Submitted photo: St. Edmond cheerleaders Aubrey Bemrich (left) and Andee Barwin were recently named to the ICCA All-State team.

DES MOINES — After having the opportunity to perform as an all-state cheerleader taken away from her last year, St. Edmond’s Aubrey Bemrich made sure to enjoy each moment of the experience this season.

And it was who Bemrich was joined by that made it even more memorable.

Bemrich, a Gael senior, and Andee Barwin, a freshman, were both tabbed all-state honoreees by the Iowa Cheerleading Coaches Association, which allowed them to perform at the boys state basketball tournament here this week inside Wells Fargo Arena.

“I have grown up babysitting and watching Andee cheer,” Bemrich said. “The things that she is capable of amaze me every day. She always says she looks up to me, but little does she know, she inspires me even more.”

Bemrich, a three-time all-stater in cheer, also ran at the state cross country championships this past fall alongside Barwin.

“Making the all-state team and being able to perform was such a fun experience I will never forget,” Barwin said. “I have been waiting for this day to come and have been watching so many (former Gaels and Fort Dodge Dodgers), such as Emily Averill, Taryn O’Tool, Addie Mortiz and Aubrey, participate and practice since I was little.”

Barwin was given a first-hand view of it all growing up. Her mother, Amber Barwin, serves as the St. Edmond head cheer coach.

“Going to the all-state practices with my mom and watching, just dreaming of the day that would be me out on the floor, made making the team not only an even bigger honor, but also made my dream come true,” Barwin said. “Due to COVID-19, the state cheerleading championships were virtual so when I read my name on the list, I could not wait to be able to perform in-person.

“Although it wasn’t the same as normal — masks were required while performing and our stunts were modified due to the virus — I was thankful I was able to go out on the floor and do what I love and have been waiting to do for so many years. All-state has brought me so many memories, new friends and a lot of hard work.”

Last winter, the chance to perform during the state basketball tournament was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Being a part of the all-state cheer squad is very special,” Bemrich said. “You meet so many new cheerleaders and coaches and create tons of new friendships. This year was extremely different and definitely meant more considering what happened last year.”

Bemrich noted that typically the group practices three times together to perfect the routine, but with COVID still causing changes, that became two virtual practices and two in-person ones.

“The fact that this team pulled a whole routine together shows the talent that the girls on this team have,” Bemrich said. “Being a part of that the last three years is something that I will be grateful for forever.

“I will also forever be grateful for the memories that St. Edmond cheer have given me over the years.”

Along with Bemrich and Barwin, North Union’s Ashton Merrill and Bishop Garrigan’s Halle Menke were selected as well.