The Reeths-Puffer boys cross country team, embarking on a rebuilding season, had a pretty decent showing earlier this week at the Eagle Invitational at Fruitport Calvary Christian.
The Rockets opened the 2024 campaign by placing two runners in the top 20 and four in the top 30.
Junior Jack Yonkman led the way by finishing 15th with a time of 19:43. 
Jack Yonkman
“Jack looked very smooth and confident while racing,” said R-P Coach Darin Grant. “That racing effort brought him to a time of 19:43, which was more than a minute faster than last year.”
Junior Dylan Sturr started his season by taking 19th place with a time of 20:38.
Both Yonkman and Sturr won top 20 medals for their performance.
“Dylan wasn't too far from where he started last year, and looked very smooth during the race,” Grant said. “He also commented about how he knows he has more.”
Dylan Sturr
Exchange student Samuel Perez was a bright spot for the Rockets, coming in at 23rd place with a mark of 21:26. Senior Gage Bouwman was 30th with a mark of 22:11 and freshman Jonathan Visscher was 44th at 26:28.
Coach Grant noted that the Rockets, whose numbers are down this year, could use some more runners, and it’s not too late for students to join the team.
“More Rockets should join the incredible sport of cross country,” he said. “We would love to have 6-10 more guys on the team.”