ESCANABA — The Escanaba Eskymos are looking for more gymnasts.

Esky has six on its roster. Only three, however, were available to make the trip to downstate White Lake Huron Valley this weekend. The remaining gymnasts missed the meet due to other school activities.

Two more were expected to join the team Monday, raising its turnout to eight.

“They were very excited to be in a winter sport,” said coach Theresa Pascoe. “I’m hoping they’ll learn how much fun we have at practice and want to stay on the team.”

Gone through graduation are Lizzy Sliva and Caitlyn Davenport.

Five return from last year’s team which set several school scoring records. The Eskymos won the Great Northern Conference with 135.1 points and scored more than 137 in another meet a year ago.

The Eskymos are led by juniors Sophia Wagner, Riley Martin and Bridget Becker. They are joined by sophomores Sophie Lehto and Victoria Mantela and freshman Hayden Turchin, all of whom are in all-around.

“Sophia was our top scorer last year and will be our top gymnast this year,” said Pascoe. “She’ll be strong in all four events. Riley’s strongest events are (balance) beam and vault and Bridget came through where we needed her to come through. Victoria wanted to compete and be on a team. Beam and floor (exercise) should be Victoria’s strongest events and Hayden has the ability to do all four events.”

The Eskymos resume with a dual meet at Negaunee Dec. 6, then host Marquette Dec. 14 on their new spring floor.

“I don’t expect us to be in top shape right now,” said Pascoe. “Two of the girls are in good shape because they did a fall sport. We have to start somewhere. It’s good to get the season started right way and see what we need to work on. We’re hoping our three juniors and Sophie will be our nucleus. We’re hoping for another great season. We have the talent and the girls want it.”

Esky also hosts Negaunee Feb. 8 and the Great Northern Conference meet Feb. 22 or 23.

U.P. teams, including Esky, are in search of judges. For more information contact Pascoe (906-280-1296).

“Anyone interested can also just show up at Triple A Gymnastics after school,” she said. “We meet each day until 5 p.m.

“We’re also continuing our bottle and can drive at Triple A. We appreciate everyone who donated. Their donations helped us purchase our new spring floor.”

The remaining schedule:

Dec. 6 — at Negaunee; Dec. 14 — Marquette; Dec. 17 — at Walled Lake Western.

Jan. 4 — Marquette Invitational; Jan. 18 — Negaunee Invitational; Jan. 21 — Valders, Wis. Invitational; Jan. 28 — Antigo, Wis. Invitational.

Feb. 8 — Negaunee; Feb. 10 — at Grand Ledge; Feb. 11 — at Coldwater; Feb. 16 — at Vassar; Feb. 18 — Vassar Invitational; Feb. 22 or 23 — GNC meet.

March 4 — Regional meet at Grand Rapids; March 10-11 — Team and individual state finals at White Lake Lakeland.