Team Traditions: Eskomos showing Sisu on & off the field

While cheering on the Esko football team it’s hard to miss their iconic igloo featured on every bright gold helmet. At a closer glance a few select Eskomos have something special splitting the logos down the middle.

"At the end of practice the hardest worker at that practice will get a Sisu Stripe is what we call it," explained Cole Engen, a senior defensive end and offensive tackle for Esko.

Head coach Scott Arntson went on to explain, "the kids have to earn their Sisu sticker by showing some Sisu at some point during a practice or a game. Then they get in the middle, we circle up and they get in the middle, and they get their stickers put on their helmets.

Arntson added that Sisu is, "basically anything that we’re looking at as far as core values. Good human values, being a good person, so they could earn it in school as well."

Arntson choose Sisu about 4 years ago not only to encourage players but to connect them with local heritage.

"This is a Finnish community, so Sisu is a Finnish word that means to persevere against all odds."

Engen earned his stripes for his work ethic as well as his deep love for the team.

"Esko football means the world to me. I’ve worked so hard for this opportunity, non-stop every day getting the team together, lifting weights, hanging out outside of practice." Engen added that football, "has been just a really great experience in my life and has shaped me to be who I am today."

Friday night the Eskomos showed some Sisu taking care of Two Harbors 24-0 to improve to 5-0 on the season.