Escanaba senior Nick Garcia (10) goes through his pregame handshake with junior Owen Fields before a game against Gwinn on Feb. 19, 2025 at Escanaba High School. (Mitch Vosburg/Daily Press)

ESCANABA –School spirit is something which varies from student to student.

Some students couldn’t care less. Some have lukewarm interest in school spirit. Some students are incredibly passionate about the school they’re apart of.

Then there’s Escanaba senior Nick Garcia. If you cut into his right arm you’d see him bleed, and his blood would be orange.

Or at least wearing orange, for those less squeamish. It could be a t-shirt, hoodie or even body paint during football games.

But who is this young man with unwavering pride in being an Eskymo?

Daily Press sports editor Mitch Vosburg chatted with Garcia after the Eskymos 40-31 win over Gwinn on Feb. 19, 2025.

Mitch Vosburg: Well, I guess for starters how does it feel to get this win before Friday’s game against Gladstone?

Nick Garcia: It feels amazing. I mean, we’ve gone a long time without a win. It feels good to get one under our belt and some momentum going into Friday.

MV: What do you enjoy most about wearing the Escanaba jersey?

NG: It means a lot to be an Eskymo, the history behind it. I’m proud to be an Eskymo.

MV: I haven’t been here very long, but I swear I see you at every Escanaba sporting event either on the court or in the student section. Where does the school spirit come from?

NG: I’ve always gone out for my school. Even as a little kid I’d always be at games, cheering on some of my people I looked up to. I’d always be here cheering as loud as I can. I’ve always been that lud voice, and I figured I’d put it toward the student section.

MV: What’s your favorite memory so far?

NG: Of basketball or being in high school?

MV: (ponders for a brief moment) Both.

NG: My favorite Eskymo memory is the Cadillac football game. I was one of the few students that were there. Amazing game won in overtime. Watching that from the stands was great. Basketball… it was probably last season. Coming into districts we were the underdog against Negaunee and we were able to pull off that win.

MV: What are you enjoying most about your senior year so far?

NG: Just being with all the guys. I’ve been with this group since second grade. It’s been a ride, and I’ve loved every second of it.

MV: Are your plans for after high school set yet?

NG: Yeah, I’m going to Michigan State University for business management.

MV: What intrigues you with that?

NG: I’ve always been interested in business. We have a club here, and I’m the president of it. It’s Business Professionals of America. I always had a knack for business.

MV: What do you hope your legacy is here?

NG: I hope I’m able to inspire the next generation. Coming into my senior season I was really hoping to just… no matter what happens on the court, be an inspiration for someone like those before me were able to.

MV: You know your last two guaranteed games are against Gladstone. What’s the excitement level for Friday, and once that settles what’s it going to be like to turn around and play them again on Monday?

NG: Friday is senior night. There’s going to be a lot of emotions going into that. I hope we can channel our emotions, make the best of it and win that game, then bounce back, go to Gladstone and win it on Monday too. That would be huge.

MV: Last question: What are you going to miss most about Escanaba?

NG: The community. It’s really a family here. I’m really supported by teachers, coaches, everyone. I’m going to miss that for sure.