Cross country finishes season with momentum
November 24, 2008 · Updated 5:43 PM
By Matt Phelps
The Mercer Island cross country team officially ended its season Saturday with John O'Meara's run at the state meet in Pasco, Wash.
O'Meara, who is only a sophomore, placed 52nd at the state meet with a time of 17:12.
``John had an incredible run at the state meet,'' said Mercer Island cross country head coach Erica Hill. ``He was the third fastest finisher from KingCo. It was an amazing season for a sophomore.''
The entire team exceeded expectations this year with the boys finishing just two points from the state meet at districts in fifth place.
O'Meara's time (16:35) was better at districts as he placed 12th overall. Sam Chasan placed 30th overall at districts with a time of 17:04, and Daniel Gronfein was 37th (17:16). Rory McGee finished 42nd (17:21) and Mark van Oppen was 46th (17:29). Quinn Chasan (17:30 - 48th) and Peter Lambe (17:39 - 54th) rounded out the Islander boys finishers.
The Mercer Island girls finished eighth at the district meet. Ellis Bennett was the top Islander at 29th place (30:31). Just behind her was Tanya Swarts in 30th place (20:32). Sasha Gumpecht was 43rd (21:01). Islanders Elle Gwinn (21:27 - 57th), Terra Magnuson (21:34 - 62nd), Audrey Miller (21:39 - 67th) and Lauren Davis (21:55 - 73rd) also finished.
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