—Messenger photo by Britt Kudla The St. Edmond girls celebrates after winning a state qualifying cross country meet. The Gaels qualified for the eighth straight time.

HOLSTEIN — As a kid, Michaela Leiting watched the St. Edmond cross country teams run at the state meet just minutes from home.

Just two years into her high school career, the wide-eyed youngster continues to help carry on the tradition her Gael predecessors started nearly a full decade ago.

For the eighth straight year the Gaels have qualified for the state meet, going back-to-back as district champions.

“Quite honestly it’s hard to find the right words,” said Leiting, the squad’s top performer on Thursday. “As a kid I always remember watching the St. Edmond varsity team qualified for state, and dreamed that I would be in their place when I grew up.

“I’m beyond thankful to be headed back to state for the second time with this amazing team and eighth time in a row.”

Gael head coach Mike Szalat was again in awe of his team’s determination.

“These girls don’t want the streak to end,” said SEHS head coach Mike Szalat. “It’s just really special when you see it all come together.

“They own that and take a lot of pride in running at state eight years in a row.”

The Gaels captured the team crown with 59 points, placing ahead of Woodbine (89). Manson Northwest Webster (97) just missed a state berth.

All five St. Edmond counting scores were in the Top-18 with all six in the Top-30.

Leiting (20:50) recorded a sixth place performance. Classmate Hannah Landwehr (21:12) was ninth.

To have another opportunity to run at state feels like a dream and means so much,” Leiting said. “This is by far the best way to head into the postseason.”

Freshman Ellie Knox (21:44) was 12th for the Gaels, while senior Caroline Shelly (22:06) will finish her career as a four-time qualifier after taking 14th.

“It’s nothing short from amazing,” Shelly said. “Carrying on the streak with the girls at Lakeside again this year is something I know we will handle well. I’m excited to see what we can do out on that course Saturday, and confident we will finish strong.

“It’ll be a pretty emotional race for us seniors. Leaving a program like St. Edmond cross country with phenomenal coaches and teammates, isn’t going to be easy. I know these relationships will last a lifetime.”

Sophomore Reese Lemberg (22:23) was 18th. Junior Anna Kolacia (22:43) crossed in 20th and senior Gracie Harvey (23:19) 31st.

“I’m only a sophomore, but it is such a surreal feeling to have both boys and girls get the first two years in a row,” Lemberg said. “I’m especially excited to run at the state meet since last year I had qualified individually with three other teammates and ended up getting quarantined three days before the meet.

“I’m ready to tear up Lakeside with the Gaels.”

Szalat saw his team pull together as Kolacia’s and Harvey’s times as the sixth and seventh runners were better than all but one of the No. 4 and 5 competitors on the opposing teams.

“Michaela and Ellie had their best times and Anna shaved off some time,” Szalat said. “I think we are set up where we can improve and see more good things happen now (next week).”

The Class 1A state meet is at Kennedy Park on Saturday, Oct. 30.