LAST YEAR: When you are talking about the Reeths-Puffer boys track team’s 2025 season, it depends on how you look at it. The Rockets lacked overall depth across the events and finished 0-5 in conference dual matches, but did well at the Greater Muskegon Athletic Association meet, finishing fourth out of 11 teams. The Rockets also had some great individual performers. Tops on that list was Mason Darke, who finished fifth in the 300-meter hurdles at the Division 1 state finals and earned All-State honors. He broke the school record in that event last season with a time of 38.13. Darke also competed in the Nike Outdoor Nationals last June and won the 110-meter hurdles in the Emerging Elite division.
EXCITING RETURNERS: Darke, now a senior, is back for his senior season, and is expected to compete for a state championship in the 300-meter hurdles and the 110-meter hurdles. He has qualified for the state finals in various events several times, and is sure to have an exciting season this spring. Senior Marvin Moore, who has been a state qualifier on two R-P relay teams, also returns, and will be strong in the 200-meter and 400-meter dash and will be a key member of the relay teams. London Rankin, Evan McHugh, Ethan Rolewicz, Emcee McLaurin, AJ Williams and Jamichael Williams will also be strong competitors in conference, GMAA and regional competition in various events. Darke, Moore and Rankin are all returning members of what should be very strong 400-meter and 800-meter relay teams.
ABOUT THIS YEAR’S TEAM: The Rockets will be composed of a lot of seniors and sophomores, which means the seniors will be able to do lot of valuable mentoring for the younger athletes. While R-P looks strong in the track events, the coaches have been waiting to see who emerges as strong performers in the field events.
FIRST COMPETITION: Wednesday at Whitehall.
COACH QUOTE: “We are just excited to get going and continue building on what we have been working on with our athletes in the offseason.” – Don Ketner