LAST SEASON: The Rockets had a good season, finishing with an overall 7-5 record and taking second place in the O-K Green conference with a 7-3 record. One big highlight of the season was capturing the championship at the Greater Muskegon Athletic Association tournament, which includes every team from Muskegon County. Two R-P bowlers - Liam Copenhaver and Carter Hekkema - finished in the top 10 at regionals and qualified to compete in the state tournament.
POWERFUL LINEUP RETURNING: The Rockets could be even better this season, with five very experienced seniors returning to the lineup. They are Copenhaver, who led the team with a 189 average last season, finished fifth at regionals and was first-team All-Conference; Hekkema, who finished seventh at regionals; Tanner Bahr, who worked through injuries last year and bowled a 173 average and finished third at the GMAA tournament; Ryleigh Beebe, whose best outing was a seventh place finish at the Mona Shores Invitational last season; and Karsen Boeskool, who was a strong sixth man last year and will be a starter this season. Four of the senior returnees earned their first tournament medals last season.
OTHER GUYS EXPECTED TO CONTRIBUTE: The Rockets have good numbers, with 11 bowlers on the team. The rest of the roster is comprised of juniors Peyton Estepp, Sean Brennan and Colten Geisler and sophomores Knox Estepp, Zack Rought and Christopher Hussey. Some of the younger bowlers have shown promise in practice and will be worked into the lineup over the course of the season.
LOOKING TO COMPETE FOR A CONFERENCE CROWN: After finishing second in the O-K Green standings last season, the Rockets will make a push for the top this winter. Head coach Craig Alderink thinks defending champion Jenison will be very strong again, and should be considered the favorite, but believes his team can give the Wildcats a run for their money.
FIRST COMPETITION: Friday preseason conference tournament at Sherman Lanes. Saturday Jenison Invitational at Station 300.
COACH COMMENT: “Our two main team goals will be repeating as GMAA champions and qualifying for the state tournament as a team. We did not bowl our best at team regionals last season and I’m sure the boys would like to make up for it this year. I also like our chances of sending multiple bowlers to the singles portion of the state finals again:” - Craig Alderink