Washington High School makes history by winning both boys and girls state cross country titles

The Mercer Island School District Board meeting on December 12, 2024, celebrated a historic achievement for the high school cross country teams, which both secured state championships. This remarkable feat marks a rare occurrence in Washington state history, as it is uncommon for a single school to win both boys' and girls' team titles in the same year.

Superintendent and coaches expressed immense pride in the athletes, highlighting the hard work and dedication that led to this success. Owen Powell and Sofia Rodriguez, both defending champions, successfully retained their titles, while Victoria Rodriguez and Bodie Thomas also delivered strong performances, finishing third and fifth, respectively.

Coaches emphasized the depth of talent on the teams, noting that the boys' team had three runners in the top 12, a significant advantage over competitors. The girls' team, which had not won a state title since 2008, triumphed in a nail-biting finish, winning by just one point. Key contributions from freshmen Ella Zhang and Lauren Malusic were highlighted, showcasing the team's strength and resilience.

The meeting also acknowledged the unique coed nature of the cross country program, which operates as a single team rather than separating boys and girls, a practice not common in many schools. This approach has fostered a strong team spirit and camaraderie among the athletes.

As the board members and coaches celebrated the achievements, they looked forward to the future, expressing excitement about the potential of the young team and the foundation laid for continued success in upcoming seasons. The meeting concluded with a photo opportunity to commemorate the teams' historic victories.