Head coach Susan Empey said it was a truly special day.
The exceptional cross country results on Nov. 9 featured two Mercer Island High School (MIHS) runners notching boys and girls individual titles and both teams snagging championship trophies at the 3A state meet at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco.
On the 5K course, Islander senior Owen Powell and sophomore Sophia Rodriguez each garnered their second consecutive individual crowns and it was title time again for the boys and girls teams, who had not won championships since 1963 and 2008, respectively.
“Beyond proud of both teams today. This was the culmination of months of dedication to running — and each other — believing something like this was possible, but knowing it would take a full team effort to make it happen,” Empey said of the seven-member squads. “While Owen and Sophia’s back-to-back wins are incredibly special and nothing to take for granted, I think the team wins are even more special.”
The MIHS boys won with a 68-point score and Central Kitsap took second with 121.
It was as tight as could be on the girls’ side, with MIHS beating out Bishop Blanchet, 90-91.
Individually, Powell powered through the course to nail a winning time of 14:44.90 and teammate Bodie Thomas, a junior, placed fifth in 15:17.70. Mercer Islander Hudson Atrosh, a Seattle Prep senior, took eighth in 15:32.30.
Rodriguez led the pack with a time of 16:48.10 and her sister Victoria, a senior, took third in 17:08.60.
Powell gave the Reporter a rundown on the Islanders’ joyful day: “I could not be more happy and proud of how we did yesterday. Both guys and girls teams did so well and it was all a product of how hard everyone has worked throughout this season. As a senior, I honestly do not think I could have asked for a better last state meet. And I definitely could not have asked for better teammates and friends to be on the team with.”
Sophia Rodriguez said it was an incredible experience to be part of the winning Islander program. She’s still in awe of what both teams achieved in Pasco.
“We always dreamed about winning states. In the beginning of the year, we all kind of knew the guys team was going to win, but it wasn’t until the girls team started racing and just building every race and showcasing how strong we were that winning states was actually a reality,” she said. “I am just so proud of everyone because I know what every individual did to make it happen. For it to all come true yesterday was just amazing and such a special moment that will live with me forever and live with everyone forever.”
