-Messenger Photo by Britt Kudra St Edmund Girls Cross Country
Mike Surratt never knows what the summer months will bring heading into the cross-country season.
The head coach of St Edmund, now at the helm for 24 years, has seen it all and witnessed it all a little bit. Surratt was fully aware of the higher cap for both Gale and his team in 2022 and hoped the men’s and women’s runners would keep their distance in preparation for the upcoming campaign. .
“Sometimes there aren’t too many participants[in the off-season]and you have to start[with low expectations]until they build strength and endurance.” Surratt said. “Considering we knew we would be back, we expected from the first day of practice to be a little ahead of schedule.
“Fortunately, we made a great (collective) effort. The kids did their job. That’s good news.”
bad person? Szalat’s current athletes are extremely committed to both the program and each other, but there are only 12 Gaelic players on the men’s roster and just eight women’s players.
-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla The St. Edmund Boys Cross Country Letter winners, left to right, are Liam Shannon, Aaron Larsen, and Thomas Cosgrove.
“Of course, we would like to get more numbers, but we also know that our children will be responsible. Surratt said. “They are ready. For a certain (pace), I’m really happy.”
It will be difficult to top the program’s Banner 2021 campaign, but St. Edmund seems ready and willing to take on the challenge. The Gael women qualified for the state for her eighth straight season, finishing her best ever in class 1A third place, North she also won her championship in the Central Her Conference. The boys from SEHS reached the state for her second year in a row and earned a spot in the top 10 as Lakeside’s host program.
“But what past is past” Surratt said. “That’s what’s special about the sport. Each season brings a different and unique challenge. There’s always a new story.”
Both Gael teams are ranked 4th in preseason by the IATC. The women return top runners and ’21 state entrants Mikaela Raiting, Hannah Landewale, Ellie Knox and Anna Colasia. The boys welcome district champion and state top 20 performer Aaron Larsen to their senior campaign, along with Liam Shannon and Thomas Cosgrove.
“The girls are just doing their job” Surratt said. After finishing 3rd in the state (last fall), I don’t think anyone would be creeped out with this many runners coming back. The secret is exposed, so to speak. So (high expectations) come with territory.
“We are not there yet (as a men’s team), but we are grateful for the (pre-season recognition). It’s a good opportunity to remind today’s children of the history of our program and serve as motivation to keep the tradition alive. In the end it’s all about — it’s not about the standings in August, it’s about how much you’ve improved by the time meetings, districts and states turn around. ”
Juniors were rated 23rd in last year’s 1A race with a time of 20:49. Landwehr (55th, 21:43), Knox (57th, 21:45) and Kolacia followed.
The only female seniors are Corasia and Clara Baker. Landwehr is a junior. Knox, a sophomore. Another junior, Andy Berwin, was a state entrant two seasons ago and another winner.
Szalat also anticipates an immediate push from freshman Anna Lursen. Sophomore Gracie Real rounds out her roster.
“We don’t have a lot of depth, but we have a lot of talent on our current roster.” Surratt said. “I really like the (collective) potential of the kids we have.”
Aaron Larsen capped off a landmark junior season with a state best of 17:18. Gaelic graduated his three senior stalwarts, but Szalat loves being able to build around his Lursen. Shannon in his sophomore year (18:11) who was his 69th in the state in 2021. Cosgrove (116th, 19:06). He also sees great potential in his junior Sam Mericle.
“These kids crush their tails” Surratt said. “I’m looking forward to Thursday (Southeast Valley) and next Monday (Webster City).”
With only one race per gender at Gowrie, Szalat confirmed that the event would be used as a kind of time trial to advance the official national team line-up.
2022 ST.edmund cross country
Men’s list
Seniors — Aaron Larsen, Carter Real, Joe Taney, Casten Wacholz.
Juniors — Thomas Cosgrove, Sam Mericle, Trey Wilkins.
Sophomores — Liam Shannon, Abram Larson.
Freshmen — Jonah Carlson, Anthony Burres.
girls roster
Seniors — Anna Colasia, Clara Baker.
Juniors — Michaela Raiting, Hannah Landweil, Andy Berwin.
Sophomores — Ellie Knox, Gracie Real.
Freshman — Anna Larsen.
schedule
August 25 — Southeast Valley. 29 — At Webster City.
September 10th — at Ridgeview. 19 — at Humboldt. 26 — In Algona.
October 6 — Fort Dodge Invitational. 11 — At the North Central Conference in Humboldt. 20 — Coeducational District Convention. 28th — State convention at Lakeside.
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-Messenger Photo by Britt Kudra St Edmund Girls Cross Country
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-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla The St. Edmund Boys Cross Country Letter winners, left to right, are Liam Shannon, Aaron Larsen, and Thomas Cosgrove.
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