Mercer Island cross country | Sports preview

The Islander girls team finished 10th in the 3A state competition last November. The girls team also finished fifth at the SeaKing District meet, while the boys finished in ninth place.

Coach: Erica Hill

Number of athletes: 120-130

Last season: The Islander girls team finished 10th in the 3A state competition last November. The girls team also finished fifth at the SeaKing District meet, while the boys finished in ninth place.

Strengths: “Leadership and athletic ability,” said head coach Erica Hill. She added that the team has an “amazing group of senior leaders.”

Focus: “The first part of the season will be building the team foundation and chemistry and making sure everyone stays healthy,” said the coach.

Captains: Alida Scalzo, Sarah Bjarnason, Lindy Elggren, Danno Mayer, Travis Gallatin and Eric Schulz.

Game to watch: Bellevue Invite, KingCo, Districts and state.

The Bellevue Invite will take place on Saturday, Sept. 28, at Lake Sammamish State Park.

The team will compete in the KingCo championships on Oct. 24, followed by districts on Oct. 31 and state on Nov. 9.