ESCANABA — The Escanaba Eskymos are trying to make do with low numbers as they enter this cross country season.

Esky, which brought just four boys and three girls to the opener at Munising, resumes in the Dale Phillips Invitational in Marquette’s Presque Isle Park Thursday at 4 p.m.

Although their numbers are down, the Eskymos appear to have some talent within their ranks.

Freshman Avah Ackerly was runner-up in the Larissa Vartti Memorial Invitational Aug. 19, covering the hilly 3.1-mile course in 23:08.

“Avah is a strong runner,” coach Scott Dykema said. “She’s devoted to the sport. She worked hard during the summer and has good form.”

Also running in the opener were sophomores Miley Meshigaud and Ashley Spreitzer.

“Miley decided to try cross country out this year,” Dykema said. “She never ran a 5-K before, but was passing some kids on the uphill. It’s a learning experience so far. Ashley was three minutes faster than last year. She was happy with her time.”

Kingston Berube was the boys’ pacesetter at Munising, placing 13th at 20:44.

Joining him are senior Vander Bowden, sophomore Peter Hook and freshman Wyatt Gallagher.

“Kingston’s fastest time last year was 21:40,” Dykema said. “He’s a tough kid who’s getting stronger. Vander is a good runner who should help us out. Wyatt ran a 21:03 at Munising. That’s really good for a freshman. He’s a hard worker and competitor and has great form. I think he can really improve.”

“This summer we were working out four days a week and these kids were showing up everyday. It’s really helping them. I get so excited to see these kids do well. We would like to have more kids on the team. Hopefully, we can pick up a few more after school starts.”

Also listed on the roster, according to athletic.net, are Evey Bevins for the girls and Tyler Smith (boys).

After Thursday’s meet, the Eskymos travel to Menominee for the Border Bash Sept. 2, four days before the first Bay College High School Invitational at Flat Rock.

As expected, Dykema points to Marquette as the team to beat in the U.P. this season.

“They just have a strong program,” he said. “Gladstone has numbers and strength and Negaunee, Houghton and Sault Ste. Marie will be a challenge.”

The Eskymos host their invitational at the Escanaba Country Club Oct. 2.

The remaining schedule:

Aug. 28 — Dale Phillips Invitational at Marquette.

Sept. 2 — Menominee Border Bash; Sept. 6 — Bay College Invitational at Flat Rock; Sept. 9 — Kingsford Invitational at Iron Mountain; Sept. 10 — Manistique Invitational; Sept. 13 — Superior Central Invitational; Sept. 17 — Stephenson Invitational at Banat; Sept. 20 — Rapid River Invitational; Sept. 23 — El Harger Memorial Invitational at Munising; Sept. 27 — Sault Ste. Marie Invitational.

Oct. 2 — Escanaba Eskymos Invitational; Oct. 9 — GNC meet at Marquette; Oct. 11 — Rudyard Autumn Classic; Oct. 18 — U.P. Division 1 Finals at Munising.