The Mercer Island High School Track and Field team is making an exciting journey to Eugene, Oregon this weekend to compete in one of the most prestigious high school meets in the country — the Oregon Relays. The event is held at Hayward Field, the world-renowned track and field stadium located on the campus of the University of Oregon. Often referred to as the “Mecca of Track,” Hayward Field has hosted countless historic meets, including multiple Olympic Trials, NCAA Championships, and even the World Athletics Championships in 2022. It is widely considered one of the top five track and field stadiums in the world, a true cathedral of the sport.
The Oregon Relays is more than just a meet — it’s an elite, invitation-only competition that draws hundreds of top high school athletes from across the nation. This year, more than 150 schools from over a dozen states, including Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Utah, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and even states as far as New York and Illinois, are expected to participate. Athletes compete not only for personal bests but also for national rankings, as the Relays regularly feature some of the fastest times and longest marks in the U.S. prep scene.
Oregon Relays Friday Night Recap
For many student-athletes, the opportunity to race at Hayward Field is a dream come true — the same track where legends like Steve Prefontaine, Allyson Felix, and Sydney McLaughlin have left their marks. For Mercer Island, sending a contingent of 26 athletes to such a high-caliber meet speaks volumes about the strength and depth of this year’s team.
Maia Shook leading the Sprint Medley Relay.
This year, Mercer Island is proudly represented by:
Silas Rennie
Finn Bunker
Bodie Thomas
Lauren Balousek
Hanna Lassila
Alex Dusseau
Matthew Lawrence
Victoria Rodriguez
Sequoia Bales
Katie Kolpa
Ella Zhang
Hudson Sulla
Maia Shook
Sofia Loop
Scout Bates
Dora Cheng
Matthew Greer
Ari Wolff
David James Jr.
Nick Castaneda
Kiera Kelly
Owen Clarkson
Connor Ward
Sophia Rodriguez
Owen Powell
Maddie O’Brien
These athletes will compete in a wide range of events from sprints and distance races to jumps, throws, and relays testing their mettle against some of the finest high school competition in the country. Beyond the competition, this meet is a rare chance for them to soak in the electric atmosphere of Hayward Field, gain exposure to a national audience, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Mercer Island’s participation in the Oregon Relays highlights not only the talent of its athletes but also the program’s growing reputation on a regional and national level. As the team steps onto one of track and field’s most iconic stages, they carry with them the support of the entire MIHS community.
Go Islanders!
