MUSKEGON — Reeths-Puffer coach Cody Kater never thought he'd helm a 2-7 team, but reality came down hard on the Rockets a year ago as inexperience, a largely new coaching staff, injuries and a brutal schedule created a mix that was hard for fans to swallow.
"I think it gave the coaching staff a little bit more of a chip (on our shoulder)," Kater said. "It especially hardened me a little bit, created the calluses all over for me. I think that helped, too. Everyone's excited at the beginning of the season, everyone's 0-0, and we've got a lot of work to do. We're not really focused on anyone else."
The introspection reveals some good signs. First of all, the Rockets' entire staff is back, the first time in Kater's four seasons that has occurred. Many of the players thrust into action by those injuries have gained experience. There's great athleticism throughout the roster. It just all has to come together to produce results.
R-P is working hard to do just that. The first week of football practice saw early morning and evening two-a-day practices, supplemented by players helping to run middle school camps.
"I think that's the beauty of this group," Kater said. "This group has had a more of an intention on details and and having fun out here and calling people in instead of out. They showed us a lot of stuff within this first week that we're excited about. We've got a lot of work to do, but we're excited about the kids' wanting to be here and the shift that our program made in the offseason."
One such shift will be at the quarterback position. Mason Darke was the guy there to start 2024 before injuries sidetracked him. This year, the coaches have moved him to a two-way receiver/defensive back role, while up-and-coming sophomore Cole Piper and last year's JV quarterback, junior Braylon Swain, battle it out for the starting job. Piper showed off his athleticism as a track state finalist last spring and played some cornerback for the varsity last fall, and Kater describes Swain as "very heady, and knows where to go with the rock."
"Both of them haven't really separated themselves throughout the summer," Kater said. "We see ourselves playing both of them through at least the first couple weeks and see where we settle."
Darke will be part of a very athletic receiving corps that in theory should make life easier for the quarterback. JaMichael Williams and Connor McManus are both 6-3 and close to 200 pounds, so their size and ability to go get the ball should be a big asset. Darke, the Rockets' school record hurdler, brings his own obvious athletic ability to the position. Kater credits him with bringing vocal leadership to the group. Brendan Guikema, another six-foot-plus player, will be a target for catches too.
At running back, Cal Millis, who was the Rockets' top tackler last fall, is set to take over. Sophomore Garrison Niklasch is in line for some carries as well.
The big question mark on offense is a largely new offensive line. An X factor there, as well as on the defensive front, will be 6-1, 285-pound junior Troy Swingley.
"Strong, strong kids, just very inexperienced," Kater said of the big guys up front. "They've just got to get a lot of time underneath their belt in the JV or the varsity. These are the kids that we have. We love them. We love the work that they've done."
Many of those same names will be factors on defense; certainly Millis, an all-conference honorable mention pick in 2024, will play a central role.
It's a brutal schedule again for the Rockets. Byron Center played in the state finals last year. Forest Hills Central won a district title, Mona Shores played for one and Forest Hills Eastern narrowly missed doing so. Muskegon will no doubt be looking to avenge a rare rough season. Kater said he and the staff are better prepared for it this year.
"I don't think I did a great job last offseason and into the season of getting those guys prepared for hard and struggle and embracing it," Kater said. "I think that's something that's different about this group. I think we spent a lot more time on mentality, finding a way to get to our inner peace, so we can work and find enjoyment in the process. Sometimes my stress can add to their stress, especially when things aren't going well."
The Rockets have, in turn, embraced that introspective mentality, donning shirts that read "Our Best Us" in practice. Time will tell if it brings in more wins in 2025, but they hope it produces a healthier program.
"We're just trying to worry about the work," Kater said. "It's not really about other teams. It's always been R-P versus R-P. I think we lost focus of that last year because we were trying to prove ourselves in other ways. Now it's a little bit more just us."
