UNION TWP. | In softball, Lanay Parks is a star. In basketball, the Wheeler senior is a role player. In volleyball, Parks just may be the most important player on the floor for the Bearcats this weekend.
Parks, a three-sport athlete for the Bearcats, has won five sectional titles during her four-year career -- one in basketball, two in softball and two in volleyball. The most recent title came last weekend when the volleyball team knocked off River Forest to advance to the Class 2A Westview Regional to face Fairfield on Saturday.
During the sectional title match, Wheeler middle blocker Brittany Stelter reinjured her left knee, the same knee in which she suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament last season.
If Stelter is unable to go, Parks will move over to middle blocker and Wheeler's postseason success could rest in the Bearcats' front row.
"We can't think of it as Brittany being out," Parks said. "We have to stay together as a team."
Parks is no stranger to the front row. The senior has shined as an outside hitter all season for the Bearcats (28-8). Last year, Parks played middle blocker much of the season as classmate Emma Farlow was out with a torn ACL.
That experience may be vital for this weekend's matchup with Fairfield (29-4).
"In the middle, you have more options, more angles to hit the ball," Parks said. "There are a lot more responsibilities. It helps that I played the position for a year already."
Wheeler coach Mike Stojic loves having Parks on his squad, even though he needs to share her with basketball as well as her true love, softball.
"Not only does she excel at each of the sports she plays, but she's such a great kid on top of it," Stojic said. "She brings a lot to this team."
Parks, who aims to play collegiate softball, hasn't had a break from competitive sports during her high school career. As soon as the volleyball season ends, the senior will jump into basketball. All the while, softball, and hopes for a repeat trip to state hang in the background.
"Right now I'm completely focused on volleyball," Parks said. "Then basketball will come, and I work on softball every night, but right now, volleyball."
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL | CLASS 2A WESTVIEW REGIONAL PREVIEW
Scouting the Class 2A Westview Regional
Saturday
Winamac (29-6) vs. Central Noble (23-8), 10 a.m.
Wheeler (28-8) vs. Fairfield (29-4), to follow
Championship, 6 p.m.
Advancement: Winner plays winner of Bluffton Regional in the state semifinals at the Worthen Arena on the campus of Ball State University on Saturday, Nov. 7.
Last year's winner: Fairfield.
Favorite: Fairfield.
Darkhorse: Winamac.
Players to watch: Wheeler -- Emma Farlow, Sr., MB; Lanay Parks, Sr., OH/MB; Shannon Doyle, Fr., S; Kylie Planck, Sr., L.
The Lanay Parks File
Wheeler, Sr., OH/MB
Sectional titles
2006-07: Basketball, Softball
2008-09: Volleyball, Softball
2009-10: Volleyball
