Gael girls look to add experience to XC roster
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No current member of the St. Edmond girls cross country roster has competed at the state championships.
That is something Gael head coach Mike Szalat hopes to change this season.
The Gaels return several runners that racked up plenty of miles competing at the varsity level in 2025, led by No. 1 runner Grace Schlegel.
A sophomore, Schlegel is joined by seniors Lily Eslick, Alex Leiting, Lizzy Tiernan and Abby Tofilon. Greenlee Crimmins, a starter for the state-qualifying St. Edmond softball team, Naomi Valles, Betsy Gruver and Jennifer Touney make up the junior class, as Adelyn Bangert, Mae Pokorny and Mary Gruver join Schlegel as 10th-graders.
"We've pretty much got everybody back, and we get Greenlee back after she was hurt late last season," Szalat said. "Many of the girls put in a lot of time over the summer to improve and prepare for this year.
"Lily is one of those kids that just loves running. I think she went over 400 miles again this offseason."
Schlegel was one spot from advancing to state as an individual last year, as she ran at districts alongside Eslick, Leiting, Betsy Gruver and Bangert. All five placed in the Top-50 overall.
"It's nice to have the nucleus back that we have," Szalat said. "And with 12 girls total, we'll have a complete junior varsity team this season."
Szalat will once again be assisted by CJ Tracy.
St. Edmond opens the year on Aug. 27 in Gowrie at the Southeast Valley Invitational. They will run in meets hosted by Webster City, Belmond-Klemme, Ridge View, Emmetsburg, Humboldt and Algona before taking part in the Fort Dodge Invitational at the home of the state championships on Oct. 8.
The North Central Conference meet is set for Oct. 13 in Hampton from Maynes Grove.
2026 ST. EDMOND GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
Roster
Seniors – Lily Eslick, Alex Leiting, Lizzy Tiernan, Abby Tofilon.
Juniors – Greenlee Crimmins, Betsy Gruver, Jennifer Touney, Naomi Valles.
Sophomores – Adelyn Bangert, Mary Gruver, Grace Schlegel, Mae Pokorny.
Schedule
Aug. 27 – at Southeast Valley.
Sept. 1 – at Webster City; 8 – at Belmond-Klemme; 12 – at Holstein; 15 – at Emmetsburg; 21 – at Humboldt; 28 – at Algona.
Oct. 8 – at Fort Dodge Invitational; 13 – at NCC in Hampton.