
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

The Catholic Accent: Together on a Journey of Hope

The Symbolism of the Holy Door

A Journey of Hope

Remembering Bishop Brandt

Your Guide to a Spirit-Filled Summer in the Diocese of Greensburg

Bishop Kulick Reflects on Pope Leo XIV

Old Relics Inspire New Hope

From Rome to Greensburg: A Journey of Faith and Renewal

Funeral Arrangements announced for The Most Reverend Lawrence E. Brandt, JCD, PhD
