ESCANABA — The Escanaba gymnasts have yet to get a meet in this season but have already faced a tough opponent, and COVID-19 has provided plenty of challenges for the Eskymos.

“We started practice Oct. 26, and everybody was very excited,” said coach Theresa Pascoe. “This is the first time everybody felt confident going into the first meet. Then, we were on break from Nov. 18 to Jan. 18 and had three major holidays during which we probably consumed more food than we should have. We’re disappointed with COVID pushing us back again. The one thing about being non-contact is we can set up stations to work on our skills.”

The Eskymos, who have eight gymnasts, host Negaunee in their opener Wednesday at 6 p.m.

“We had 11 when we started, and they were good gymnasts,” said Pascoe. “I get it. You have to be a student first and athlete second. We have a young team that’s very inexperienced. Although, the three girls who are returning are very strong. We can build a team around them. We’re building for the future.”

Esky, which has no seniors or sophomores, is led by returning juniors Caitlyn Davenport and Lizzy Sliva in all-around and Haley Garcia on balance beam and floor exercise.

Also entered in all-around are freshmen Aliyah Mylander, Riley Martin and Bridget Bichler.

“Lizzy just missed qualifying for the state meet last year,” said Pascoe. “We’re looking for her to start well this year. We’re hoping she’ll qualify for the states this year. Floor is probably Caitlyn’s strongest event, and Aliyah has been waiting a long time to be old enough to be a high school gymnast. She’s very strong and enthusiastic.

“Riley was a competitive gymnast at Triple A Gymnastics. She has a sprained ankle right now. We don’t know if she can tumble yet. Bridget was a competitive gymnast a year ago. She has a lot of technique and beautiful form, probably the best among all the girls.”

Other newcomers are junior Abby Rexford (floor, vault and uneven bars) and her freshman sister Katelyn Rexford (beam and vault).

“Of the five newcomers, three have been gymnasts,” said Pascoe. “They have some knowledge of what they can expect. This is an opportunity to grow together. We have most of our routines done. Now, it’s a matter of getting more conditioned and the endurance to get through their routines. All of them have some type of gymnastics background. The returning girls certainly know what to expect. Some of the new girls did gymnastics through USA Gymnastics.

“Abby came over from volleyball. She’s familiar with some of the girls already, and we talked her into being on the team.”

Helping with the coaching duties are assistant Brent Martin and volunteer assistant Alex Zelenak.

Due to COVID the MHSAA will allow three qualifying scores for regional instead of four in other years.

Up to 100 people will be allowed in the gym during competition.

Anyone interested in donating and supporting the team can make checks payable to EHS Gymnastics, 500 S. Lincoln Rd., Escanaba, Mich. 49829.

Feb. 3 — Negaunee; Feb. 10 — at Negaunee, Feb. 12 — at Fowlerville; Feb. 13 — at Coldwater; Feb. 19 — at Marquette.

March 1 — at Marquette; March 10 — GNC meet at Negaunee; March 13 — Escanaba Elks Invitational; March 20 — Regional meet, TBA.