Trentin Overcash

A handful of key returners, a clear No. 1, depth and an influx of young talent has John Ambrosio smiling.

Ambrosio, the Chambersburg boys cross country coach, believes his team has the makeup to qualify for states for the first time since 2011.

“That’s our goal every year — place in the top four teams in District 3 and get to states,” he said. “I think we have a chance. We have a lot of good leadership and a great group of kids.”

Orion Kimberly

Senior Trentin Overcash has taken over the mantel of being the No. 1 runner for the Trojans. A year ago, he placed 41st at the District 3 race.

“Last week, Trent broke the time trial course record, which goes back at least 10 years,” Ambrosio said. “He’ll be a pretty decent No. 1, and could be in the top 10 in the district.”

Other veterans back are senior Orion Kimberly, who was 43rd in districts, and junior Joe Corwell, who placed 75th. Junior Justin Maxwell and senior Donovan Hazleton also provide experience.

Two youngsters who may become a factor are freshmen Nick Monheim (son of the Trojan girls cross country coach, Chris Monheim), and Billy Prentice. Monheim was fifth in time trials and Prentice was eighth.

“I think we can go nine to 11 deep as far as kids who could help us,” Ambrosio said. “The key is staying healthy.”

Joe Corwell

Ambrosio has his largest squad (38) since his first year in 1989.

“We didn’t graduate many last year, we got 11 good freshmen to come out and we even have two foreign exchange kids,” Ambrosio said. “We’re usually in the mid-20s, so those extra 10-plus kids makes a difference.”

Ambrosio expects the usual trio of Carlisle, State College and Cumberland Valley to be the favorites in the Mid Penn Commonwealth Division this fall, but hopes his team can break into contention, too.