The Mercer Island High School track and field team had a successful showing at the SeaKing district meet last week, advancing 16 students to the state competition this weekend in Tacoma. The boys team finished eighth overall while the girls team posted a seventh-place finish.

After the first day of competition, Lindsay Benster earned a spot at state with a second-place district finish in the 3,200-meter race. Monica Lee who qualified after a fifth-place finish in the discus on Wednesday.

Friday’s final results included defending state champion pole vaulter Bryce Borer with a second-place finish. Teammate Edward Page finished in third. Borer also advanced in the 110-meter hurdles and as a member of the 4×400 relay team. Other 4×400 relay members include: Evan Dawson, Evan Sadler and Quinn Chasan. Dawson also advanced in the 200-meter race and the 4×100 relay. The 4×100 relay team includes: Jordan Turner, Nicholas Sinclair and Borer. Chasan will also race the 800-meter event at state with teammate Sadler.

Islander Phoebe Merritt took the top spot in the 1,600-meter race, while Lindsay Benster qualified after a fifth-place finish. Haley Piper will take her place in the 800-meter race, as will Carly Andersen in the javelin event. Senior Janelle Chow will try her hand at the state triple jump event after a fourth-place district finish.

The 3A state track and field meet begins on May 28 at Mt. Tahoma High School in Tacoma.

Ticket prices are $18 for a three-day adult tournament pass or $14 for a three-day student or senior citizen ticket. Tickets for Thursday afternoon are $5 for adults and $4 for students and seniors. Friday afternoon tickets will cost $9 for adults and $7 for students and senior citizens.

Meet events begin at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday afternoon and run all day Friday and Saturday at Mt. Tahoma.