ESCANABA — There’s a new kid on the block this year as the area cross country season gets underway.

The Holy Name Crusaders, fielding a high school team for the first time in their history, make their debut in Friday’s Marquette Early-Bird Invitational which begins at 10 a.m. at Presque Isle Park.

“It’s exciting,” said assistant coach Steve Douglas. “We’re making school history. We’re starting from scratch but working hard. We’re working on form and making sure the kids don’t get impatient.

“This is different from other sports in that you’re always trying to improve your time. We’ll definitely be improving as the season goes on.”

This also marks the first high school athletic venture since 1971 for Holy Name when its basketball team reached the Class B state quarterfinals.

Its high school then remained closed until reopening this fall.

“It’s cool, exciting to be part of something that’s going to help you get better,” said freshman Joe Carlson. “It’s real hard running in the heat and humidity. Although the more you run, the more you want to accomplish. This is something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time. I ran middle school cross country and track at Esky, but I’m excited to run for Holy Name. It’s nice having a few teammates because you can get to know them a lot better.”

This is a new experience for freshman Patton Nyquist.

“I think our practices have been going well,” he said. “This is my first year of cross country, and I’m learning a lot. This first meet will be a learning experience for me, but I’m glad I can represent Holy Name. When I ran three miles for the first time, we ran together. It was a little stressful during the run, but I always feel better after the run. We have 10 meets which I think will be a nice season.”

Sophomores Nich Mitchell and Roman Skerbeck are also part of the boys’ team, with classmate Katelyn Rexford representing the girls.

“I just want to be part of something new,” said Mitchell. “It’s tiring, yet it makes you feel good.

“The coaches are teaching me to be a better runner, and I’ve been able to run a little more efficiently. It will be fun to be out there. I just want to give it my all. Running in front of a crowd will be cool. There will be a lot of people there.”

The Crusaders return to Marquette Sept. 3 for the Dale Phillips Invitational.

“This is my 52nd year of coaching,” said Whitman, who served as an assistant coach in Marquette for 17 years. “This is exciting because we’re the first ones coaching at Holy Name Catholic High School.

“This will be the first time for Holy Name at the starting line. I’ve worked with Steve for eight years. He’s a fabulous coach, and we work well together. We want each kid to be a good athlete and a better person. We’re focusing on the little things and can see the improvement daily.”