—Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: St. Edmond girls track returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right): Avery Galles, Mya McClain, Jacey Ash and Elly Berry. Back: Aleah Anderson, Aubrey Bemrich, Gracie Harvey, Caroline Shelly and Emma Alstott.

If there is one thing that Monica Shelly knows heading into this season, it’s that her St. Edmond girls track team is excited to see live competition again.

After missing out on last season because of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Gaels are eager to get back into a normal routine.

“Losing our season last year has made these girls twice as hungry,” Shelly said. “They have worked hard and are a very excited group.

“I can’t wait to see our freshmen come out and compete and see where their talents stack up with everyone else.”

The Gaels return seniors Jacey Ash, Aubrey Bemrich and Avery Galles.

Shelly will also lean on juniors Emma Alstott, Elly Berry, Gracie Harvey, Mya McClain, Alyxis Mericle, Jordyn Putney, Ali Nieland, Aleah Anderson and Caroline Shelly.

There are six sophomores and five freshmen who will look to make their marks on the track in their first varsity seasons.

Shelly is looking at Harvey, Galles, Berry and McClain to be leaders in the 100 and 200s, as well as some 400s. Ash will be a strong sprinter with great potential according to Shelly.

“I expect to see great things out of Aubrey (Bemrich) in the 800 and then see what she can do in the mile,” Shelly said.

Caroline Shelly has been showing strong promise in the 800 according to Shelly. Shelly could also run some 200s and 400s. Anderson will be in the mix as a sprinter as well.

In the hurdle events, Alstott and Galles will be the primary focus.

“We have seen a lot of positive things that we are working on,” Shelly said. “We have put them through some tough workouts, and they’ve been doing a tremendous job.

“We are seeing times that we normally see toward the middle of the season.”

In the distance events, Shelly sees some freshmen in the mix. Cross country state qualifiers Michaela Leiting, Reese Lemberg and Hannah Landwehr, along with Kaili Henning, look ready for varsity action.

Sophomore Mady Stanek and Nieland will be the throwers for the Gaels.

“It’s kind of like a puzzle this season,” Shelly said. “We have a lot of flexibility with our lineup, and that helps while forming our relays.”

The Gaels opened the season on Monday at Greene County. They are back in action next Tuesday at the Southeast Valley Invitational.

2021 ST. EDMOND GIRLS TRACK

ROSTER

Seniors — Jacey Ash, Aubrey Bemrich, Avery Galles.

Juniors — Emma Alstott, Elly Berry, Gracie Harvey, Mya McClain, Alyxis Mericle, Jordyn Putney, Ali Nieland, Aleah Anderson, Caroline Shelly.

Sophomores — Klara Baker, Sophie Fuller, Mady Halverson, Mady Stanek, Sylvia Huss, Mara Shannon.

Freshmen — Andee Barwin, Michaela Leiting, Reese Lemberg, Hannah Landwehr, Kaili Henning.

SCHEDULE

April 6 — at Southeast Valley Invitational, 4:30 p.m.; 13 — at Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Invitational, 5 p.m.; 15 — at Manson Northwest Webster Invitational, 4:30 p.m.; 20 — at Pocahontas Area Invitational, 4:30 p.m.; 22 — Drake Relays; 22 — at Webster City Invitational, 4:30 p.m.; 26 — at Humboldt Invitational, 4:30 p.m.; 30 — at Hampton-Dumont Invitational, 4:30 p.m.

May 3 — at Iowa Falls-Alden Invitational, 4:30 p.m.; 6 — at North Central Conference Meet (Humboldt), 5 p.m.; 13 — State qualifying meet, 4 p.m.