indiana high school players one final time. "It was amazing playing with some of the best in the state," commented Bedock. "I played against some of those guys during high school and will play most of them again in college. It definitely created more competition." During the high school regular season, Bedock played both offense and defense and helped the 2023 Lancer team win a Class 2A football sectional championship. At the Murat Shrine Classic, he was assigned to the defensive side of the ball. "I played defense for the game which was fun because I won't be able to do that again in college," acknowledged Bedock, who is just one of 10 incoming offensive lineman at IWU. "That was the last time. Even though the outcome was not what we had hoped for we still had a blast. How could you be mad while being able to play a football game in the middle of the summer." With the temperature in the middle to upper 70s, Bedock was honored to have one last chance to put on his 'LV' helmet. "It meant a lot being able to represent LaVille during the game. Being from a small school it's amazing to be able to compete against the Center Grove's, Ben Davis', Westfield's, etc. It shows that we're capable of producing the same talent and shines some light on our program so I'm really prideful of that." As Bedock, his family, friends and coaches were able to celebrate the one last high school event, he received word that he was the recipient of one of six 2024 Indiana Football Hall of Fame Scholarships. Academics, football, community service, and other accomplishments are just some of the criteria. His activities include LaVille Thanksgiving Food Drive, Bikes for Kids, and Youth Football Camp Counselor. He was a member of the top 10 in the Class of 2024, Hoosier North Athletic Conference math competition top 10, Principal's Honor Roll all four years in high school, HNAC Academic All-Conference, a double state qualifier in discus and shot put, and helped the 2021 and 2023 LaVille football team win a Class 2A sectional title. Bedock was also part of an overall 36-8 football record from 2021-2024. "I received the Indiana football hall of fame scholarship," confirmed Bedock. "I was one of few recipients to be selected for that so that was definitely a huge honor." We had the chance to chat with Will Hostrawser, current LaVille Jr-Sr High School athletic director and former Lancer head football coach, about Bedock being one of six overall selections and likely the first from LaVille to receive the award. "Erik Bedock is a prime example of a young man that puts in hard work into the classroom as well as his preparation to play football," said Hostrawser, who is the all-time winningest football coach at LaVille (79-33). "He is a true student of the game who plays at a high level while continually looking to improve his game. His relentless pursuit to evolve both academically as well as a football player opens up many opportunities for recognition. Earning a scarce scholarship like the IFCA Hall of Fame scholarship is proof that his efforts are recognized by many in the football coaching world. I look forward to following him as he plays football at the next level - we are all very proud of him for leaving a positive mark on both our school and our football program here at LaVille." LaVille High School North/South All-Star Classic Football Participants 1983 – Dennis Graf, player 1983 – Larry Stillson, assistant coach 1997 – Ben Platz, player 2005 – Joe Ciesielski, player 2021 – Leyton Czarnecki, player 2022 - Will Hostrawser, assistant coach 2024 - Erik Bedock, player