ESCANABA — The Escanaba Eskymos hope their experience will compensate for low numbers during this cross country season.

Esky has eight girls and seven boys, most of whom are upperclassmen.

“We hope to pick up a few more kids once school starts,” said coach Scott Dykema. “I think the kids are a little apprehensive, but we’ll work with them.”

Gone through graduation is two-time Division 1 all-state selection Ciara Ostrenga.

The girls return seniors Veronica Spreitzer, juniors Annabelle Neumeier and Natalie Spreitzer, and sophomores Sophia Weaver and Grace Hamlin.

Also back this season is senior Morgan Makosky, who was injured and unable to run a year ago.

“Morgan went to physical therapy,” said Dykema. “If she takes care of herself, she could do just fine. Veronica is also a strong runner. Annabelle is among the leadersm, and Sophia came on strong in track last spring.”

Newcomers include junior Linnea Britton, who’s dealing with knee issues, and sophomore Alicia Mabie.

“I’m very lucky,” said Dykema. “I’ve had great groups of kids. They’re hard workers and very respectful. All of them are good friends. I think they like to be with each other.”

Houghton comes into the season as two-time defending champion.

“It’s hard to say who the frontrunners are,” said Dykema. “We’ll see what happens. The first meet will be just another workout, although it’s the best kind of workout. This is an opportunity to get better.”

The boys return seniors Dan Smith, Nick Hamlin and Matt Dykema, who underwent compartment syndrome surgery this summer, and juniors Ben Smith and Eli Gardner.

“Eli had a rough season last year,” said coach Dykema. “He had COVID but has been our strongest runner this year. Eli is a strong kid, only he’s having heel problems right now. Dan has always been a strong runner, and Ben is looking strong.”

Newcomers are junior Nate Lanaville and sophomore William Wiese.

“Nate is one of our strong swimmers who did well in track,” said coach Dykema. “He’s still learning, but right up there with the other guys. William is a hard worker. He was getting good with hurdles and is getting real good with distance running.”

Coach Dykema points to three-time defending U.P. champ Marquette as the team to beat.

“They have very dedicated runners,” he said. “They take running seriously. I would like to see our kids move a little closer to them. It’s a matter of believing in yourself.”

Helping Dykema with the coaching duties this fall is his wife Michelle, who’s taking over for Stephanie Ostrenga.

“She’s the one who keeps me in line,” he said. “Michelle runs in road races and knows a lot about running. Stephanie did a great job for us. She was a college runner but was having a hard time getting to some practices because of her job.”

Esky returns to Presque Isle Park for Thursday’s Dale Phillips Invitational.

The schedule:

Aug. 26 — Marquette Queen City Invitational

Sept. 1 — Marquette Dale Phillips Invitational; Sept. 13 — Kingsford Invitational at Iron Mountain; Sept. 17 — Marinette Invitational; Sept. 21 — Stephenson Invitational at Banat; Sept. 27 — Munising Invitational.

Oct. 4 — Gladstone Invitational at Flat Rock; Oct. 7 — Escanaba Elks Invitational; Oct. 13 — GNC meet; Oct. 22 — U.P. Finals at Flat Rock.