RAPID RIVER — There was some concern about how a major snowstorm in mid-March and a long winter would affect area spring sports athletes.

“That storm hit us pretty good,” Rapid River boys’ track and field coach Steve Ostrenga said. “It delayed some things, but everybody’s in the same boat.”

Rapid River made up for lost time Thursday by finishing runner-up, just three points behind Escanaba (137-134), in the Gladstone Invitational.

The Rockets, hoping that’s a sign of things to come, return to Gladstone for Tuesday’s Delta County Invitational Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.

Rapid River’s girls placed fourth among eight teams at Gladstone.

There are 22 boys out for track at Rapid River and the girls have 17 on their team.

“I was hoping to have a few more, but I’m still happy with the turnout,” Ostrenga said. “The kids are working hard and seem excited for the season.”

The Rockets have just two seniors, but half of their team is comprised of juniors.

Senior Jared Huskey is entered in the 400, 800 and 1600-meter relays and 200-meter dash with Greg Taylor, who won the 110-meter hurdles in the opener, also in shot put and high jump.

“They’ve shown some leadership,” Ostrenga said. “Everybody has that ability. It depends on who wants to step up.”

Junior hopefuls include sprinters Jeb Green and Camden Holmio, Evan Closs in the sprints and long jump, Rowan Flath (hurdles), Lane Olson (pole vault), Joseph Thorbahn (middle distances and 800 relay), Jon Denkins, Jae Poma and Kaden Duerson (distances), Alex Shiverdecker and Trenton Warner (weight events).

“We have a good mix,” Ostrenga said. “Until you get on the track, you don’t really know for sure what you have. It’s always important to get a meet in. It gives you an idea where you’re at.”

Also on their roster are three sophomores. They include returners Brennan Kee (hurdles), Jimmy Taylor (weight events) and newcomer Max Badnachi (sprints).

Freshman hopefuls are Joey Goudreau (mid distances), who won the 800 at Gladstone. Joining him are Owen Truitt (distances), Derek Closs (hurdles), Corey Boston-Marsh (high jump and mid distances), Coen Smith (high jump and sprints) and Tadom Silsby (weight events).

Ostrenga says he appreciates the help from the assistant coaches.

“Joe Smithy has been running the weight room and Rich Poma is helping with the weight events,” he added. “They do a nice job.”

The Rapid River girls also have two seniors. They are fourth-year entry Aubrey Olson in the sprints and discus and Angelina Goodman, who’s entering her second years, in the weight events.

“Every spring offers a new challenge,” coach Greg Rubick says. “We had some flooding issues, but each school is in the same boat. I’m happy with our numbers. We have 17 girls who are willing to work. Track is definitely an important sport at Rapid River and Steve and I are trying to keep it that way.”

The Rockets have five juniors on their roster. They include Sarah Beauchaine in the weight events, Alivia Frappier (sprints and long jump), Kenzi Taylor (sprints and hurdles), Kellyn Gustafson (mid and long distances) and Samantha Quinn (distances).

They also have five sophomores and five freshmen.

Sophomore include field events specialist Natalie Paquette, sprinters Kaylee Taylor and Zoey Fuller and Victoria Coppock (hurdles and sprint relays) and Olivia Quinn (mid and long distances).

Freshman hopefuls are Ariyah Shiverdecker (weight events), Khloe Baase and Aubrey Warner (sprints), Hayley Medwayosh (sprints and mid distances) and Julia Poma (distances).

“We’re still trying to find a pole vaulter and working on that real hard,” Rubick said. “We have good numbers and quality student-athletes. It’s going to be a very short season, but we’ll put it together.”

The remaining schedule:

April 21 — Delta County Invitational at Gladstone; April 29 — Felch North Dickinson Invitational.

May 1 — Rapid River Invitational; May 5 — Stephenson Invitational; May 8 — Norway Invitational; May 11 — Bark River-Harris Invitational; May 13 — Division 3 regional; May 19 — Skyline Central Conference at North Dickinson; May 30 — U.P. Finals at Kingsford.