Justin St. Ours | Daily Press Former Escanaba softball coach Gary Salo (right) congrats Gabi Salo (8) on a home run on the way to home plate, May 28, 2019 at Escanaba.

ESCANABA — A transition period is underway for Escanaba softball with one head coach stepping down and another ready to make his debut.

Andy Fields is taking over for Gary Salo, who served as head coach for two years.

“It’s quite an honor to be selected Escanaba’s varsity softball coach,” said Fields. “I started coaching in 2015 and was on Jamie Segorski’s staff. We coached together for 11 years, and Jamie taught me a lot about the fundamentals of coaching. He was really, really good with the players and knew how to keep them relaxed. I also learned from Coach Segorski and Salo about the importance of playing as tough a schedule as we can, which prepares us for the post-season.

“Delta County is notorious for great softball. We always get competition from Gladstone and Rapid River.”

The Eskymos were crowned Division 2 state champions under Jamie Segorski in 2018 and Salo in 2019 prior to last season being canceled due to COVID-19.

“All sports are having to make adjustments right now,” said Fields. “I was the JV coach last year. We got four practices in. Then, everything went into lockdown. It was very heartbreaking, and even a little more for us with back-to-back state titles because we didn’t get a chance to go for a third straight. We’re looking forward to this season. We just have to focus on the present and move forward.”

Salo stepped down to spend more time with his family.

“I’ve been coaching for 25 years here in Escanaba and missed many of my kids’ events over the years,” he said. “My daughter (Gabi) is pitching for the University of Wisconsin, and I want to be able to see her play.

“This is too good an opportunity to pass up. This is a good time for Andy to take the opportunity. I think he’ll do an awesome job.”

Athletic director Tony Perino fully understands Salo’s reasons for stepping down.

“Gary has been part of our program for 25 years,” he added. “We’d be happy if he stayed, but it would have been tough on him. Although, Gary is still helping out with our program. We’re the measuring stick. Everybody wants to play us. I’m happy for Gary. This is the right time for him to pass the torch.

“I’m also excited for Andy. This is what you want from an administrative standpoint. He’s going to be a fantastic replacement. We’re looking forward to positive things.”

It appears the cupboard will be far from empty at Esky despite losing last season to the virus.

“We have plenty of talent coming up,” said Salo. “We have two quality pitchers to build around, and with travel ball, we’re able to develop a lot of players. On paper, we were probably more talented than any other year (in 2020). It was heartbreaking for the girls to lose the season.

“The coaches and players do a lot of traveling. It would be difficult to travel to such places as Millington, Ann Arbor and Ashwaubenon without the help of our area businesses, parents and the school’s administration. Escanaba softball gave me the ultimate gift, having the opportunity to call pitches and see the girls be successful.”

Practice starts March 15 with the hope of lining up games up in early April.

“We’re hoping to get some games in around April 9,” said Fields. “I appreciate Tony and the Escanaba schools for having faith in me to coach one of the best programs in the state. We have two rock-solid travel programs in Escanaba, which makes my job easier. We have a lot of great players coming.

“The state title in 2019 was special because we had a lot of young players on that team. Jamie and Gary taught me a lot. Without them, I wouldn’t be a head coach right now. As a coaching staff, we’ll do it the same way. The girls know what to expect, which is very important.”