You’ve heard the adage actions speak louder than words a few thousand times.

Heading into the 2021 season, the Emmaus boys cross country team is thinking big. The Hornets believe they can do something that hasn’t been done on South Cedar Crest Boulevard for years.

“It has been a very long time since the Emmaus boys have advanced to states as a team,” said head coach Kami Reinhard. “So we are dissecting this concept a bit to make it become a reality.”

Heady stuff for a team that finished sixth last year at the District 11 Class 3A meet. But Reinhard is focused on doing her part to motivate these young men to accomplish this formidable task.

“I’ve given the boys the challenge to put their energy and potential into make that state team reality come true,” she said. “In order to improve on that sixth-place finish, it takes more than one athlete. It takes more than seven athletes. It takes the entire team of 40 plus dedicated and committed athletes to put all energy into making each other better.”

During the offseason, Reinhard and her staff customized individual training plans heading into the opening weeks of team practice. In those first team workouts, the boys learned where they were performance-wise. They engaged in regular group runs to build up teamwork, strength and core training.

“Our top athlete needs to be pushing the bar higher and higher, so the rest of the team follows,” Reinhard said.

Senior Ethan Strzempek is the Hornets’ top boys runner. He will need to provide leadership through his words and actions for the club to reach those lofty team goals. There is a close pack of about six runners to Strzempek, and even the team’s top 10 runners have to be determined.

Junior Oscar Felegy, Sam Dalton and Dominic Nunez are a solid trio who should make the top 10. Freshman Conor Fisher has worked hard during the torrid summer months to make a name for himself. Another freshman, Jared Petre, is ready to step out of the shadow of his talented running brother, EHS alum Paul Petre. Seniors Matt Norton, Nic Gilboy, Dylan Friend and James Manley are a close-knit group who individually are ready to break out in ‘21.

There are still three other runners - juniors Casey Fiore and Carter Henninger and sophomore Tyler Finck - who could break into the top 10 if they continue to press.

The season opener is scheduled for Sept. 4 at the Northampton Invitational.