Taking over a swim and dive program that has won five 3A state championships in six seasons is quite the tall order.

Fortunately for new Mercer Island swim coach Chris Conroy, he has the talent and support to keep the Islanders humming along and looking like they haven’t missed a beat.

Mercer Island scored a 129-57 meet win over Woodinville Thursday, Oct. 8 at Mary Wayte Pool. It was the fifth meet win for the undefeated Islanders.

Mercer Island won eight of the meet’s 12 events, including all three relays. Sammie Edwards, Ellie Williams, Esther Choe and Maeve Murdoch won the 200 medley relay with a time of 1:58.36. Choe, Hixon, Edwards and Lauryn Brittain won the 200 medley relay at 1:47.18, and Williams, Murdoch, Tess Ritcey and Heather Robinson won the 400 free at 3:51.95.

Edwards was also a winner in the 200 IM (2:21.34), Choe won the 100 breast (1:15.10) and Murdoch won the 500 free (5:18.49).

Williams and Sydney Seto tied to win the 100 free at 57.76, and Alex Williams won the 100 back at 1:05.08.

In his first season at the helm, Conroy said the leadership shown by his seniors has so far been paying off in dividends.

“We have 15 seniors who have done a great job providing a lot of leadership and continuing our team traditions,” Conroy said. “They’ve worked hard at carrying on the same team cheers, post-meet team dinners or our secret buddy system. They’ve been very influential in helping us keep up traditions.”

The support hasn’t just come from his swimmers. With a predecessor as successful as former coach Chauntelle Johnson, Conroy knows he has a wealth of information close by.

“Chauntelle has been very gracious with her time and helped walk me through how she planned training through the season,” he said. “She’s shared lots of workout information and how specific swimmers respond to certain training.”

Mercer Island has five meets before the KingCo championships take place Oct. 29-31. Until then, Conroy said the goal among his swimmers is to continuing pushing themselves to meet their postseason qualifying times.

“We’re trying to make as many cuts as possible. We have girls on the cusp of qualifying for the KingCo championships and for districts,” Conroy said. “It’s really key to get as many girls to state as possible so if things go our way at state, we’re in a position where we can win.”

Above, Mercer Island’s Hannah Leahy competes in the 100 fly during the Islanders’ meet against Woodinville Thursday, Oct. 8 at Mary Wayte Pool. Leahy finished second with a time of 1:05.22.