Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: St. Edmond girls state qualifiers are, front row (left to right): Michaela Leiting, Hannah Landwehr, Andee Barwin, Jacey Ash, Aleah Anderson and Caroline Shelly. Back: Maya McClain, Reese Lemberg, Gracie Harvey, Avery Galles, Aubrey Bemrich and Emma Alstott.

DES MOINES — After years of competing at St. Edmond, Aubrey Bemrich will put the Gael uniform on one final time this coming week at the state track and field meet.

Bemrich will be joined by several of her teammates here in the Class 1A portion of the event, as St. Edmond qualified four relays and four other individuals.

A senior, Bemrich will run as an individual in both the 800 and 1,500. Joining her in the 1,500 will be Michaela Leiting along with qualifiers Andee Barwin in the 400, Caroline Shelly in the 800 and Emma Alstott in the 400 hurdles.

The Gaels also advanced in the 4,200, 4×400, 4×800 and distance medley relays.

“Knowing that I’ll be putting on a St. Edmond uniform for the last time, I hope to make it as memorable as possible,” Bemrich said. “Being able to go down with so many teammates is already so exciting and I couldn’t be more excited for all of them.”

Competing at state is nothing new for Bemrich, as she is a veteran of the state cross country meet and state cheer competition.

But like countless others, she still was disappointed to miss out on the 2020 track meet.

“Getting the chance to run at state is one of the best feelings,” Bemrich said. “After not having a season last year, I knew that I wanted to make this one memorable.

“Having my teammates there to push me in both practices and meets has helped me better myself, but it also has made it so much more fun having someone there to run alongside me. I cannot wait to compete with these girls one last time.”

Bemrich also acknowledged the work of the Gael coaching staff, saying “I’m very grateful for them.”

“They have taught me so many things and always encourage me to go out and achieve my goals both on and off the track,” she said. “I would not be who I am today without them.”

St. Edmond’s 4×800 relay of Shelly, Leiting, Alstott and Bemrich currently sit third in 1A with a time of 10:19.66. The 4×400 quartet of Shelly, Alstott, Mya McClain and Avery Galles are ninth at 4:20.81 and the distance medley of Gracie Harvey, McClain, Galles and Bemrich are 12th (4:33.36).