Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Anthony Valles of St. Edmond was a first team all-state cross country selection in Class 1A.

Six runners, including two from St. Edmond, were recently honored as all-state selections by the Iowa Association of Track Coaches.

St. Edmond junior Anthony Valles made the first team in Class 1A, while senior Liam Shannon was selected to the second squad.

Manson Northwest Webster senior Alyssa Richman and West Bend-Mallard junior Tyra Schupbach were both first-team selections in their respective classes. Second-team honors went to Bishop Garrigan freshman Julia Swift and South Central Calhoun junior Iris Melody.

Valles, a three-time state participant, placed sixth at state while resetting his own junior school record in the process. He won three races to go along with two runner-up performances and two more third place medals throughout the regular season.

“Making all-state means a lot to me because I get to show what my coaches have done for me,” Valles said. “Also the support of my mom, and most of all the gift that God has given me. I am honored to have earned this (recognition).”

Shannon, a four-time qualifier, went out with his best finish yet at state, placing 29th overall. He improved 40 spots from his junior season run.

Richman, a four-time qualifier and three-time medalist at state, fought through injuries and finished seventh in 2A this past fall. Schupbach, a returning state qualifier, was 11th in 1A. Swift placed 16th and Melody 29th in the same race.

All-state status goes to the Top-30 performers in each class from the state meet, which is held each year in Fort Dodge at Lakeside Golf Course. The Top-15 make first team while the next 15 are recognized by the second squad.