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Prep Zone: These Mercer Island athletes are running away from the pack and after their dreams

Two speedy sisters and the Gatorade track athlete of the year are competing for Mercer Island High School in the cross-country championships this weekend.

PASCO, Wash. — The state cross-country championships are taking place this weekend at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco.

In the 3A ranks, Mercer Island has a chance to take home the boys' and girls' team titles. 

Fifteen-year-old Sophia Rodriguez is obsessed with running. Last year, she set the freshman indoor national record in both the 2-mile and the 5K while winning state titles in the mile and the 3200-meter.

Rodriguez also won the cross-country championship, with her best friend not too far behind. 

"I mean, that race was everything for me because I poured my whole soul and heart into that race, and I just really wanted it, like, turning around and seeing Victoria there was just so much better. I gave her the biggest hug afterward, because it was such a special moment that we've dreamt of, and we executed perfectly. It was a beautiful day," she said.

Fourteen seconds behind Sophia, her sister Victoria, who placed second. 

"It was really cool looking up and seeing she was there, and then also knowing that no one was going to catch me, and so, like, securing that spot, it was a really good feeling. It was super fun," says Victoria Rodriguez.

Next year, Victoria will run for Wake Forest. In 2023, she had one of the best 2K steeplechase times in the country. Together, they could be the best long-distance sister act in the country. 

"I mean, last year was our first year running together in high school, so I think that was definitely fun. We help each other to train. She is always pushing me in workouts, like, always having each other, like, right near each other. So yeah, I think it's just been fun, really, " says Victoria. "I mean, she always keeps me in check. And, you know, we balance each other out really well. Like, sometimes I get too serious, and she's always there to, like, refocus me and just have fun with the sport. So we're a good duo," says Victoria.

But the speedy sisters are not the only ones blazing a trail on Mercer Island.

"I first got involved in running when I moved from Oregon to Seattle in my sixth-grade year, and our middle school just had a fun little program, so I just kind of joined that. Just did it to try to make some friends," says Owen Powell.

Powell made friends and now he's making history. The Islanders senior could go down as the greatest long distance runner in state history.

Last year, he set a state record in the 800 meter, won state titles in the mile, the 800, and has already won two cross-country championships.

In September, at a national race in California, Powell recorded the fastest time ever on a 3-mile high school cross-country course. 

"I knew there's some really talented individuals and talented teams in that race, so I just wanted to go out there and compete to the best of my ability," Powell said.

In October, the Gatorade track athlete of the year won the Nike Hole in the Wall Invitational and set a new course record. In a two-month span, he won two of the most prestigious high school races in the country. 

"I think it's been consistent training; I haven't had any major injuries;  I've just been very smart about my training. I'm fortunate to have such a good coaching staff here that knows me really well," says Powell.

Powell's parents both ran for Stanford and now coach for the University of Washington. But Powell says they've never pushed him. They let him run his own race.

High above, they may look like your average runners. But Owen, Victoria, and Sophia are anything but. From the trails to the track, these three are running away from the pack as they run after their dreams. 

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