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The Esko boys and girls cross country teams have been notorious for being perennial contenders in the sectional meet. After a challenging time last year, things look to be on the upswing for the Eskomos this season.

“Last year was a good year, overall, and a good indicator of positive things to look forward to,” said coach Jeremy Hallsten, who is in his eighth year as head coach. “After having lost key contributors to both our running teams two years ago, we had a bit of a rebuilding year last year, but were able to compete well with the other teams in our very talented conference and section.”

With 24 boys and 18 girls entering the season, both teams appear to have enough depth to contend in any race they enter this season.

“For the girls we look to four juniors — Grace Hrabik, Adriana Menor, Grace Shingledecker and Alexis Tester — as well as senior Haley Mullen to be our leaders,” said Hallsten. “For the boys, senior Dylan Edland and Jonah Randa, juniors Michael Cornell, Zach Erkkila, and Nate Rengo and sophomore Jordan Chopskie should be our leaders.”

Coach Hallsten also singled out Hrabik as having posted a lot of miles this summer and he expects her to vie for a top spot in every race this spring.

“Practices have gone well, Hallsten said. “All the kids seem motivated, excited and committed to each other and the team. “I think our main goal this year is to stay healthy and safe. Not knowing what will unfold as the season goes on, we'd like to be competitive in all of our meets, work hard in practice while having fun, and enjoy the fact we are able to have some sense of normalcy in what has been generally unpredictable and trying times.”

Esko was set to race against the Raptors and the Cardinals at Cloquet’s Pine Valley in their first meet of the season Thursday afternoon, after this issue of the Pine Knot hit the newsstands.