Trinity Catholic’s Jonah Godina

By Matt Browning

Jonah Godina of Trinity Catholic in Hutchinson was voted the Wichita Small School Preseason

Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year. Godina took fifth last season at the 2A State Meet and helped lead the Celtics to a fifth place finish as a team.

“After being left off the podium, even out of second place by just 12 points last year, that left not just me but my whole team wanting more,” Godina said. “Being fifth and sixth place for each of the last three years, we want more. I believe we had a great summer and have so many guys that truly want it.”

Godina is excited about the team the Celtics have this season and believes big things are in store.

“This is the best squad we’ve ever had and it’s really exciting seeing not only what we will have for my senior season, but what this program will have for the coming years,” Godina said. “We are looking to win and I am confident we have the pieces to do it.”

If and when Godina is in pack of runners who are in the lead or near it, he is confident his strength as a runner will get him to the finish line.

“I would say my biggest strength as a runner is my kick,” Godina said. “I’ve always had that speed that not all cross country runners have and I know that if I’m with a pack at the end of a race, I’m confident I can come out on top.”