Westview JR-SR HS

On Friday, August 15, 2025, Senior Noah Bontrager was recognized for his accomplishments at the State and National level last season. Since many of his accomplishments occurred during the summer and outside the school calendar, we wanted to make sure he was given the opportunity to be celebrated within each Westview school. Noah visited Shipshewana-Scott, Meadowview, Topeka, Westview Elementary, and then returned to Westview Jr-Sr High School. At each building, he ran through the halls to the applause and high-fives of the other students. When he finished running at Westview Jr-Sr High, students in the building gathered in the gym for a celebration ceremony. 

Junior High Principal Mr. Rojas welcomed everyone to the gym and introduced Noah by saying, “Noah has distinguished himself as one of the top runners in the state and the nation, proudly representing our school and community at the highest levels of high school cross country and track & field.”

Mr. Rojas went on to remark on Westview’s long and proud tradition of producing elite runners and exceptional athletes across many sports and added, “But Noah is something rare — a once-in-a-lifetime student athlete. In a school already rich with long distance running history, he doesn’t just meet the high standard set before him… he redefines it. His performances have elevated the bar for what it means to wear the Westview uniform, inspiring current and future Warriors to dream big and work harder.”

After his introduction, attendees watched a recording of the 2025 Indiana State Track Finals 1600-meter race. In this race, Noah didn’t just win — he made history, setting the Indiana State meet record with an astonishing time of 4:02.60.

Following the video, Noah’s cross country coach (his dad Lyle Bontrager) shared a few words encouraging students to work for what they want. Noah’s mom Erin Bontrager, track coaches Matt Jones and Mandy Stone, and Noah’s family and friends were also in attendance to share in the celebration of his accomplishments. 

Athletic Director Bill Bostain went on to list Noah’s many accomplishments, stating “This past year, Noah has been rewriting the record books and making history at the state and national level.”

• At the Meyo Invitational at Notre Dame he won his heat in the 3,000 meters with a blazing 8:17, the same distance our junior high cross country kids run!

• At the Nike Indoor Nationals, he placed 3rd in the 2-mile with a time of 8:46.75.

• At the Flashes Showcase Mile, he took 1st place in 4:07.73.

• At the Carmel 2-Mile Distance Showcase, he claimed 1st place again, running 8:55.79.

Then came the state meet — and Noah was unstoppable:

• State Champion – 1600 meters in 4:02.60 (a new state meet record).

• State Champion – 3200 meters in 8:51.22 — and that was only an hour and a half after running the mile!

On the national stage, Noah became the New Balance 5K National Champion, setting a meet record with an astonishing 14:20.89.

Mr. Bostain stated, “His incredible season earned him the title of 2024–25 Gatorade Indiana Boys Track & Field Player of the Year.”

And if that wasn’t enough, he set three new school records:

• 1600 Meters: 4:02.60

• 3200 Meters: 8:51.22

• 400 Meters: 50.31

“Noah’s accomplishments have inspired our entire school and community, and his legacy will continue to motivate future athletes for years to come,” said Mr. Bostain. 

Mr. Wilson then spoke about Noah, emphasizing a theme he highlights when speaking to students and staff alike about knowing the value of your name. To describe Noah, Mr. Wilson said the following:

“Obviously, I could use words that describe many athletic accomplishments, which are incredible and very deserving. But those aren’t the words I think of first when I think about Noah. 

When thinking about Noah, I think friendly. That young man will talk to anyone, and he will be kind. He is very very, very talented in the classroom. He is very smart. Hard working. Do you remember I told you the past few days that respect isn’t given, it’s earned. You earn respect from others in the way you treat them, in the way you act, and the way you carry yourself. Noah has earned my respect. He is a loving person, compassionate, and he’s funny. He’s inspirational. 

He is outstanding in every way, but do you know what’s amazing? He could walk around with his head held high not talking to anyone, not wanting to be around anyone because he’s too good. That’s not who he is. That young man carries himself with so much humility. I’ve never seen anything like it. Now, I’ve never seen an athlete like that either. Guys I want you to know that that’s why your name is important.”

While those around him spoke highly of him, Noah sat facing the student body and held up his hands in the shape of a heart when students cheered for him, seemingly taking in all the praise with gratitude and a little bit of wonder. Noah spoke to the student body, thanking everyone for their support and reminding everyone to find the things they love and then work at them to make themselves better. 

Mr. Rojas summarized the remarks on Noah well by saying, “He embodies the true spirit of a student-athlete — excelling in competition while demonstrating humility, respect, and sportsmanship every step of the way. His character runs as deep as his endurance: he’s a teammate who lifts others up and a leader who leads through action.”

Mirroring Mr. Wilson’s parting words to the audience, “Noah, congratulations on your success. We are all very proud of you. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your story.”

To track Noah’s progress throughout his high school career so far, see the table below.