Jesuit High School Sacramento’s cross country team has undoubtedly achieved success in the 2024 season, establishing themselves as a national powerhouse. A major component of the team is the humble and hardworking senior, Navin Kadel ’25, whose example of resilience and compassion serves as an inspiration for many.

Perseverance has been the key to Navin’s success. Cross Country Coach Thomas Witzgall ’98 has witnessed Navin’s evolution as a runner.  

“Freshman year he was a pretty average runner, but he dedicated his time and effort to the program and steadily improved over four years,” Mr. Witzgall said. “He improved his time in the two mile consistently over four seasons (11:23, 10:30, 9:40, 9:23).”

In addition to improving his own times, Navin has played an important role in the success of Jesuit’s running programs.

“Navin is a key member of the varsity cross country team,” Mr. Witzgall said. “He’s helped the team win the league championship, section championship, state championship, De La Salle Invitational, and Portland Invitational this season. This is arguably the best varsity cross country team Jesuit has ever had and it wouldn’t be without Navin. In track last season, Navin was part of the 4×800 relay that set the school record of 7:43.49.”

Despite these accomplishments, Navin stays humble.

“Navin is modest and unassuming,” Mr. Witzgall said. “He’s an incredible student, great athlete, and talented artist, but he doesn’t go around telling everyone how special he is.”

Though cross country is often viewed as an individual sport, Navin isn’t focused on that – he’s in it for the team. 

“Navin cares about his teammates,” Mr. Witzgall said. “Having the cross country team win team championships is just as important to him as individual success, and in track he cares as much about the relays as his individual events.”

Navin doesn’t take the Jesuit brotherhood for granted, expressing gratitude for the support he found in the community.

“A big thing for me is brotherhood and really looking out for other people in the community,” Navin said. “If someone notices that something’s wrong, they’ll ask you about it and they’ll help you fix it if you need anything. And that’s something I didn’t get at my public middle school, so I’m thankful to have it here and hope to pass it on.”