Magic Johnson had Larry Bird. Muhammad Ali had Joe Frazier. Today, LeBron James has Kevin Durant. Each of those greats had someone that brought out the best in them.
For much of this track season, it was Mater Dei’s Curtis Godin and nobody else in the sprints. Then came Vista Murrieta sophomore Michael Norman, who handed Godin his only loss to a California sprinter this year. The setback came in the 200 meters at the CIF-SS Masters Meet on May 30.
“It was really cool because I hadn’t had any competition prior to that, besides Arcadia,” Godin said. “I’m glad that we got two head-to-head races in.”
The second-place finish fueled Godin in the rematch, which came a week later at the CIF State Track and Field Championships in Clovis. This time, Godin defeated Norman in the 200 to finish off an outstanding sweep of the 100 and 200 at the state finals.
It was the cherry on top of a fantastic season that earned Godin the Register’s boys track athlete of the year honor.
On his way to the state championships, Godin set a county record in the 100 with a time of 10.36. The previous county record in the 100 was 10.45, set by Matt Bruno of Trabuco Hills in 2002.
Godin also moved up to second all-time in the county with a 20.85 in the 200, which was right behind Bruno’s record of 20.82.
“He’s a phenomenal athlete,” Mater Dei coach Rick Martinez said. “He’s phenomenal because he’s very humble, he works very hard. He doesn’t let any setbacks crush his season … he’s very positive about everything he does.”
Godin, who finished the season undefeated in the 100, helped Mater Dei’s boys track program reach new heights.
At the CIF-SS Finals, Godin swept the 100 and 200 to secure 20 of the Monarchs’ 65 points they used to win the Division 2 championship. It was the first CIF-SS title for the Mater Dei boys.
The stakes were even bigger at the state meet. Once again, Godin swept the 100 and 200, giving Mater Dei 20 of the 30 points it needed to capture its first state championship.
“The overall team (title) is just as important for me as my individuals (titles),” Godin said. “(The Mater Dei) boys have never even won CIF, (and) to think we won state is pretty remarkable. … Definitely excited that I got to leave my mark here and lead the best boys team (at Mater Dei).”
Godin’s goals entering the season were modest, he was aiming for a 10.5 or 10.6 in the 100. He blew past those goals.
Starting in the fall, he’ll try to improve his times while competing for UCLA’s track program. He’ll try to leave his mark there just as he did at Mater Dei.
Contact the writer: amorales@ocregister.com
