ESCANABA — With a track and field meet under their belts, the Holy Name Crusaders look to improve through the season.

The Crusaders, who opened in Thursday’s Gladstone Invitation, have nine girls and five boys on their roster.

Senior Michael Rexford overcame adversity while winning the boys’ long jump at 18-9.

“He’s an excellent athlete,” coach Keith Whitman said. “I was impressed with his performance, but told him not to do anything during the weekend. We don’t want him to risk permanent injury.”

Holy Name returns to Gladstone for Tuesday’s Delta County Invitational Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.

Rexford was a Upper Peninsula (Division 3) champion in long jump two years ago and was runner-up last season.

Also on their roster is sophomore Harry Burroughs in middle distances, freshman Samuel Chouinard and eighth-graders Elliott Pfotenhauer and Cannon Jensen (distances).

“Harry is learning, but really improving,” Whitman said. “He’s a great kid to have on the team. Sam is also learning and is only going to get better with experience. Elliott really wants to run and has tremendous potential. Cannon has never run before. He and Elliott are best of friends. Both have excellent form. We hope to win. We may not win but we’re going to have fun trying.”

For the girls, Piper Diebolt is their only senior who’s entered in the sprints and shot put.

The Crusaders, however, have two more upperclassmen in juniors Abrielle Chouinard (sprints and middle distances) and Lola Tilot-Buchmiller (distances).

“They’re dedicated,” Whitman said. “They run with their heart and that’s what really matters. Lola has really improved. She prepares well and is doing well.”

Joining them is sophomore newcomer Sophia Richardson in the 800-meter run, high jump and long jump.

Holy Name also has a pair of freshmen from Iron Mountain on its roster.

They are Jacinta Husing (shot put, high jump and long jump) and Gemma Raiche (sprints and shot put).

Eighth-grade hopefuls include Kaylyn Rahn (high jump, long jump and 200), Camille Richer (hurdles and sprints) and Rowen Wykoff (sprints).