On May 24 and 25, the Mercer Island Track & Field (MITF) team made their way to State at Mount Tahoma High School in Tacoma. Fifteen of Mercer Island’s athletes qualified to compete, and three students won gold. Junior Owen Powell won both of his events, the 800-meter and 1600-meter run. Freshman Sophia Rodriguez won her two events, the 1600 and 3200-meter run. Finally, sophomore Eloise Newman won the 100-meter hurdles.
Rodriguez, a new student to MISD, ran a 4:48.69 1600 and a 10:17.53 3200, breaking the school records she had previously set in each event. In addition to Rodriguez breaking her records, Powell defended his titles, running a 1:52.33 800 and a 4:07.9 1600.
Mercer Island’s great results made MIHS second in the state for girls track and field events, placing ninth in the state for boys.
“This season, I really focused on winning as much as I could, whether it was an invite or just a regular track meet and just gearing up for the big races,” Rodriguez said. “I’m just really proud of this season.”
In addition to being proud of her hard work, Rodriguez is proud of her team.
“I’m really proud of my team this year. They all poured their soul and heart into this season and have seen great outcomes. Especially my sister, having her there with me every step of the way and being my support group too.”
