Odor-Westrum runs on the St. Edmond High School cross country and track teams. He is also involved in show choir, chamber choir, choir, and is involved in musicals as well as Play Like a Champion.

In the summertime, the St. Edmond senior is a lifeguard.

In his final season for the Gael cross country team, Odor-Westrum was a state qualifier for the squad.

“For me, being both an athlete and involved in the fine arts can both help and hinder my everyday life,” Odor-Westrum said. “This year, there was a choir event that did happen on the same day of our pre-meet practice this year, which did mean that I had to wake up a little earlier to go on a run that morning instead. Obviously, that wasn’t much of an issue, yet it just shows that there are times I have to find a balance between both.

“But, track and musical season are a totally different equation. With all of our performances right around the corner, that’s when the track season starts. Just like last year, I will most likely have to miss an indoor track meet early in the season due to an important musical practice. Yet, all of these activities definitely keep me on my toes during the whole school year and I enjoy staying busy with all of it.”

But sharing time with the fine arts and athletics helps manage his schedule and creates opportunities.

“It especially helps (routine and structure) during the cross country season. During the cross country season, I feel that the days I had show choir really helped me prepare for the meet I had later that day. Waking up early and dancing helped prepare my body for the race later that day,” Odor-Westrum said. “It helped me feel more aware and energized. Show choir also does the same for track, but show choir season normally will come to a close around the start of track, so it doesn’t affect me as much. During track season, that is also when musical practices are as well.

“Most of my practices are back to back, track first, followed by the musical. I usually have around a half hour in between practices, which adds a very nice flow to my day instead of everything being spread out.”

After cross country finished, Odor-Westrum was selected to the Play Like a Champion group.

“Play Like a Champion is an award given to one individual from each gender at the end of their sporting season,” Odor-Westrum said. “This year, I was fortunate to be selected by my coaches at the end of my cross country season.

“This award demonstrates all aspects of a Gael athlete: “to show good sportsmanship, respect for the opponent, and embodying respectable behavior on and off the competitive field.”

Singing is also a passion that grew as a youngster.

“Growing up, my mom and I were always singing during car rides or at home,” Odor-Westrum said. “We’ve always had a strong bond, and she was also with me when I did my first public production: “Seussical.”

“Yet in elementary school, I did always find myself enjoying humming a song or going to music class. The passion was always there, but it was definitely encouraged by my family.”

Through his years at St. Edmond, Odor-Westrum learned that if there was something that he wanted, he needed to go after it.

“Through various teachers, I learned that things can change, and it’s up to you to decide whether it’s better or worse,” Odor-Westrum said. “I also learned that if there’s something that sparks your interest, go for it.”

Choir was one of those interests.

“For some reason, I didn’t do choir my freshman year. I had just graduated from Community Christian School (K-8th) and was involved most of my elementary/middle school years. After I transferred to my freshman year, my year was pretty dead,” Odor-Westrum said. “My first vocal interaction I had at St. Edmond was the spring musical: “Freaky Friday,” and I loved every moment of it.

“Following that into my sophomore year, I added show choir and choir to my roster. This was a different experience from what my friends had told me about from their freshman year; especially since we had a new teacher, Ms. Batz, who was teaching K-12 choir. Taking that class taught me that even though parts of the year were rough, I needed to persevere and continue my passion of singing.”

His junior year brought the interest of chamber choir.

“I also learned about chamber choir, which I still regret not auditioning for that year. My junior (and now senior) year we got yet another new (returning) teacher, Mrs. Hindt,” Odor-Westrum said. “That’s when I was fully involved in choir, indulging in all three choirs and musical under my belt. Then, on top of everything, this year I added auditioning for the All State choir.

“This was a very time-consuming commitment, but I don’t regret any of it. I feel like some of my greatest life lessons and accomplishments came from taking choir.”

Through his years at St. Edmond, Odor-Westrum has built a structure and group of mentors that has helped him develop.

“Some of my biggest influences in my life are my grandpa, Dave Odor, my mom, Kylee Hayek, my cross country and track coaches, Mike Szalat and Don Larson, and my friends Liam Shannon and Logan Reed,” Odor-Westrum said. “My grandpa and mom both have been some of my biggest supporters ever since the beginning. I feel the three of us have had a strong bond from being at every concert, sporting event, and musical to giving pointers or always being open to talk.

“They were also the ones who helped grow my love for my favorite football team- the Green Bay Packers.”

Family has been important, but coaches and friends have also been by his side.

“My coaches also have a big influence not just on how I run, but also on my outlook on life. Running is a harder sport than one would think, it’s not just based on your body functioning, but also on your mindset,” Odor-Westrum said. “They taught me that perseverance is important in everything; never quit just because you’re tired. Liam and Logan are two of my biggest inspirations on my day-to-day basis. They both inspire me to run hard, and to be humble on and off the track. Liam has always inspired me to run harder and faster. Without him, I don’t think I would be at the pace I am at today. Liam also helps remind me to just hang back and relax in life, find joy in the small things.

“Logan, on the other hand, helps remind me to always keep my chill. He always goes with the flow and doesn’t seem to be bothered by much. He also has shown me that trying new things can lead to new passions. He was the one that I jumped into cross country with, and without him (and Liam) I wouldn’t have found my passion.”

With his final days winding down at St. Edmond, there will be plenty of things that Odor-Westrum will miss.

“I recently had an interview with some of my classmates that graduated early on our podcast (the Gaelcast) and I think as a senior, we were all able to agree there were so many things that would be missed after graduation,” Odor-Westrum said. “One thing I will miss for sure are the teachers. Going to St. Edmond has given me a one-on-one bond with the teachers and it makes learning more of an enjoyable experience.

“Another thing I would miss is my cross country team. I started my cross country career my junior year and I still say that one of my biggest regrets of high school is not doing cross country all four years. Running for the Gaels has brought me joy and having a team like this is something I am very grateful for.”

With time still left there are still plenty of things to look for.

“Yet, looking to college, there are still many things I do look forward to,” Odor-Westrum said. “I still intend to run track and cross country in college, as well as staying involved in the fine arts.

“I also look forward to trying something new. Moving into adulthood can seem a little intimidating, but I’m excited to see what my future holds.”

Odor-Westrum is still undecided on his future plans. But he is thinking about running cross country and track at Iowa Central Community College. He is positive he will run and continue to take part in the fine arts.