The Mercer Island High School cross country teams opened their season at the KingCo Class Races with a series of standout performances. Racing in grade-level divisions, the Islanders showed both depth and balance across the boys’ and girls’ squads.
Freshmen (9th Grade)
The youngest Islanders set the tone early. The boys’ freshman team took first place, outpacing Skyline and Issaquah with strong pack running. On the girls’ side, the freshman squad also captured first place, topping Issaquah and Lake Washington. These dual victories highlight a bright future for the program.
Sophomores (10th Grade)
The sophomore boys battled through a crowded field, earning 5th place overall. Meanwhile, the girls’ sophomore team landed just outside the top spots in a competitive race, finishing 9th. Both squads demonstrated grit and steady progress, with plenty of room to climb as the season develops.
Juniors (11th Grade)
The junior boys faced a stacked field and came away 9th place, showing determination in a tough division. The junior girls fared better, securing a 5th place team finish and keeping close to powerhouse programs Issaquah and Redmond. Their performance underscores the group’s depth and promise heading into bigger meets.
Seniors (12th Grade)
Experience paid off for the Islander seniors. The boys’ senior team claimed 1st place, topping Skyline and Redmond in a dominant showing. On the girls’ side, the seniors ran tough in a deep field, finishing 7th place. The leadership of both squads anchored the day and set a strong example for the underclassmen.
Overall Takeaway
Mercer Island walked away from the KingCo Class Races with three team championships (9th grade boys and girls, and 12th grade boys), plus several other strong finishes. The freshmen victories showed that the pipeline is healthy, while the senior boys proved they are among the top squads in the state. With a blend of youth and veteran leadership, the Islanders look well-positioned for success as the season builds toward invitationals and postseason competition.
