A Mercer Island High School league change may impact no team more than Mercer Island track and field. Gone from the 3A league are powerhouses like Newport, Skyline and Issaquah, whose sheer numbers put the Islanders at a disadvantage. The Islanders will replace those huge teams with the likes of Juanita, Woodinville and Interlake. The Islanders will get their fill of big, tough teams with a lot of competition when they face Ballard and Skyline in non-league contests.

But the fact still remains that the top 16 athletes in each event will move on to the postseason.

“We will see a lot of new faces this season,” said Mercer Island coach Lezley Smith. “And we will get all the competition we need.”

One familiar face returning with some clout is defending state champion in the pole vault, Bryce Borer. The senior’s run in 2008 was a surprise to most, but he will be the biggest target in every meet this season.

“He has done a good job of leading with his work ethic and his approach to all of his events, not just pole vault,” said Smith. “He has shown kids what is possible when you persevere.”

One athlete who hopes to follow in her teammate’s path is Janelle Chow. She has had quite a year so far, placing at state in volleyball and basketball. She hopes to make it three in a row in either long jump or triple jump.

But state title ambitions are not limited to just Chow and Borer or the senior class. The biggest strength of the team from year-to-year is in distance running, and this year is no different.

“We look to them to score points, but also to inspire the rest of the team with their performances,” said Smith. “They show what leaving it all out there means.”

Coached by Erica Hill, the cross country team had one of its best seasons in school history during the fall. Most of those athletes run during the spring.

“We have the No. 1 returner in all the distance races for KingCo,” said Islander senior Quinn Chasan. “Almost everyone is coming here in shape from cross country.”

Smith and her coaching staff are pushing every athlete on the team to try multiple events, especially the freshmen.

The Islanders have topped 135 in turnouts and have been over 120 during the past five years in a row. Big numbers by underclassmen have pushed the team to better success on the field.

Getting kids to compete in multiple events has also led to some surprises during the regular season.

“We just want them to keep an open mind,” said Smith. “Each event is different, and you never know.”

One senior who embodies that approach to track and field is Carolyne Stephens, who does high jump, pole vault, runs sprints and competes in the long jump.

“I think we have a chance to do really well this year with the changes in the league,” said Stephens. “There are spaces to fill [at the league meet.]”

One of the biggest in-league meets of the season will be the Bellevue Invitational. The Islanders will also get some stiff competition from Mount Si and Roosevelt.

One face that has returned to the team full-time is longtime coach Chris Twombley, who only coached part-time last season.

“His attitude and passion are contagious,” said Smith.