Mercer Island junior Bryce Borer kept going up this season. The pole vaulter’s success culminated with a jump over 15 feet on Friday, earning him a place on the state track and field championship’s highest podium.

Borer placed first in the pole vault event with a height of 15 feet, 3 inches in Pasco at Edgar Brown Stadium to win the state title.

“I was very surprised,” said Borer, who was a co-captain of the Mercer Island track and field team. “I was going in with no expectations and had a lucky day, I guess.”

While most athletes’ placings drop throughout the postseason, from league championships to districts to state, Borer’s went up, just like his jumps. During KingCo, Borer placed third with a height of 12 feet. At districts, the junior finished second overall.

“It was really weird because the competition [at state] was really close,” said Borer. “I just wanted to improve from last year. I was still in shock when I received my medal.”

While Borer has one more year to compete and would like a shot at retaining his title, he is realistic about the competition.

“I just want to continue to improve and keep going higher,” said Borer.

Girls finish up at state

The Mercer Island girls track and field team had two participants at the state meet.

Islander Haley Piper completed the mile, finishing in a personal best time of 5:13, placing seventh overall during the meet.

“It felt really good,” said Piper. “It was a lot of fun, amazing.”

Islander Phoebe Merritt competed in the 800-meter and finished 11th overall but did not qualify for the finals.