LAKEVILLE, IN. – As a new track and field season begins, LaVille is working to build on a solid effort in 2022. Kathe Beehler returns for her 14th season as a head coach of the Lancer tracksters. Though LHS lost 10 letterwinners from a year ago, 14 return in Lakeville, with another eight looking promising as newcomers. Topping the list of returnees are senior Owen Smith, who was a double Hoosier North champion and Indiana High School Athletic Association regional qualifier a season ago. Smith won the 100 and 200m dashes. Junior Lincoln Hulsey was also a double HNAC champ, taking the pole vault and anchoring the 4x400m relay. Beehler and her coaching staff will look to fit in three new members to join Hulsey on the 4x400m relay team, with the departure of Charlie Lemberis, Dawson Beam, and Riley Kwiatkowski. Senior Garrett Wagoner and classmate AJ Bedock brought home HNAC titles in the shot put and discus, respectively. “The 2022 season went very well,” said Beehler. “With a tough six-point loss at conference. We have a lot of holes that we need to fill this year and I’m hopeful we will be able to do that!” Also back are senior Ashton Artrip in the hurdles and sprints, senior Noah Richhart in the sprints and throws, senior Collin Allen in throws, and senior Carson Horner in distance. Among the juniors set to return are Matthew Schaefer in the sprints and pole vault, Erick Bedock in throws and Collin Christy in distance events. Other sophomores set to help out are Cody Allen in sprints, Avery Garrett in the high jump and Sam Sherk in middle distance and jumps. According to Beehler, several basketball players joined the team following the conclusion of their season. LaVille is on spring break the week of March 20, so the team will be looking to fill event spots upon return. “The first week back from break will be a lot of time trials and goal setting!” explained Beehler. “We are still working on relays! Just got basketball boys so we will be doing time trials after break and figure out who in going to be in relays.” Field Events and pole vault have solid depth following 2022 and again heading into the new season. LaVille claimed four top three spots in the IHSAA Penn Sectional a year ago. Checking into the Goshen Regional last season were AJ Bedock (discus), Hulsey (pole vault), Wagoner(shot put) and Smith (200m dash), making his second regional appearance. Also getting a call back by securing one of the next top four spots was Erik Bedock (shot put) and Schaefer (pole vault). “We are looking very strong in the throws and pole vault!” said Beehler. “We are hoping to build on what was accomplished last season!” Hulsey leads the pole vault effort after landing on the podium at the IHSAA State Finals at IU’s Billy Hayes Stadium in Bloomington in 2022. The current junior topped out at 13 feet at the Goshen Regional to finish third and advance to the state finals. It was a foot less than his personal best, but clean attempts helped him secure that trip down south to the state meet. In Bloomington, Hulsey’s goal was to meet or beat his 14-foot best to that point while joining the best vaulters in the state. The then-sophomore vaulter was a 24th seed to open the contest. He ultimately finished off a 14′-6″ effort that would put him on the champion’s podium. That vault increased his new personal best by six inches and tied the existing school record. In the end Hulsey placed seventh in the state out of 27 in the finals. LaVille finished the 2022 campaign as runner-up at the Dennis Rippy Relays (at John Glenn) and fifth as a team at the Penn Sectional. There are several stories that could develop throughout the roster as LaVille prepares for a triangular meet at Plymouth on April 5. Triton will join the action that begins with field events at 5 p.m. South Central (Union Mills) is set to visit Lakeville for the LaVille track and field home opener on April 13. Field events are scheduled to start the action beginning at 5:30 p.m. 2023 LAVILLE BOYS TRACK Head Coach: Kathe Beehler (14th season overall) Assistant Coaches: JT Beehler, Larry Hough 2022 Dual/Triangular Record: 7-3. (Lancer Relays Champion) Letterwinners Lost: (10) – Dawson Beam (middle distance), Alex Dent (distance), Wesley Hall (middle distance), Connor Henry (middle distance), Riley Kwiatkowski (sprints), Charlie Lemberis (sprints), Isaac Lillie (distance), Alex Menting (distance), Evan Wilfing (sprints), Owen Wilfing (distance). Letterwinners: Returning (14) – Seniors: Collin Allen (throws), Ashton Artrip (hurdles/sprints), AJ Bedock (throws), Carson Horner (distance), Noah Richart (throws/sprints), Owen Smith (sprints), Garrett Wagoner (throws). Juniors: Erik Bedock (throws), Colin Christy (distance), Lincoln Hulsey (pole vault/ sprints), Matthew Schaefer (pole vault/ sprints). Sophomores: Cody Allen (sprints), Avery Garrett (high jump), Sam Sherk (jumps /middle distance). Newcomers (8) – Senior: Levi Stanford (throws / sprints), Alex McFadden (throws / sprints). Juniors: Hudson Doyle (distance). Sophomores: Zachary Hulsey (jumps), Johnathan Neese (throws / sprints). Freshman: Langston Artrip (distance), Brock Geist (high jump / hurdles), Jackson McNerney (middle distance). Opener: at Plymouth w/ Triton at 5 p.m., April 5