BLOOMINGTON, IN. – Luke Beehler and Austin Dove overcame adversity the entire spring of 2018.
From the usual inclement northern Indiana weather that kept the track team indoors, to a track that was not complete due to weather and a held up construction project, to bus rides down the road to another school just to get to practice. The thought of qualifying state was not foremost on the minds of Coach Kathe Beehler and the Lancer Boys Track team.
“A trip to the state meet wasn’t something I was even thinking about,” said Coach Beehler. “Between Mother Nature keeping us inside and then having to travel to John Glenn to get on a track to practice I was just thinking about one week at a time.”
That didn’t keep Beehler and Dove from doing something that a LaVille Boys Track team member has not done since 1996.
“Luke finished 12th after jumping 22-feet, 3 1/4-inches,” said Coach Beehler. “Austin cleared 6’2” but was out of the allotted time.
“It was a great experience for them,” continued the LaVille Coach. “Getting to the state meet was a huge accomplishment. It wasn’t even something we had discussed going into the season or even prior to regionals! First boys to get to state meet since 1996 is something to be proud of. We learn from our experience and next year be ready!”
Luke shared these thoughts about the state track experience, “I thought it was a very cool experience to be able to go down to Bloomington and participate in the state track meet. Twelfth was not what I was hoping for but it was still a really good learning experience, and I enjoyed being able to participate in the state meet. I think it is really cool to know that I was one of the best long jumpers in the state this year. It was a privilege to represent my school at state.”
Dove did not receive an official placement as he timed out of his jumps. Each high jumper is allotted one minute to complete their respective attempt.
“It’s an amazing and very exciting opportunity,” said Dove of his chance to perform at the IHSAA state finals. “I still can’t believe I am here, on my first year. I have a long way to go but thankfully I have two more years to figure it out and fine tune my form.”
