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Flattery back at the helm

Messenger photo by Dana Becker Returning letterwinners for the St. Edmond girls track team are, front row (left to right): Audrey Kolacia, Abby Landwehr and Emma Gruver. Back: Devyn Scott, Megan Flattery, Joeli Koenig and Erin Flattery.

Liz Flattery returns to the St. Edmond girls track team this season as head coach, stepping back into a role she previously held.

Flattery will have a large group of underclassmen to build around, along with three seniors in Megan Flattery, Joeli Koenig and Madi Tarbox.

“We started practice earlier than normal this year since the weather was cooperating,” Flattery said. “We hope to see some positive changes, as we have already seen a big step forward from the beginning practices.

“Our numbers are decent; we have a lot of girls who are running even-paced and together, so I am excited to see who we can get to branch off. We have mainly underclassmen on the roster, but the juniors and seniors have experienced state and seen the excitement the end of the year can be if they put in the work during the season.”

Megan Flattery has previous state experience, while Abby Landwehr and Devyn Scott both claimed titles last year at the state-qualifying meet. Landwehr won both the 1500 and 3000, while Scott claimed the high jump.

“Our three seniors are great role models,” Flattery said. “They set a good example from the start with encouraging and motivating our younger girls.

“Megan has been fighting an injury (coming off basketball) but she is competitive enough to fight back. Once she is fully healed, she will be one of the top leaders of the pack.”

The Gaels qualified for state cross country this past fall with Landwehr, Audrey Kolacia, Koenig and Olivia Kolacia placing sixth overall.

“Looking off our time trials and practices, freshman Ally Duckett and sophomores Erin Flattery and Devyn Scott are going to be strong in our sprints. We have a strong core of runners that will give us potential in mixing around different relays and finding what works with the girls.

“Abby comes off a strong season with her distance races. Audrey is right behind Abby and always working hard to increase her speed.”

Flattery is assisted by Kristine Howell, a former standout at Manson Northwest Webster.

“Kristine comes with a strong background in sprints and hurdles from her track career in Manson,” Flattery said. “She has been a great help with the girls with their starts and handoffs, and keeping them engaged in their workouts.”

The Gaels open in Sioux City Wednesday for the CYO. They will compete at home on April 20 at the Dodger Relays, while the state-qualifying meet is scheduled for May 11.

Roster

Seniors

Megan Flattery, Joeli Koenig, Madi Tarbox.

Juniors

Emma Gruver, Audrey Kolacia.

Sophomores

Devyn Scott, Abby Landwehr, Cambrie McBride, Erin Flattery.

Freshmen

Zoe Rodriguez, Josephine Perry, Emma Neverman, Olivia Kolacia, Isabel Woodhouse, Milena Naughton, Ally Duckett, Allie Lundberg.

Schedule

March 29 — at CYO in Sioux City; 31 — at Roland-Story.

April 3 — at Southeast Valley; 11 — at Clarion-Goldfield/Dows; 18 — at Pocahontas Area; 20 — Dodger Relays; 24 — at Humboldt; 28 — at Hampton-Dumont.

May 1 — at Iowa Falls-Alden; 4 — at NCC meet in Iowa Falls-Alden; 8 — at Nevada; 11 — districts.

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