The Reeths-Puffer boys cross country team can always look back on the 2023 season with a smile, because it was a good one.
The Rockets finished second in the tough O-K Green conference and had their best moment of the season when they beat the field and won the championship at the Greater Muskegon Athletic Association City Tournament.
Senior Jaxon Allen capped off a great career by winning the GMAA individual championship, taking second at the conference meet, placing third at regionals and qualifying for the state finals.
Senior Tate Bradley and junior Kye Grant also had top 10 finishes at the city and conference meets.
But now it’s time for the Rockets to start building toward that type of success again – and it may take a little time.
Jack Yonkman
The main reason is that Allen and Bradley graduated, Grant is not competing this season, and the Rockets’ experience level is much lower.
Numbers are also an issue, because R-P is starting the season with only five runners, which is the minimum to field a full lineup.
“We had a lot of seniors, and we represented well,” R-P Coach Darin Grant said about last season. “However, we are starting over again.”
That does not mean the Rockets’ cupboard is completely bare. They return several runners who showed some progress and potential last season.
The first is junior Jack Yonkman, who finished a strong 17th place at the conference tournament, 22nd in a field of 106 runners at the city meet and 50th place with a good time of 17:44 at regionals.
Dylan Sturr
The other top returnee is junior Dylan Sturr, who finished 33rd at the city meet and 57th at regionals.
Both runners have the potential to make big improvements this season, according to Coach Grant.
“Jack ran a great race at regionals and we’re looking for him to lead,” Grant said. “He’s been working hard this summer and taking training assistance. We’re looking for real growth from him. He ran a strong 17:44 at regionals, and for him to be in the 17s as a sophomore is the sign of a strong runner. We’re looking for him to get in the low 17s and Dylan to hit the high 17s.
“They are very similar in some ways. They both have a very good work ethic. Jack brings an intensity to running and a big desire and commitment, just like he brings in basketball and baseball. Both of them bring a fun side to the team, too. You have to have a balance and keep it fun.
“Jack brings more athleticism. Dylan has different genetics and has to work extra hard for what he gets. They have both really learned to listen to what I’m telling them. They have both learned to pace themselves and push throughout the race, instead of just pushing at the beginning or the end.”
The Rockets pose with the trophy after winning the 2023 GMAA City Meet.
Rounding out the roster are two returnees – seniors Jamie Neel and Gage Bouwman – along with freshman Jonathon Visscher. Grant is hoping the three of them can also take some big steps and help the Rockets remain competitive.
The team will compete in a reconfigured O-K Green conference, with Mona Shores and Muskegon still in the fold, along with several new schools. The competition will still be very tough, according to Coach Grant.
“We are racing against Jenison, which has been a powerhouse, and against Caledonia, which has also been really good. And we will be racing against teams with like 30 guys.
“I hope as we develop throughout the season that we surprise ourselves, and maybe surprise some other people at city.”