Escanaba senior Caden Smith (No. 43) stands at attention before a Big North football game against Petoskey on Sept. 13, 2024 at Escanaba Athletic Field. Smith completed basic training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina eight days prior. (“The Big Dog” Mitch Vosburg/Daily Press)

ESCANABA — A warm evening sets the stage for Escanaba football’s home opener against Petoskey on Sept. 13.

The Eskymos burst their way through a banner to make their way onto Escanaba Athletic Field. The team also takes a moment to shake the hands of dozens of military veterans before kick-off.

It’s a proud tradition for Esky. One filled with gratitude, respect and appreciation for those willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.

But as members of the Army National Guard march down the 50-yard line with flags and rifles in hand to present our nation’s colors, one member stands out. This member isn’t wearing camouflage like other members. This young man dons the No. 43 Escanaba jersey and is in full pads.

This young man is Escanaba senior Caden Smith. It’s the first time he suited up for Escanaba this season after missing the first two games.

He missed the Eskymos’ first two games for a pretty good reason. He was in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, where he completed basic training eight days prior to Esky’s home opener.

Smith withstands the test

Smith, known for his quiet, reserved nature, enlisted in the Army National Guard on Sept. 12, 2023 as part of its Split Training Option program. This allows 17 year olds, with parental permission, to enlist before graduating high school. This program tasks enlistees with knocking out their basic training between their junior and senior year of high school, returning to high school for their senior year, then entering job training with the National Guard after graduating high school before being released to their units.

He chose this path for one key attribute.

“I want to be respected more as an individual,” Smith said. “I also want to serve my country.”

The process also included one conversation. Telling his parents that he wanted to enlist.

“I think (the conversation) was pretty good,” Smith said. “I think they were pretty proud of me.”

As part of the enlistment, Smith got a jump start on his military process. While some of his classmates spent their summer working, wreaking havoc or making TikToks, Smith went through basic training in Fort Jackson.

“You don’t see a lot of kids wanting to participate in the military, let alone older people,” said JuliAnn Smith, Caden’s mom. “As a parent I’m very proud of him and his accomplishments because he came a long way.”

It’s a 10-week process which either makes or breaks human beings. Caden Smith was surviving, making strides in the chaos.

“Most of the days were usually long,” Caden Smith said. Some were hard, some were not as bad. But they were usually kind of hard. You just have to get through it.”

Then, during his sixth week, he fell ill with a case of COVID-19. He returned to full health, but a new obstacle appeared. Since he missed time due to his illness, he was recycled back to week two of basic training.

“It was a pretty big letdown,” Caden Smith said. “It sucked, but stuff happens.”

By no fault of his own, he was forced to spend an extra month in Fort Jackson, essentially going through basic training twice. But he didn’t back down.

“He’s probably one of the most resilient kids I’ve put in,” said Staff Sergeant Katie Pinar, Caden Smith’s recruiter. “I remember talking to him when he was sick. He said ‘I’m not quitting. I want to make my family proud. I’m not going to quit.’ That’s when you see someone’s true colors; when you’re tested like that and (respond with) ‘I’m not stopping.’

“His resilience to that is a huge testament to who he is.”

Caden Smith pushed through, and graduated from basic training the day before the Eskymos’ thrilling 28-21 overtime road win over Cadillac. And while the Eskymos were thrilled to get back to work the Monday entering Week 3, there was an extra level of excitement when Smith made his return to school and to the football team.

“We were so excited to have him back,” said Bailey Lamb, Escanaba football’s head coach. “He’s such a good kid. The kids rally around him. He’s such a good role model for how kids should carry themselves and conduct themselves. He does things the right way and always has a smile on his face. He’s always going to fly around and do what you tell him to do.”

Now Smith is adjusting back to civilian life while rocking a fresh buzz cut. It’s an adjustment he admits to be struggling with.

“It feels weird,” Smith admitted. “At basic (training) you get no freedoms. Here you get a lot of freedoms. It’s pretty nice, but it feels weird.”

A family affair

To some, the early stages of Smith’s military career seem daunting. But in his family, it’s become the norm.

His step sister, 2024 Escanaba graduate Peyton McKeage also chose this route.

McKeage enlisted in the Army National Guard her senior year of high school and is one year into her military career after recently completing basic training and is currently at AIT training, which concludes in October 2024. She is joining the 1432nd Engineer unit, based out of Gladstone, as a 12N horizontal construction engineer and plans on attending college upon attending her military career.

Caden Smith is part of the 1423 En Co, also out of Gladstone, as an all-wheeled vehicle mechanic. He plans on acquiring as many certifications as he can while using his military benefits to become a welder and enter the trades upon graduation.

“I’m proud of both of my kids for volunteering to serve our country,” JuliAnn Smith said. “I was one that wanted (to serve) but didn’t because I took care of my family. I honestly don’t know what to say because I’m so proud of both of them.”

Friday night spotlight

After concluding pre-game ceremonies Caden Smith joins the Eskymos on the sidelines. On this evening he served as a team captain despite being short of completing the required amount of practices to play.

His family sits toward the top of the bleachers of Escanaba Athletic Field despite Caden Smith not yet meeting the minimum amount of practices to participate in the game.

Sure their son won’t play, but his impact is felt with an unwavering amount of respect from everyone in attendance.

“Him and I (were part of the color guard) last year before he went to basic training,” Pinar said. “He finished basic training last week. It means that much more to him now.”

The Eskymos fell short to the Northmen, falling to 1-2 on the season. But one thing was left for certain: the Eskymos are glad to have him safely home.

“He embodies what it means to be an Eskymo,” Lamb said. “He’s one of those kids that sees the good in the bad, and the kids rally around that. That’s important, especially tonight with the night it being veteran’s night. It’s symbolic that he comes back this week.”