By John Vrancic

For the Daily Press

ESCANABA — Cross country numbers appear to be on the upswing at Escanaba.

The Eskymos, who have 11 girls and eight boys on their roster, open in today’s Marquette Early-Bird Invitational.

Esky started with nine boys and five girls a year ago.

Gone from the boys’ team through graduation is Division 1 all-state selection Derek Douglas, who’s running at St. Scholastic College in Duluth, Minn. this fall.

The girls are led by senior Ciara Ostrenga, an all-state pick a year ago.

Joining her are classmates Ava Gardner and Gabi LaCosse and juniors Morgan Makowski and Veronica Spreitzer.

“I think Ciara could do real well this year,” said first-year coach Scott Dykema. “She has a lot of experience, and Ava and Morgan are real strong runners.”

Dykema takes over for Dominique Bougie, who coached the team the last two years.

Underclassmen include sophomores Natalie Spreitzer and Annabelle Neumeier and freshmen Allie Simon, Maggie Martin, Grace Hamlin and Sophie Weaver.

“Allie is showing a lot of promise, and Annabelle is battling some injuries,” said Dykema. “We have a young team, which is great. We’ll start building them up. I’ve been around running for a long time, although I have a lot to learn about the meets and different courses. I’m trying to keep in sync with what they did last year.”

The boys are led by their lone senior Austin Watchorn. Additional upperclassmen include juniors Nick Hamlin, Dan Smith and Matthew Dykema.

“Austin has been surprising himself,” said coach Dykema. “Matt has a hip flexor, but it’s starting to get better. His confidence is building, and he’s running strong.”

Sophomore hopefuls are Jackson Cousineau, Sawyer Dix, Eli Gardner and Ben Smith.

“We had been getting good turnouts for our summer running program,” said coach Dykema. “I think that will help them. The kids say they’re in better shape than last year. They’re getting used to the longer practices (approximately two hours). They have to stretch for about 15-20 minutes and get used to different workouts. We do our best to keep them injury-free, but that doesn’t always work out.”

Helping with the coaching duties is paid assist Stephanie Sprague.

“Stephanie is a great addition to our team,” said coach Dykema. “She had been a volunteer assistant for many years. She definitely has the experience.”

Coach Dykema points to Marquette as the team to beat in the Great Northern Conference.

“They’re always strong,” he said. “Stephanie keeps me updated and the seniors and juniors have been very helpful.”

Aug. 27 — Marquette Early-Bird Invitational.

Sept. 3 — Dale Phillips Invitational at Marquette; Sept. 14 — Kingsford Invitational at Iron Mountain; Sept. 18 — Marinette Border Bash; Sept. 25 — Escanaba Invitational; Sept. 28 — Munising Invitational.

Oct. 5 — Gladstone Invitational at Flat Rock; Oct. 14 — Great Northern Conference at Menominee; Oct. 23 — U.P. Finals at Marquette.