Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Charlie Shelly reacts after running the anchor leg of St. Edmond’s 4x400 state track title in Des Moines last year.

Charlie Shelly understands that with each honor and medal earned on the track, he is adding his name to the long list of successful spring athletes at St. Edmond.

The Gael senior is now hoping to get one more crack at doing more of it later this year.

“St. Edmond has such a rich history in athletics, especially track,” Shelly said. “It’s truly an honor and privilege to get to run for such a school and to have so many great Gael athletes come before me to look up to.”

Last year, St. Edmond secured Class 1A titles in both the 4×100 and 4×400 meter relays at the state meet, helping them place fifth overall in the team standings. Shelly was a member of both of those relays.

Along with those performances, Shelly added a fourth-place effort in the 400-meter dash, earning all-state honors in his four events. He was fifth as a sophomore in the 400 at state.

“I have learned to be patient and trust my coaches,” Shelly said of his continued success in sports. “I have learned that nothing in life comes easy and everything takes effort and dedication.”

Shelly secured honorable mention all-district status as a freshman on the Gael football team, along with being a part of the cross country, basketball and baseball programs. He is also involved in both musical and choir.

“Enjoy the little things,” Shelly said. “Enjoy the memories while they last because you never know when they will be over.

“I will remember all the times spent with my friends and the many, many laughs that we had.”

In the fall, Shelly will head to the University of Iowa to study Pre-Dentistry.

TIMEOUT WITH CHARLIE SHELLY

Vacation destination: Vail, Colorado.

Person I would like to have dinner with: Mike Jay.

It would surprise people that I: can solve a Rubik’s Cube.

My sports role model: Landon Peed.

My everyday role model: my mom and dad.

I can’t go a day without: listening to music.

Nickname: Chuck.

Superstition: I don’t wear socks when I run.

Most heated rivalry: Manson Northwest Webster.

Favorite road trip: state track.

What are you listening to right now? John Mayer.

Favorites…

Team: Iowa Hawkeyes.

Class: Anatomy.

Movie: Survivor.

Book: “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie.

Phone app: Twitter.