RAPID RIVER — The Rapid River Rockets are in rebuilding mode as they progress through this cross country season.

Rapid River, which graduated seven from last year’s team, has seven boys and three girls this season.

Among the graduates are Division 3 all-state runners Ishmael Hernandez and Taylor VanOss.

“We took a pretty good hit,” said coach Zach Truitt. “We got some new kids and some good athletes. This should be a pretty decent season.”

The boys, who placed fifth in their opener at Munising Aug. 24, are led by seniors Jace Holmio, Nick Bruursema and Jaiden McCarty.

“Jace has been running four days a week and should be one of our top guys,” said Truitt. “He’s looking pretty strong. Nick also put some work in during the summer and is getting stronger.”

Sophomore Nate Moore also returns and is joined by sophomore newcomer Everett Belanger and first-year juniors Jonah Brown and Eric Lutz, both transfers from Gladstone.

The girls’ pacesetter is freshman Emma Sundling, who placed 15th at Munising. Joining her are juniors Ana Semear and Madi Couillard.

“Emma participated in running clubs this summer,” said Truitt. “She runs on her own, and Ana will push through everything no matter what happens. Ana is pretty determined. Madi likes track and does distance and decided to give cross country a try.”

Truitt points to the Stephenson boys and Munising girls as the teams to beat in the Skyline Central Conference this year.

“The Stephenson girls also look strong,” he said. “We have a decent middle school program, and Ben Lenaker is working with those kids. We try to make it enjoyable for them, so hopefully, when they get down the road, they’ll be better.”

The Rockets resume in the Manistique Invitational Sept. 8, then travel to Superior Central Sept. 11.

They’ll host their own invitational Sept. 25 and the SCC meet Oct. 6.

The remaining schedule:

Sept. 8– Manistique Invitational; Sept. 11 — Superior Central Invitational; Sept. 21 — Stephenson Invitational at Banat; Sept. 25 — Rapid River Invitational; Sept. 28 — Munising Invitational.

Oct. 6 — Skyline Central Conference; Oct. 11 — Norway Invitational; Oct. 18 — North Central Invitational; Oct. 23 — U.P. D-3 Finals at Marquette.