Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Jed Tracy of St. Edmond runs at tje Southeast Invitational on Thursday in Gowrie. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

Jed Tracy is the first to admit he never envisioned himself becoming a cross country runner.

Tracy, a multi-sport athlete for St. Edmond, has gone all-in on the sport though since joining Mike Szalat’s program as a sophomore.

“Growing up I never saw myself running if I am being honest,” Tracy said. “I always loved football, but after my freshman year I wanted something new. I liked the 800-meter run in track and got to thinking that if I enjoy 800s, I would enjoy cross country. The thing that has kept me interested is the coaches and the atmosphere at St Edmond.

“The coaches really made me feel welcome and at home whether it was at practice or meets. Coach (Mike) Szalat is the best coach anyone could ask for. He always does what is best for the team. He is always asking questions and looking for answers and doesn’t stop until he gets them. He always goes the extra mile and would do anything to see anyone succeed and that is an amazing characteristic he has. Wherever I am at with my St Edmond gear on, people that I don’t even know ask how he is doing and always talk about him, with that I know I am truly blessed that I have had the experiences I have had with him.

“(Assistant) Coach (Monica) Shelly is a mastermind. She too, along with Szalat, is always asking questions and is for the people. You come to her with a question and she probably already knows the answer. She knows her stuff about how the body works and my body would not be as healthy as it is today without her nutritional knowledge. The coaches have had a big role in my cross country career and I thank them dearly for that.”

Tracy, who came to the Fort Dodge community and St. Edmond after previously attending West Marshall schools, has also noticed the care and interest shown in athletics while around town.

“The atmosphere is another part of my interest,” he said. “The next day after meets I am always getting questioned on how the meet was going. The questions don’t stop at school. It also expands to when I am working at Hy-Vee or out to eat and a random person comes up and asks how the year is going and how I am doing personally. St Edmond and Fort Dodge is truly something special.”

During his time walking the hallways as a Gael, Tracy has taken in the amount of success the school has has in various sports including those he competes in: cross country, basketball, track and baseball.

“It means a whole lot,” he said. “Coming into the school and walking into the gym or walking past the trophy case and seeing all the past successes that we have had and to realize that I am in the same shoes as those people is an amazing feeling. Putting on a jersey that says ‘St Edmond’ is a blessing.

“One of the reasons that I play sports is to honor those in the past that have. Growing up I had many people that I looked up to and wanted to be just like them. I hope younger kids look up to me as I did in the past and continue to love sports as much as I do because sports are an amazing and valuable hobby to have.”

After reaching the state cross country meet each of the past two seasons, Tracy wants to bring his fellow teammates along. The Gaels head to Holstein Thursday for a Class 1A district meet, with state set for Saturday, Nov. 2 at Lakeside Golf Course.

Tracy finished 62nd last year at state after placing 85th as a sophomore. He could join Kyle Utley as three-time state qualifiers for the Gaels.

“I am more motivated than ever,” he said. “The past two years have been fun, but this is the most important year personally. It would be great to finish off my high school career at state, and be more memorable if we do it as a team.

“Right now there is a lot of positive attitudes and that help motivate me. I just have to focus on the district meet and run my race to get there. Thursday should be no different than the past two years.”

Along with sports, Tracy, who is undecided on his college future, is also involved in Play Like A Champion, drama club, choir, show choir, chamber choir, musical, student council, student body, Respect for Life, Iowa HOBY and NCYL.

Vacation destination:

a trip to visit all 32 MLB stadiums for games.

Person I would like to have dinner with: Walter Payton, Sam Parsons and Mike Landwehr.

My sports role model:

Derrick Rose.

My everyday role model: Mike Szalat, my parents and my grandpa, Mike Maffin.

I can’t go a day without: eating a lot of food.

Nickname: JP, Jeddy Bear.

Most heated rivalry:

Bishop Garrigan.

Favorite road trip: Okoboji.

What are you listening to right now? Jon Bellion.

Favorites…

Team: St. Louis Cardinals.

Class: College Anatomy.

Movie: Coach Carter.

Book: Unbroken.

Phone app: Twitter.