LAST YEAR: Like the R-P boys team, the Rocket girls had a highlight day at last year’s Greater Muskegon Athletic Association meet, taking third out of seven teams and placing four runners in the top 20 in the individual standings.
Senior Jersi Bilek took third place individually at the GMAA meet and went on to qualify for the state finals, which was a fitting ending to a great career.
GOOD RUNNERS RETURNING: The Rockets will have a combination of upperclass and freshmen talent, and could be a very interesting team this year.
The top returner is senior Darcy Keefe, a fourth-year varsity runner who finished 17th at the GMAA meet last year. Keefe trained hard this summer, has taken on a team leadership role, and should have a very successful season.
Junior Sidney Shakelford is also back, and primed to improve, after finishing 40th at the GMAA meet last fall.
Junior Olivia Yonkman and sophomore Natalie Kozal also return and will lend experience and depth to the lineup.
VERY PROMISING NEWCOMERS: There are two talented freshmen who could make a real difference for the Rockets this season, according to Coach Lindsay Keefe.
Harper Roberts and Hope Gordon had a lot of success at the middle school level and have had a seamless transition to varsity, thanks in part to a summer full of grueling workouts.
“They are ready to make an immediate impact,” Coach Keete said.
Senior Grace Cosens and junior Savannah Thoma are first-year cross country runners who have worked out with the team all summer and will give the roster more depth.
FIRST COMPETITION: Tuesday at the Fruitport Calvary Christian Invitational.
COACH COMMENT: “The Rocket cross country team is lacing up for a promising new season. Built on a foundation of youthful energy and dedicated summer training, this year’s squad features a dynamic mix of emerging talent, steady veterans, and eager newcomers.” – Lindsay Keefe
