A member of the Rapid River boys’ track and field team competes in the high jump during the 2024 Delta County Invitational on April 25, 2024 at Bark River-Harris High School. ("The Big Dog" Mitch Vosburg/Daily Press)

RAPID RIVER — Coach Steve Ostrenga was encouraged by Rapid River’s performance in the Rockets’ season-opening track and field meet at Gladstone.

The Rockets, who were runners-up to host Braves, have 22 on their team. They join Powers North Central, Carney-Nadeau, Stephenson and West Iron County in Menominee today at 4 p.m.

“That’s a good number,” he said. “I’m very pleased with our effort. Gladstone is very strong.”

Rapid River has four seniors on its roster including relay specialist Blake Lundquist, middle distance runner Nate Moore and newcomers Conner Kee (sprints and 1600-meter relay) and Colton Stemick (weight events).

“Blake solidifies our relays,” Ostrenga said. “He does a nice job and is very versatile, and Nate is working on his 800 time. I’m pretty happy with our veteran leaders. Conner and Colton complement our senior returners. They bring a lot of talent with Nate and Blake. I’m glad we at least have four seniors.”

The Rockets also have four juniors. They are Clay Christoff (pole vault and 800), Ethan Harrison (sprints and discus), Eddie Forslund (sprints and weight events) and Ryan Boston-Marsh (weight events).

“They’re quality juniors who cover a lot of events,” Ostrenga said. “They could run eight events, but I can only enter them in four. They’re very versatile. Coming up with a lineup can be like a chess match. You always try to match up with other teams.”

Representing the sophomore class are Caleb Roberts (3200 relay, long jump, high jump and mid distances or sprints), Greg Taylor (hurdles, sprints and long jump) and Jared Huskey (mid distances, high jump and long jump).

Giving the Rockets hope for the future are 11 freshmen. They include Jae Poma and Jon Denkins (distances), Joseph Thorbon (mid distances and long jump), Evan Closs (mid distances, long jump and high jump), Jeb Green and Kaden Duerson (sprints and mid distances), Kamden Holmio (sprints), Rowen Flath (hurdles), Lane Olson (pole vault and mid distances) and Trenton Warner and Alex Shiverdecker (weight events and sprints).

“Jared (Huskey) is a real hard worker, but he’s still recovering from injuries and illness,” Ostrenga said. “Jae and Jon ran their best times Friday. Evan has a lot of raw talent and Alex is going to be a pretty good athlete. You always like to have more guys. We’re looking for consistency across the board. The guys are working hard, but you also need to improve.”

Rapid River visits Bark River-Harris for Thursday’s Delta County Invitational. The Rockets host their invite May 2 and Division 3 regional May 15.

The remaining schedule:

May 2 — Rapid River Invitational; May 7 — Stephenson Lions Invitational; May 10 — Munising Lions Invitational; May 13 — Bark River-Harris Invitational; May 15 — Division 3 regional; May 21 — Skyline Central Conference at Stephenson.

June 1 — U.P. Finals at Kingsford.