LAST YEAR: The Rockets struggled for much of the season, finishing 8-14 overall and 4-11 in the tough O-K Green conference. They started heating up toward the end, however, winning three of their last four regular season games, then coming close to winning a Division 1 district championship. R-P defeated Grand Haven 3-2 in the district semifinals in an extra-inning thriller, then lost to Kenowa Hills 6-5 in extra innings in the championship game.
RELOADING: R-P will be rebuilding its roster this spring after losing eight seniors to graduation. There will only be two seniors and two juniors on the roster - shortstop Ethan Frang, pitcher/catcher Connor McManus, pitcher/catcher Brendan Guikema and pitcher/catcher/outfielder Jack Yonkman.
TIME WILL TELL FOR YOUNGSTERS: Sophomore first baseman Paul Smith, who played varsity most of last season, could be an immediate contributor for the team. Otherwise a big group of new underclassmen will be cutting their teeth and vying for playing time. They are Jaxon Lee, Tyler Sykes, Bentley Kops, Brayden Meeuwenberg, Landon Baker, Eli Bessinger, Hank Mitchelson, Landon Learn, Landon Padilla and Tyler Scanlon.
ROSTER COMPOSITION: A total of 11 of 15 players on the roster are underclassmen.
TEAM STRENGTHS/CHALLENGES: Pitching may be the Rockets’ biggest strength, with several experienced hurlers on the roster, but the team’s overall lack of varsity experience will be a big challenge. Despite that, head coach Butch Attig thinks the Rockets could be battle-tested and competitive by the time districts roll around again, just like last spring. R-P will host the local Division 1 district tournament this year.
FIRST GAME: Wednesday at home against Ottawa Hills.
COACH QUOTE: “It is about week-by-week and getting experience. Our schedule is tough, but it will - if we let it - make us better for that district run. Because districts are a one-game series, not a three-game series, I look forward to getting our team ready for that day. At times this year will be challenging, but if we embrace the opportunity and focus on the big picture, we will be ready.” – Butch Attig