In the spotlight with Levi Odor-Westrum | News, sports, work

Odor-Westrum competes on the St. Louis cross-country and track and field teams. Edmond High School. He also participates in the show choir, chamber choir, choir, and takes part in musicals and Play Like a Champion.

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

In his final season on the cross country team, Gael Odor-Westrum was the team’s state qualifier.

“For me, being both an athlete and pursuing fine arts can both help and hinder my daily life.” – Odour-Westrum said. “This year there was a choir event on the same day as our pre-meeting rehearsals, which meant I had to get up a little earlier to run in the morning instead. Of course, it wasn’t much of a problem, but it shows that sometimes I have to find a balance between both.

“But a song and a season of music are a completely different equation. With all of our shows just around the corner, that’s when track season begins. Like last year, I will most likely have to miss track and field competitions at the beginning of the indoor season due to important music activities. But all of these activities definitely keep me engaged throughout the school year, and I enjoy keeping myself busy with it all.”

However, splitting time with fine arts and athletics helps him manage his schedule and creates opportunities.

“It especially helps (the program and structure) during the cross-country season. During cross country season, I feel like my choir days really helped me prepare for the meet I had later that day. Waking up early and dancing helped me prepare my body for the race the same day.” – Odour-Westrum said. “It made me feel more aware and energized. The show choir does the same thing with the song, but the show choir season usually ends around the beginning of the song, so it doesn’t impress me that much. Musical practices also take place during track season.

“Most of my practice is done in parallel, first a piece, then a musical. I usually have about half an hour break between workouts, which helps my day flow a lot and doesn’t make everything feel spread out.”

After completing cross-country running, Odor-Westrum was selected for the Play Like a Champion group.

“Play Like a Champion is an award given to one person of each gender at the end of the sports season.” – Odour-Westrum said. “This year I was lucky that my coaches picked me at the end of the cross country season.

“This award showcases all aspects of a Gael athlete:”to demonstrate good sportsmanship, respect for the opponent and embody respectable behavior on and off the field.”

Singing is also a passion that developed in childhood.

“Growing up, my mom and I would always sing while driving or at home.” – Odour-Westrum said. “We have always had a strong bond and she was also with me when I did my first public production: ““Seussical.”

“But in elementary school, I always liked humming a song or going to music classes. The passion was always there, but my family definitely supported it.”

During the years spent in St. Edmond Odor-Westrum learned that if there is something he wants, he must achieve it.

“Thanks to different teachers, I learned that everything can change and it’s up to you whether it will be better or worse.” – Odour-Westrum said. “I also learned that if there is something that interests you, go for it.”

Choir was one of those interests.

“For some reason, I didn’t do choir my freshman year. I just graduated from Community Christian School (K-8) and was involved for most of my elementary and middle school years. When I transferred my freshman year, my year was basically dead.” – Odour-Westrum said. “My first vocal interaction I had in St. Edmond, there was a spring musical: “Freaky Friday” and I loved every moment of it.

“Then my sophomore year, I added show choir and choir to my lineup. It was a different experience than what my friends from my freshman year of college had told me about; especially since we had a new teacher, Mrs. Batz, who taught K-12 choir. Taking these classes taught me that even though parts of the year were difficult, I had to persevere and pursue my passion for singing.”

His junior year brought an interest in chamber choir.

“I also met the chamber choir, which I still regret not auditioning for this year. In my first year (and now senior year) we have another (returning) teacher, Mrs. Hindt.” – Odour-Westrum said. “I then became fully involved in the choir, committing myself to all three choirs and to the music under my belt. On top of that, this year I added an audition for the All State choir.

“It was a very time-consuming commitment, but I don’t regret any of it. I feel like I owe some of my greatest life lessons and achievements to joining the choir.”

During the years spent in St. Edmond Odor-Westrum built a structure and a group of mentors that helped him develop.

“The greatest influences in my life have been my grandfather Dave Odor, my mother Kylee Hayek, my cross country and track coaches Mike Szalat and Don Larson, and my friends Liam Shannon and Logan Reed.” – Odour-Westrum said. “From the very beginning, my grandfather and mother were my biggest fans. I feel like the three of us have a strong bond – from attending every concert, sporting event and musical to giving tips and always being open to conversation.

“They helped me develop my love for my favorite football team, the Green Bay Packers.”

Family was important, but coaches and friends were also on his side.

“My coaches also have a big influence not only on how I run, but also on my approach to life. Running is a more difficult sport than you might think. It depends not only on the functioning of the body, but also on the way of thinking. – Odour-Westrum said. “They taught me that perseverance is important in everything; never give up just because you are tired. Liam and Logan are two of my biggest inspirations on a daily basis. They both inspire me to run hard and be humble on and off the track. Liam has always inspired me to run harder and faster. Without him, I don’t think I’d be at the pace I’m at today. Liam also helps remind me to just rest and relax in life and find joy in the little things.

“On the other hand, Logan helps remind me to always stay calm. He always goes with the flow and it doesn’t seem to bother him much. He also showed me that trying new things can lead to new passions. He was the one I jumped into cross-country with and without him (and Liam) I wouldn’t have found my passion.”

When his last days come to an end in St. Edmond, there will be plenty that Odor-Westrum will miss.

“I recently interviewed some of my classmates who were early graduates of our podcast (Gaelcast) and I think as high school seniors we were all able to agree that there are so many things we will miss once we graduate.” – Odour-Westrum said. “One thing I will definitely miss is the teachers. Going to St. Edmond has allowed me to have a one-on-one connection with teachers and makes learning an even more enjoyable experience.

“Another thing I would miss is my cross country team. I started my cross-country career in my junior year of high school, and my biggest regret in high school is that I didn’t do cross-country for four years. Running for the Gaels has brought me joy, and having a team like this is something I’m very grateful for.

With some time left, there’s still plenty to look for.

“But looking at college, there are still a lot of things I’m looking forward to.” – Odour-Westrum said. “I still plan to run track and cross country in college and continue to pursue fine arts.

“I’m also looking forward to trying something new. Entering adulthood may seem a bit intimidating, but I can’t wait to see what my future holds.

Odor-Westrum is still undecided about his future plans. However, he is thinking about running track and cross country at Iowa Central Community College. He is confident that he will run for office and continue to participate in fine arts.