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A DREAM FULFILLED

Ubiquitous Galles achieved main goals as a Gael

By Dana Becker 3 min read
Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: 2026 Terry Griffey Award winner Grant Galles with his parents, Nate and Kim. The Griffey Award goes annually to St. Edmond’s top male senior student-athlete.

Grant Galles set some lofty goals for himself when he entered high school.

One of those was being awarded the Terry Griffey Award, which is presented annually to the top male student-athlete at St. Edmond.

During his four-year career as a Gael, Galles met or exceeded many of his own expectations, including the ultimate one of becoming the 2026 Griffey Award winner.

"It means a lot to me," Galles said. "It was always something that I wanted, given I looked up to all the people before me that won it.

"One of those was Nick Clark, as he was someone I watched growing up. He played multiple sports, always gave his all, and loved playing the game."

Along with those former Gael standouts, Galles also credits his parents, Nate and Kim, for helping him along the way.

"My parents have been great role models for me over the years," Galles said. "They have always pushed me to be the best student-athlete I could be, and the type of person that younger kids could look up to."

Galles was a four-sport athlete at St. Edmond, playing football, basketball and baseball while also running track. He achieved the ultimate team success this past winter when the Gaels captured the state basketball title.

In addition, Galles helped St. Edmond reach the state tournament in basketball as a junior and the football postseason while running twice at the state track meet. The Gaels were state champions on the hardwood in March.

Galles was a two-year starter and four-year letterwinner in basketball, scoring 591 points with 299 rebounds, 149 assists and 107 steals.

On the football field, he recorded 115 receptions for 1,681 yards and 24 touchdowns. On defense, Galles had 79 tackles, six interceptions and scored nine defensive and special teams touchdowns.

Galles was a three-year starter on the baseball diamond, tallying 64 runs with 91 hits, 54 RBI and 40 stolen bases.

"I hope to be remembered as the athlete that was heavily involved in multiple sports and always gave his all on and off the field," Galles said. "My message to future generations of Gaels would be to never give up on yourself and always give your all in everything you do on and off the field.

"Also, cherish all the memories that you can because it goes by fast. That's one of the things I will miss the most: the bus rides home after big wins and spending time with all of the guys."

Galles will attend Minnesota State University in the fall, majoring in aviation.

Named for Lt. Terrence Griffey, a 1958 graduate of St. Edmond, the award was first awarded in 1968. Griffey was killed in action over Vietnam in 1966.

ST. EDMOND TERRY GRIFFEY AWARD WINNERS

2026 Grant Galles

2025 Sam Myer

2024 JT Laufersweiler

2023 Aaron Lursen

2022 Hayden Mayer

2021 Grant Heldorfer

2020 Charlie Shelly

2019 Andrew Gibb

2018 Cade Naughton

2017 Charles Doyle

2016 Tate O'Tool

2015 Matthew Bocken

2014 Hank Crimmins

2013 David Flattery

2012 Neil Flattery

2011 Anthony Flattery

2010 Luke Becker

2009 John Engler

2008 Jay Bunte

2007 Frankie Harvey

2006 Ben Becker

2005 Joel Allen

2004 Tim Flattery

2003 Andy Flattery

2002 Josh Koenig

2001 Chris Coleman

2000 Cory Bargfrede and Denny Stucky

1999 Brian Mann

1998 Andy Davidson

1997 Ryan O'Rourke

1996 Craig Schlienz

1995 Matt Janssen

1994 Chad Dressen

1993 Michael Seymour

1992 Kyle Lake

1991 Andy Lang

1990 Greg Sheridan

1989 Jim Bocken

1988 P.J. Goodwine

1987 Bill Stein

1986 Mike Brinkman

1985 Tim Wilson

1984 Rick McCarville

1983 Dave Lang

1982 Dick Bianchi

1981 Pat Condon

1980 Dave Conell

1979 Chris Hoft

1978 Tony Miller

1977 Dave Flattery and Dan Flattery

1976 Mike Lose

1975 Dave Crimmins and Steve Stark

1974 Paul Cahill

1973 Jim O'Connell

1972 Bruce Engler

1971 Neven Mulholland

1970 Rich Schoon

1969 Dick Knudson

1968 Mike Eckerman

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