RAPID RIVER — The Rapid River Rockets are trying to make do with low numbers as they progress through this cross country season.

Rapid River, which has five girls and four boys on its roster, opened at Munising Aug. 23.

The girls placed seven among 14 teams, and the boys were 12th out of 15.

“The girls held their own,” said coach Zach Truitt. “They’ll get better as the season goes on. They just need a little more conditioning.”

The Rockets are led by sophomore Emma Sundling. Joining her are seniors Megan Dausey, Aiyana Semear, Maddy Couillard and Manon Feltrien, an exchange student from France.

“Emma is doing pretty good,” said Truitt. “Megan does track and decided to try cross country this year. Aiyana will get right back up there. Maddy is a little stronger and feels a lot better this year. Manon also does volleyball and wanted to be on the cross country team. She has a little learning to do, but she’ll be coming along.”

The boys are led by senior Jonah Frizzell, who placed 14th in the opener. He is followed by juniors Nate Moore and Everett Belanger, who’s having issues with his chest, and senior Eric Lutz.

“Jonah also plays football,” said Truitt. “He improved his time by three minutes at Munising. He’ll do good this year. Nate has also improved a lot. He and Jonah are putting the miles in. Eric also ran last year and improved. He’s a lot stronger this year. He’ll come along nicely.”

The Rockets resume Sept. 7 at Manistique, then travel to Superior Central 10 days later.

The remaining schedule:

Sept. 7 — Manistique Invitational; Sept. 17 — Superior Central Invitational; Sept. 21 — Stephenson Invitational at Banat; Sept. 24 — Rapid River Invitational; Sept. 27 — Munising Invitational.

Oct. 5 — SCC meet at North Central or Superior Central; Oct. 10 — Norway Invitational; Oct. 17 — North Central Invitational; Oct. 22 — U.P. D-3 Finals at Flat Rock.