INDIANAPOLIS, IN. - It will go down as a season to remember. As the 2023 boys high school season came to a climax at the Indiana High School Athletic Association State Track and Field Championships, there was so much to be proud of and thankful for. Coach Kathe Beehler's team sent three from her roster to the IHSAA State Finals at Robert C. Haugh Track and Field Complex, Indiana University, Bloomington. And when the shoes were untied and put away, the Lancers could reflect on an effort that brought out the hard work, the effort and the competitiveness in each athlete. From Erik Bedock, to Lincoln Hulsey, to Owen Smith each competitor improved on their seed to start the day and were able to savor precious memories as they returned to the Lakeville area. Hulsey returned with a third-place medal and new school record of 15 feet in the pole vault competition. In fact, at one point during the state meet, Hulsey led the field and was able to fully embrace the moment as the pole vault field narrowed to the final jumpers. "Lincoln had his sights set on a return to state and a top five finish," said Beehler. "A year ago he placed 7th!" Smith, meanwhile, was in the first of three groups to race against the clock in an event that he just started to compete in at the beginning of his senior season - the 300m intermediate hurdles. Owen also established a new school standard by finishing off a time of 39.96 seconds, knocking off 22 one- hundreths-of-a-second from his seeded time that put him in a solid 15th place. During the season, he didn't just set a new school record, he reestablished the mark on four different occasions. "After regionals last year we ran the idea by Owen about trying 300 hurdles!" explained Beehler. "His goal was to qualify for the state meet in an event and he just wasn't convinced he would get there in the 200! We ran him over a couple hurdles (last) June to see what he thought. He ran his first 300 hurdle race April 5, 2023. He broke the school record four times and ended his high school career as a LaVille Lancer with a 15th place finish at the state meet, a PR and school record of 39.96!" Bedock didn't just compete in one event at the state finals, but two throwing events that found him placing in the top 25 in each event - the discus and shot put. "Erik finished both of his events higher than he was seeded!" noted Beehler. "Top 25 in the state in both discus and shot put! And he has already set his goal for next year!" Bedock and Hulsey are just juniors. For now, they have the summer and off-season to work on their craft and get set for the 2024 season.Smith will pack up his shoes and start to think about being not just a two-sport athlete at Wabash College, but a student-athlete that will strive for a degree with a double-major. "Lincoln is top 3 in the state!" exclaimed the Lancer coach. "Owen made top 15 and Erik is top 25 in two events! I could not be more proud of those three boys! They put in the work all season long and were consistent with their performances all season long! "It was a great meet!," concluded Beehler. "It was sunny, hot and not a cloud in the sky! What a way to end a great season at the state finals! Two more PRs and school records! I am so very proud of them and excited about what next year will bring for them!" For Bedock, Hulsey, and Smith it will always be a season to remember.