November 7, 2026 | Sun Willows Golf Course | Pasco, Washington
The Mercer Island High School boys cross country team wrapped up its 2026 season Saturday at the Washington State 3A Cross Country Championships in Pasco, Washington, finishing sixth overall with 173 points.
The Islanders entered the championship as the two-time defending state champions, having captured consecutive titles in 2024 and 2025. While a third consecutive championship was not in the cards this year, Mercer Island once again qualified a strong group of seven athletes to compete against the best 3A programs in Washington.
The 5,000-meter championship race was held at Sun Willows Golf Course, with the 3A boys scheduled to take the course at 2:30 p.m.
Mercer Island finished with 173 points, placing sixth in a competitive field of 20 schools. The race featured a particularly close battle at the front, with just 10 points separating the top two teams.
2026 3A BOYS TEAM STANDINGS
Gig Harbor captured the state championship with 107 points, narrowly edging Bishop Blanchet, which finished second with 110. Mt. Spokane placed third with 117 points.
Top five team results:
| Place | School | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gig Harbor | 107 |
| 2 | Bishop Blanchet | 110 |
| 3 | Mt. Spokane | 117 |
| 4 | Shorewood | 166 |
| 5 | Seattle Preparatory School | 167 |
| 6 | Mercer Island | 173 |
Congratulations to Gig Harbor on the state championship and to Bishop Blanchet, Mt. Spokane, Shorewood, and Seattle Prep on their outstanding team performances.
ALL SEVEN ISLANDERS AT STATE
Mercer Island was led by junior Kellan Doroski, who finished 17th overall in 15:50.8. Doroski was followed by sophomore Jake Powell, who placed 26th in 16:01.5.
Senior Finn Bunker also earned a top-35 finish, crossing the line 33rd in 16:11.7. The three runners provided a strong start to the Islanders’ lineup.
Sophomores Brendan Sullivan and Ian Moch, along with juniors Dino Hajdarpasic and Balen McCarthy, completed the seven-runner group.
2026 Mercer Island boys state championship results:
| Athlete | Grade | Overall Place | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kellan Doroski | 11 | 17th | 15:50.8 |
| Jake Powell | 10 | 26th | 16:01.5 |
| Finn Bunker | 12 | 33rd | 16:11.7 |
| Brendan Sullivan | 10 | 70th | 16:41.9 |
| Dino Hajdarpasic | 11 | 75th | 16:46.0 |
| Balen McCarthy | 11 | 93rd | 16:56.8 |
| Ian Moch | 10 | 97th | 16:58.4 |
All seven Islanders finished under 17 minutes, with the team’s top three runners placing inside the top 33 overall.
The lineup also featured a promising mix of underclassmen and returning athletes. With four sophomores and juniors among the seven competitors, the experience gained at the state championship provides a foundation for continued development.
A special recognition goes to senior Finn Bunker, who completed his high school cross country career with a 33rd-place finish at the state championship.
THE INDIVIDUAL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
The individual 3A boys championship featured an outstanding performance from Hermiston’s Leroy Lozano Mejia, who won the state title in 14:45.9.
Shorewood senior Elijah Graves finished second in 14:55.8, followed by Inglemoor senior Sammy Connell in 15:06.0.
Top five individual finishers:
| Place | Athlete | School | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leroy Lozano Mejia | Hermiston | 14:45.9 |
| 2 | Elijah Graves | Shorewood | 14:55.8 |
| 3 | Sammy Connell | Inglemoor | 15:06.0 |
| 4 | Becks Bird | Shadle Park | 15:17.9 |
| 5 | Mana Voss | Central Kitsap | 15:25.2 |
Congratulations to all five athletes on their outstanding performances.
BUILDING ON A TWO-YEAR CHAMPIONSHIP RUN
Mercer Island’s sixth-place finish comes after two exceptional seasons for the boys program.
The Islanders won consecutive Washington State 3A championships in 2024 and 2025, establishing themselves among the state’s leading cross country programs.
Although this year’s team did not repeat those results, competing at the state championship and finishing sixth among 20 programs is a meaningful accomplishment.
State championship competition brings together the strongest teams from throughout Washington, and the experience of racing at this level is valuable for every athlete involved.
With several underclassmen in this year’s lineup, the program has returning runners who can build on their experience in Pasco as they look toward the next season.
THANK YOU, ISLANDERS!
Congratulations to Kellan Doroski, Jake Powell, Finn Bunker, Brendan Sullivan, Dino Hajdarpasic, Balen McCarthy, and Ian Moch for representing Mercer Island at the 2026 Washington State Championships.
Thank you to the coaches for their work throughout the season and to the families and supporters who continue to make Mercer Island cross country possible.
We also congratulate Gig Harbor on its state championship and all the schools and athletes who competed in Pasco.
The 2026 season concludes another chapter in Mercer Island boys cross country history. Following state championships in 2024 and 2025, the Islanders now turn their attention to the future and the continued development of the program.
Congratulations on a great season, Islanders!
GO ISLANDERS!
Photos taken by the greatest team photographer ever Scott Knoblich.