Leroy Lutu and Laura Maruhashi achieved very different things this year in athletics. One guided the boys basketball program back to state prominence and an undefeated regular-season title. The other won the All-Around district title in gymnastics and helped the girls lacrosse program to the state semifinals in her fourth year playing the sport.
There was nothing but liquid sunshine at Islander Stadium on Friday as West Mercer Elementary (421.5 points) won its third All-grade Island Track Meet in a row. Liquid dropped from the sky but the drizzle and wind was met by cheers, painted faces and the glee of elementary students, some getting their first taste of competitive athletics during the event’s 38th year. Island Park scored 206.5 points while Lakeridge finished with 152 in the Mercer Island Parks and Recreation department-sponsored event.
Former MIHS nemesis, current NBA star comes to Mercer Island for basketball camp
Ryan Pang grew up playing tennis on Mercer Island. During his high school career, Pang made it to state twice as part of doubles teams for the Islanders. That love for tennis has become Pang’s life, and he is committed to spreading the infectious nature of the sport.
The Midlakes swim season commenced this week with two Island clubs pitted against each other.
The second of three all-Mercer Island swim meets this summer took place on Thursday as the Mercerwood Shore Club defeated the Mercer Island Country Club, 445.5-262.5. But the score was not as important as the tradition that the meet represents.
The second of three all-Mercer Island swim meets this summer took place on Thursday as the Mercerwood Shore Club defeated the Mercer Island Country Club, 445.5-262.5. But the score was not as important as the tradition that the meet represents.
“Both meets, against the Beach Club and this one, are big rival meets,” said Shore Club coach Alice Godfred. “It brings out a different level of competition.”
The popularity of lacrosse in the Northwest has led to more and more high school athletes going on to play in college. That popularity brought the U-19 national team to Islander Stadium on Sunday for a clinic and an exhibition game against the Northwest College All-Stars.
Many Islanders search for physical challenges during the summer. Western Washington has many marathons, bike races and other physical activities to take on during the summer.
The 2008 Hoopfest in Spokane, Wash., again played host to many Islander basketball teams, families and fans. The annual 3-on-3 basketball tournaments, held on the streets of downtown Spokane, garnered 25,000 players, 3,000 volunteers and 175,000 fans.
Earning 27 consecutive victories is tough in any sport or league. The Mercerwood Shore Club reached that mark with a 439.5-249.5 victory over Newport Hills, despite being shorthanded on Thursday. The mark continues a Midlakes swim league record.
Meg Elston is stepping down as the coach of the Mercer Island High School girls lacrosse team and moving to Boston, Mass.
The 2008 3-on-3 basketball tournament, as a part of Summer Celebration!, drew a record 33 teams on Saturday. The increase of eight teams, compared to last year, was not the only change as the event moved to downtown Mercer Island to the parking lot of Farmers Insurance for eight hours of hoops.
During the Mercerwood Shore Club swim team’s 27-meet winning streak, one rival has always challenged the Manta Rays. Edgebrook has nearly 100 more swimmers than the four-time Midlakes champions. Each meet during the past four years has been close, and Thursday’s match-up was no different in competition level or outcome as the Shore Club won number 28, 389-323.