HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Trinity Catholic Jr/Sr High School principal Joe Godina says the fall semester has been defined by championship performances, packed auditoriums, and strong community support, with winter sports and Giving Tuesday now steering the momentum toward the end of 2025.
Godina joined the BW Morning Show this week to highlight a stretch of successes across campus, beginning with one of the school’s most celebrated fall achievements: a Class 2A boys cross country team championship. Led by individual state champion Jacob Lindstrom and his twin brother John, who finished fourth, the Celtics edged KC Christian for the title.
“You don’t often think of cross country as a team sport, but this really was a team effort,” Godina said. “Jacob finished first and John fourth, but our 4, 5, 6, and 7 runners made all the difference. Those pushers got between KC Christian’s runners and brought home the title.”
That state crown capped a fall season that also saw the football program earn a regional championship. Trinity defeated Republic County on the road before narrowly falling 44-42 to Sterling in a sectional thriller.
“It was a classic high school football game,” Godina said. “We scored with 28 seconds left, and Sterling held on the two point conversion. It was too bad one of those teams had to lose, because both played exceptional.”
The school’s fine arts department delivered another highlight earlier in the semester. Trinity staged a three-show fall production that drew strong crowds.
“Our theater department did an amazing job,” Godina said. “All three shows were a huge success, and it was a really fun and entertaining production our kids and staff put on.”
With fall activities wrapped up, Trinity is transitioning into winter sports. Junior high basketball has already played three games, while high school teams opened practice Nov. 17.
“Both programs are going to have some young kids playing a lot of minutes,” Godina said. “But Coach White and Coach Overmiller instill a great work ethic. Regardless of how many games they win, we know they’ll compete hard and represent Trinity Catholic in a positive way.”
Godina also addressed the school’s academic calendar. Finals are scheduled for Dec. 17 and 19, spaced across the final week before Christmas break.
“It’s great to get finals done before break,” he said. “Kids are kids, and once they go on break, they’re not thinking about school. This gives everyone a clean start in January.”
As Thanksgiving week begins, Trinity teachers join colleagues from across the Diocese of Wichita for a professional development convention at Bishop Carroll. Educators will attend breakout sessions taught by fellow diocesan teachers and administrators.
“It’s a day of learning in ways that can help them in the classroom,” Godina said. “It might be classroom management, AI from a Catholic perspective, or just collaborating with others in their subject area.”
Looking ahead, Giving Tuesday remains one of the most important days of the year for Trinity Catholic. Through the national I Give Catholic platform, the school pairs its appeal with two targeted goals — one academic and one spiritual.
“In the past we’ve added new textbooks, science supplies, and supported our math department,” Godina said. “We’ve also added a new tabernacle and stained glass windows to our chapel. Giving Tuesday helps us provide what students need both academically and spiritually.”
Donors can contribute through the I Give Catholic website or directly through the school.
“For anyone not comfortable giving online, they can reach out to the school and we’ll help them,” Godina said.
Trinity is also preparing for a holiday food drive benefiting the St. Rose of Lima Foundation. Godina said the school is exploring expanding it into a communitywide effort tied to the Hutchinson Christmas Parade.
“We’re talking about making it a community competition and maybe starting an annual tradition,” he said. “It’s a chance for all of us to work together to meet a need in our community.”