Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Aubrey Bemrich of St. Edmond runs in Gowrie during the regular season.

In a season like no other, Aubrey Bemrich has embraced every obstacle in front of her.

Bemrich and the St. Edmond cross country program will compete at the state meet this coming Saturday inside Kennedy Park at Lakeside Golf Course.

Helping the SEHS girls earn a sixth consecutive bid to the final race of the year was exactly how Bemrich wanted to conclude her time in the sport.

“It’s so rewarding getting to state and representing St. Edmond,” she said. “It’s also a great feeling getting to go and compete against the best in the state.

“The memories we’ve created as a team when we go are the best part about it.”

Bemrich earned her first varsity victory earlier this year, winning the individual race in Emmetsburg as the Gaels claimed the team title. She also helped her squad win the North Central Conference crown earlier this month, placing fifth overall.

“This season, I’ve been a bit more mentally tough, which has made practices and races feel a lot better,” Bemrich said. “Physically, I think we are all in really good shape from the workouts our coaches give us. They are set up very well for all of us, and gives us individual paces every day, which prepares us better as well.”

St. Edmond’s team features a mix of upperclassmen and newcomers, but it has helped form an incredible bond between them all.

“It’s been so awesome getting to run with my senior teammates the last three years,” she said. “It was definitely one of the best decisions that I have made joining cross country my sophomore year.

“This group is more like a family than anything. I feel like I have helped the younger runners just by setting a good example and showing them that not every day can be a good day and that’s okay. Everyone has off days and it’s important to move on from it and work harder the next day.”

Once she completes her career as a Gael, Bemrich knows it will be emotional.

“I will miss my team and coaches the most,” she said. “We spend a lot of time together in and out of practice, and it will definitely be hard having to let go of that.

“I just hope people at St. Edmond remember me as a hard worker. I think it’s very important, for not only your own goals but your team goals as well, to always do your best.”

Bemrich earned all-state honors as a cheerleader last year, helping the Gaels win a team title at state.

Along with cross country and cheer, Bemrich has also been involved in basketball, track, Play Like A Champion and Respect For Life at St. Edmond.

Next year, she will attend the University of Iowa, studying in Kinesiology before attending medical school.

TIMEOUT WITH AUBREY BEMRICH

Vacation destination: Greece.

People I’d like to have dinner with: my grandma Bemrich and Grandpa Rupiper.

Sports role model: Erin Flattery.

Everyday role model: my mom.

I can’t go a day without: my phone.

Nickname: Aubs.

Most heated rival: Manson NW.

Favorite road trip: either the time we went to Holstein for CYO in 2019 and we ended up not running because of the rain, or the time our bus broke down on the way to CYO for track in 2019.

What are you listening to right now?: Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen.

Team: the Hawks.

Class: Nutrition.

Movies: definitely all the Toy Story movies.

Book: The Hunger Games series.

Phone app: Snapchat.