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By BRIAN HALL
Staff writer
Just one rallying cry echoes through Chambersburg's Tim Cook Memorial cross country course this fall -- a return to states.
John Ambrosio's boys squad came within 12 points last fall of clinching the team's first PIAA Cross Country championship berth since 1999.
The Trojan girls, meanwhile, had a 10-year state qualifying team streak snapped two seasons ago. Last year marked the first time a Trojan girls runner hadn't competed at states since 1994.
Both Ambrosio and girls coach Chris Monheim hope a blend of wily veterans and talented newcomers can produce a pair of coveted state berths.
Unfortunately for the Trojan boys, they lost several key members from last year's varsity lineup. David Eubanks, Zack Rotz and Jared Wilson all placed in the top 57 at districts.
Now for the good news: The next four district finishers all return. Senior captains Dan Patti (29th at Mid Penns), Scott Morrison (37th) and Garrett Myers (41st) were all major players in the Trojans' postseason success.
"Our goal is to finish in the top five in the district and make it back to states," Ambrosio said.
Add in junior Ethan Miller, sophomore Adam Harriger, junior Matt Pitchford and junior John Davis with a promising group of freshmen and the Trojans can compete in a rough and tumble Mid Penn Commonwealth Division -- five division teams placed in the top eight at districts last season.
"We had our annual time trials on Friday
Despite a 2-4 division record last season, the Trojans still nearly captured an elusive state berth. The same could be said for 2009. Chambersburg will enter the postseason battle tested, regardless of what a record might indicate.
Ambrosio hopes the hard work pays off.
"I have been very pleased with our attitude and work ethic," Ambrosio said. "Thanks to our team captains, we have been focused and dedicated over the summer. We'll piece together a fine season and hopefully peak at the end of the year and make it back to states."
The Trojan girls finished 12th at the District 3 meet with no member advancing to states, but a bulk of the lineup returns, poised for success.
Chambersburg's top five and six of the top seven runners return from that team. Alayna Merkle, McKenzie Doyle and Laurie Jones placed in the top 60, while Maeve Charlesworth finished 72nd. At Mid Penns, none of the four finished lower than 47th.
"We have four girls right now who are pretty much training together," Monheim said. "It's hard for me to pick a No. 1. Doyle and Merkle just missed making the state meet. Add in Charlesworth and Jones and those four are competing for our top couple spots. They give us strength up front. When one finishes, the other three will be right there, even if the position changes meet by meet. That could be an advantage for our team."
In addition, Chambersburg should boast the depth that helps avoid a season being derailed by injuries.
Bekah Elbel and Jenna Eberly return with a combined four years of varsity experience. Monheim expects a handful of newcomers to make regular appearances near the Trojans top seven throughout the season.
"The nice thing about this year's team is we have a lot of depth," Monheim said. "We're feeling the effect of Faust having a (junior high) program now. The kids are coming in with experience. Right now we go 12 deep with runners who could be varsity runners. That's a good problem to have."
In some cases, the Trojans' youth could be the team's greatest asset.
"We have four or five girls who I know will be a surprise," Monheim said. "Younger kids just go out and compete and don't think too much. That's exactly what we want them to do. I feel real good about this group of kids.
"Our team's certainly capable of being one of the top five in the district. We have the potential. We missed out on states the last two years and we're certainly anxious to get back there as a team."
For the Trojan boys and girls, it's important that the season ends Nov. 7 in Hershey.
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Brian Hall may be reached at 262-4788 or bkhall@publicopinionnews.com.
Trojan girls at a glance
Coach: Chris Monheim, seventh year, 42-4 (.913).
Last year: 5-1 (5-1 Mid Penn Commonwealth Division).
Key runners lost: Haley Thomas; Jenna Eberly (now running at Lock Haven).
Top returning runners: Alayna Merkle (sr., 37th at districts); Laurie Jones (sr., 57th at districts); Maeve Charlesworth (sr., 72nd at districts); Jenna Young (sr., 134th at districts); McKenzie Doyle (jr., 41st at districts); Bekah Elbel (so., 192nd at districts).
Other top runners: Katie Fitzgerald (sr.); Megan Kelley (sr.); Nicole Pierson (sr.); Kristen Stoler (sr.); Krystal Swasey (sr.); Jenna Brewer (jr.); Kaitlyn Hess (jr.); Angela Lehtimaki (jr.); Paige McWilliams (jr.); Naomi Plasterer (jr.); Bridget Albert (so.); ; Kelsie Miller (so.); Ashley Reinhardt (so.); Carolyn Dann (fr.); Krista Frey (fr.); Jenna Happel (fr.); Hayley Jones (fr.); Adrianna McNeil (fr.); Marshay Ryan (fr.); Abby Zychal (fr.).
Opener: Friday, hosting Enos Yeager Invitational (at the Tim Cook course), 5.
