
Finishing Strong: A Saint Vincent College Coach Lends a Helping Hand

- Posted on
- August 13, 2019
- in
- Health and Wellness Stories
Finishing STRONG

PHOTO: Jordan Whiteko
Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, women’s cross country coach Kevin Wanichko made national news at this year’s Boston Marathon. He was not the lead story for winning the famous event. In fact, he was thankful just to finish after an unexpected cramp took hold of his leg during mile 3 of the 26-mile race.
It was the way he finished that grabbed the attention of millions of Americans. Wanichko pushed through to the final mile and was in sight of the finish line when he watched a fellow runner stumble and fall.
By Brady Duricko, INTERN

PHOTO COURTESY: Kevin Wanichko
“I know how much time I put into training for the race, as everyone did. So I figured that if I could just help someone get to the finish line, that would be good,” Wanichko said.
He and another runner, Allan Villanueva, carried Boston native Chris Fernandez to the finish line. The three men crossed together before Fernandez was handed over to medics.
“He was unconscious and had a dangerously high temperature after the race. He spent the rest of the day in the hospital,” Wanichko said.
Photos of the inspiring, strong finish went viral — not something Wanichko ever expected.
- Tags:
RELATED STORIES

Bishop celebrates 10th anniversary of both St. Francis of Assisi Parish and pope’s election

Thousands of teens set to gather in Indianapolis for NCYC 2023

Sister Mary Michelle Shuda, in her 65th year of religious life

Eucharistic Congress planned for Diocese in May

Official - March 4, 2023

St. Edward Kindness Closet named 2023 Salt and Light Award winner as Outstanding Human Services Organization

Pope Francis to travel to Hungary at the end of April

USCCB Bishop Chairman Marks One Year Anniversary of Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Bishop Kulick welcomes Catechumens and Candidates at Rite of Election Liturgy

Sister Marian Joseph Adams SC, in her 75th year of religious life

GO TO DIOCESE OF GREENSBURG MAIN HOME
AROUND THE DIOCESE
FEATURED EVENTS
FEATURED VIDEOS
CONTACT US
OUR SOCIALS