COLUMBUS, NE. – Columbus High’s Director of Athletics and Activities, Tim Kwapnioski, has announced the hiring of Jhonny Beltran as the head coach of the Columbus Discoverers boys soccer program. Jhonny steps into the role following the successful tenure of coach John Arlt, who announced his resignation on June 23.
Coach Arlt has guided the boys program since 2012 where he accumulated 132 regular-season wins, 6 state appearances and led the team to a state runner-up finish in 2019. “We’re incredibly grateful for everything Coach Arlt has done for our boys soccer program,” said Director of Athletics and Activities, Tim Kwapnioski. “His leadership helped build a winning culture of excellence and resilience, and he has been a mentor to so many of our student-athletes.
“At the same time, we are excited about the future of the program under Coach Beltran. Coach Beltran exemplified the values CHS holds dear: academic quality, competitive resilience, character growth, and community commitment. His passion for the game and dedication to the development of student-athletes make him a great fit for Columbus High School,” said Tim Kwapnioski. “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.”
Coach Beltran began his coaching career at Crete High School as an assistant with the boys team. He helped the Cardinals reach the state championship tournament twice. While at Crete, Coach Beltran also started Crete United, which was Crete’s first club team. Jhonny has been an assistant for one year at Columbus HS while serving as a school counselor. He is also an assistant coach with the Central Community College men’s soccer team. As a club coach, Coach Beltran has experience as a head and assistant coach with Sting as a boys and girls U12 - U19 coach.
Jhonny received his Associate of Arts from Central Community College and his Bachelor of Arts from Doane University, where he was a member of the men’s soccer teams at both schools. In 2023, Coach Beltran earned his Masters in School Counseling from Doane University.