MUSKEGON TWP. – The Reeths-Puffer boys bowling team has high hopes for success this season, and the Rockets believe they can live up to their goals.
Part of the reason is simple experience. R-P is in the fortunate position of having six players back from last season, including three standouts and several others who should do very well.
Last year was a building year for the Rockets, and this year they expect to cash in.
The other factor has to do with school enrollment. Reeths-Puffer is apparently down a bit this year, so its boys and girls bowling teams will be competing in the Division 2 state tournament, rather than Division 1, where the competition will not be quite as stiff.
R-P's Quinn Alderink
New head coach Craig Alderink believes the team could be good enough to qualify for the Division 2 state finals.
“I think we have a very realistic shot if the kids have a good day at regionals,” said Alderink, whose team will open the season on Monday with a dual match against Grand Haven.
One kid who is expected to do very well is senior Quinn Alderink, who won O-K Green All-Conference honors last season.
Alderink had several very good outings last year. Perhaps his best day came when he won the individual championship at the Reeths-Puffer Invitational.
He bowled games of 235, 178 and 212 for a 625 series and finished at the top of a field of 128 bowlers from 18 different teams.
R-P's Liam Copenhaver
Alderink finished in sixth place individually in the final O-K Green conference standings last season, and finished 11th at the GMAA City Tournament.
Two other returning players also did well last year – juniors Liam Copenhaver and Carter Hekkema, who each earned honorable mention honors in O-K Green competition.
The other returning players are juniors Tanner Bahr, Ryleigh Beebe and Karsen Boeskool, who will add a lot of depth to the lineup.
Rounding out the roster of 15 players will be seniors Chase Quillin and Niilo Katajisto, sophomores Sean Brennan, Peyton Estepp, Colten Geisler, Connor Charnes and Desmond Grays and freshmen Knox Eastepp and Zach Rought.
R-P's Carter Hekkema
Besides qualifying for the state finals as a team, the Rockets would love to compete for the team championship at the Greater Muskegon Athletic Association City Tournament.
They finished seventh in the GMAA preliminary rounds last year and did not make the tournament playoffs, but are looking for a much better result this season.
“It means a lot,” Coach Alderink said about the city tournament. “It’s bragging rights down at Northway Lanes. We haven’t done very well in the past, but we feel we have a strong team and might be able to compete.”
Competing for an O-K Green conference title is also on the radar for R-P, but it won’t be easy, according to Coach Alderink.
Reeths-Puffer will compete in a realigned O-K Green. Zeeland, Grand Rapids Union and Wyoming are no longer members, but Jenison, Caledonia and Byron Center are now in the conference.
“It’s a bit tough,” Alderink said. “I know some of the new teams coming in will be really strong. It will be a tough go. But we finished third last season and we’re hoping to improve this year.”
The Rockets will be adjusting to their new coach – Alderink – but he’s hardy a new face. He’s Quinn Alderink’s dad and has been around the program for a long time.
“It helps a lot,” the coach said about his familiarity with the players. “They realize I’m not just an outsider, and I’ve coached a lot of these kids in other sports, which helps too.”
The Rockets are excited for the season to get underway on Monday. and believe they’ve had a good two weeks of prep.
“We’re having a blast so far,” Alderink said. “The first two weeks of practice have been great.”