Chenoweth was last year’s top overall finisher with a time of 25:09 for the 8k course, becoming the first Crimson male to take the title in 14 years.

If he succeeds in defending his crown, he will be the first repeat Ivy League champion since 2005-06.

But it won’t be easy, since all of the top six finishers from last year will be returning to compete in this year’s championship.

“It’s interesting because so many of the guys are coming back,” Chenoweth said. “Some of those guys have gotten a lot better from last year, so it will make things more challenging. I’m making sure that I adjust my strategy so that I don’t underestimate anyone.”

He appears to be ready for the challenge after a season of strong results, including a third-place finish at this year’s NCAA Cross Country National Championships.

After being plagued with injuries to upperclassmen all season, the men’s team will continue to depend on its younger talent to fill out the top five with some strong results.

“We have a lot of young guys, and they’ve never been to a race like this,” Chenoweth said. “The biggest challenge that they’ll face is applying what they’ve learned to this race and the races in the next weeks.”

Columbia reclaimed the team title last year for the first time since 2004, breaking Princeton’s three-year streak, and the Lions hope to defend their position with the return of four of the top five runners from the meet.

Princeton, currently ranked 18th nationally, is a strong contender to reclaim the title.

With tough competitors facing both the men’s and women’s teams, the Harvard squads will have their work cut out for them.

But as the Crimson is fully aware, with any big meet comes the opportunity for big results.