×

Shelly named Griffey Award winner

—Submitted Photo charlie shelly was honored as the 2020 Terry Griffey Award winner, which goes to the top senior male athlete at St. Edmond each year. Shelly is pictured with his parents, Dr. Andrew and Monica Shelly.

Charlie Shelly didn’t get the chance to add more gold to his resume this past spring, but the St. Edmond senior still left behind quite the legacy.

Shelly was named the 2020 recipient of the Terry Griffey Award, which is handed out to the top male senior athlete.

Like those around the state, Shelly and his Gael teammates were left wondering what might have been when the novel coronavirus wiped out the planned track season.

Last year, St. Edmond finished fifth overall in Class 1A, winning the 4×100 and 4×400 relay titles with Shelly part of both quartets. He also placed fourth in the 400.

While it was disappointing to not get a final chance, Shelly remembered the important moments shared with friends and teammates.

“I will miss all the simple things,” Shelly said. “Like funny memories with my friends when I couldn’t stop laughing. Those are what made high school so much fun and memorable.”

Along with being a track standout, Shelly also competed in football, cross country, basketball and baseball for the Gaels. He earned all-district honors as a freshman on the football field.

His name is now added to the list of previous winners of the award who he looked up to.

“It is such a blessing and honor,” Shelly said. “St. Edmond has had some amazing athletes, and to have my name listed with them is truly special.

“The likes of John Engler, who is as good a person as he was athlete. Neil Flattery, who was an absolute stud in every sport he competed in and even held the Drake Relays 800 record, which is just unbelievable to me and definitely something I looked up to.”

Shelly also recognized his classmates, who he started playing sports with early in life.

“It was really fun to be nominated with the guys I was with,” he said. “They are all amazing people and well deserving of the award. We’ve been with each other since we were kids and we just knew each other so well because of it (on the athletic fields).

“There is a special bond when you’ve known and played with each other for so many years.”

His parents, Dr. Andrew and Monica Shelly, were also key figures in his progress throughout high school.

“I was blessed with two amazing parents that I could always count on to pick me up when I was down,” Shelly said. “They were always there for me no matter the situation. I can’t imagine my life without them.

“And St. Edmond has some amazing coaches that not only coach and motivate you in sports, but also in life. I was very blessed to have those that I did.”

Aside from sports, Shelly was also involved in both musical and choir.

He will be attending the University of Iowa in the fall to study pre-dentistry, following in his father’s footsteps.

Named for Lt. Terrence Griffey, a 1958 graduate of St. Edmond, the award was first handed out in 1968. Griffey was killed in action over Vietnam in 1966.

Along with Shelly, Jed Tracy, Noah Carlson, Connor Bocken and Nick Lawler were nominated for the award.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today