Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: St. Edmond teammates share a moment together after Friday’s Class 1A girls state cross country meet at Lakeside. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

Regardless of what happened Friday at the Class 1A state cross country championships, nothing could take away from what the St. Edmond girls have accomplished over the last four years.

The Gaels secured their third consecutive Top-7 finish, sending out seniors Michaela Leiting, Hannah Landwehr, Reese Lemberg and Andee Barwin in style at Lakeside Golf Course.

Madrid was crowned team champions, earning the first gold trophy in school history, while Noelle Steines of Calamus-Wheatland scored her third straight individual title as a junior.

South Winneshiek was second followed by Dyersville Beckman, Earlham, ACGC and Pekin ahead of St. Edmond.

“I am so proud of them,” SEHS head coach Mike Szalat said. “This senior group has definitely left their mark on the program with what they have helped us accomplish over the years. They are one of the best to come through here, and they are going to be very difficult to replace.”

Leiting, who became the third individual qualifier earlier this year, was the top finisher in 43rd with a time of 20:36.4. She was one of four back from the school-best third place team in 2021, placing 23rd that year.

“St. Edmond cross country means so very much to me,” Leiting said. “The community that this sport creates is like no other. Not just within the school system but within the town as well. This state meet brings people together in such a special way as it is more of a participation than a spectating sport.

“I wouldn’t trade my years running with amazing teammates and such incredible coaches for the world. As coaches, they have bred such a positive culture that strives for success. It is hard to find people that actively encourage others to not only be better runners, but to be the very best versions of themselves.”

Last year, Leiting was 42nd as the Gaels finished seventh overall.

“Quite frankly, I never want it to end. It has been such a joy to be a small part of this program for four consecutive years,” Leiting said. “One more shot at state was all we could have asked for. It was bittersweet but as a team we had a lot more confidence being on our home course here in Fort Dodge.”

I’m beyond thankful for it all. It has truly been an honor to compete in a St. Edmond cross country uniform and represent such an incredible program.

Ellie Knox, a junior running at state for the third straight season, was right behind Leiting in 44th with a time of 20:39.9.

“Ellie had a really good race and set herself up for a big year,” Szalat said. “We will need to find a way to replace these seniors, but we have some nice pieces coming back.”

Landwehr, running for a fourth time, was 49th in 20:47.2 with sophomore Anna Lursen finishing 116th in 22:42.6.

“Hannah was just a constant for us each time out,” Szalat said. “I wish we could have had a healthy Anna to see what we could have done and for her to have the kind of season she wanted.

“Even with her injury, she went out and competed as best as she could.”

Lemberg placed 121st in 22:55.5, freshman Nina Smith was 124th in 23:04.4 and Barwin placed 144th in 24:12.7.

“It’s always an emotional day when you are saying goodbye to seniors,” Szalat said. “They are great kids and have always done what we’ve asked of them.”

Barwin ran at state three seasons and Lemberg twice for Szalat, who has had a qualifier each season in charge of the program.