COLUMBUS, Neb.— Columbus High’s Director of Athletics and Activities has announced the hiring of the Columbus High boys soccer program for the upcoming year.

Jhonny Beltran takes the commanding role as head coach following the resignation of John Arlt on June 23.

Arlt guided the boys program since 2012 with 132 regular-season wins and a state runner-up finish in 2019.

“[Arlt’s] leadership helped build a winning culture of excellence and resilience, and he has been a mentor to so many of our student-athletes,” Tim Kwapnioski, the Columbus AD, said.

Coach Beltran, who began his coaching career at Crete High School, helped the Cardinals reach the state championship tournament twice. Beltran also started Crete’s first club team, Crete United. 

“Coach Beltran will continue to emphasize the importance of the team as an extended family, of excellence inside and outside the classroom, and building on the foundation of contending at the highest level,” Kwapnioski said. 

Beltran has been an assistant for one year at Columbus High while serving as a school counselor and an assistant coach with the Central Community College men’s soccer team.

Beltran received his Associate of Arts from Central Community College and his Bachelor of Arts from Doane University, of which he was a member of the men’s soccer teams at both schools.