Christopher Columbus High School

A Catholic School for Young Men in the Marist Tradition since 1958
Athletics

Athletic Hall of Fame

Celebrate Athletic Excellence

It's our privilege at Christopher Columbus High School to honor our most outstanding alumni athletes through our Athletic Hall of Fame, which was started in 2009. The inductees to this prestigious group must have graduated from CCHS and been out of school for at least five years and have been chosen 1st Team All-County or 1st Team All State or played at the major college or played professionally.

If you would like to nominate an alumnus to the Athletic Hall of Fame, e-mail Alumni Director Barbara Branas at bbranas@columbushs.com and be sure to include:
  • Name of alumnus you are nominating with their CCHS graduating year
  • Sport you are nominating them for
  • How they meet the criteria listed above 

The pictures of all Columbus Athletics Hall of Famers are displayed in a special area on the second floor of the All-Sports Fitness Complex.

Class of 2020

List of 14 items.

  • Billy Mendoza ('84)

    Football

  • Bryan Garcia ('13)

    Baseball

  • Craig Barry ('92)

    Swimming

  • Deon Bush ('12)

    Football

  • Eddy Alvarez ('08)

    Baseball / Speed Skating

  • Erik Lora ('09)

    Football

  • Gary Bush ('09)

    Track & Field

  • Jakhari Gore ('10)

    Football

  • Javi Salas ('10)

    Baseball

  • Nick Wethy ('13)

    Wrestling

  • Oscar Cartaya ('95)

    Baseball

  • Roberto Suarez ('69)

    Football

  • Alex Mirabal ('88)

    Football Coach

  • Dave Dunn

    Dave Riley Excellence in Coaching Award

Hall of Fame Members

All members of the Columbus Athletics Hall of Fame are listed here alphabetically for easy discovery and information access. Click + to expand each section.

List of 12 items.

  • A

    John Adams ('82) – Football
    • Named 1st Team All-Dade by both the Miami Herald and Miami News
    • Garnered 2nd Team All-State recognition
    • Lettered in Football, Basketball and Baseball
     
    Michael Aguirre ('96) – Swimming
    • Four-time All-Dade First Team Member
    • Five-time Individual County Champion
    • Six-Time Individual GMAC Champion

    Gus Alfonso (‘97) – Baseball
    • Four-Year Starting Shortstop in Baseball
    • Bronze Medal winner at 1997 Jr. Pan American Games
    • Captain of the FIU Baseball Team

    Eddy Alvarez ('08) – Baseball / Speed Skating
    • Two-sport star at the highest levels (baseball and speed skating)
    • Olympic Silver Medalist (Speed Skating)
    • Chicago White Sox signee currently in the Marlins system

    Hugo Alvarez ('91) – Football
    • Two-time All-Dade Third Team selection by the Miami Herald
    • Invited to play in the Florida Shriner’s All-Star Game
    • Two-year Letterman at the University of Maine
     
    Sam Ancona ('92) – Wrestling
    • School’s first State Wrestling Champion
    • 33-1 in 1992 — 32 Pins
    • Wrestled at University of Virginia
     
    Juan Ayala ('79) – Tennis                  
    • Three consecutive individual and team district championships
    • He was ranked in the top 150 in the world in both singles and doubles
    • The head tennis pro at the Forest Club in Houston, Texas

  • B

    Craig Barry ('92) – Swimming
    • The pre-eminent swimmer of the 1990s at Columbus
    • Four-year letterman specializing in the 100 breast and the 200 IM
    • Named Dade County Swimmer of the Year by the Miami Herald

    Bernie Brewer – Special Contributor
    • Served as the Equipment Manager for 28 years
    • Established a system for organizing all equipment needed for outfitting a football team
     
    Timothy Briand (‘96) – Golf
    • Named the Dade County Golfer of the Year by the Miami Herald
    • Had the lowest scoring average in Dade, shooting just over 34 per round
    • Was a member of the University of South Carolina Men’s Golf Team that ended the 1998 season as 4th in the nation
     
    Br. Herb Baker 1983-1996 – Head Baseball Coach
    • Won 2 State Championships at Monsignor Edward Pace Senior High School
    • Head Coach for 14 Seasons at Columbus
    • Won 7 District, 5 Regional and 2 Sectional
     
    Bret Baynham (‘77) – Football and Baseball
    • Second Team All-County
    • He compiled a 24-4 career record at South Carolina
    • The recipient of Columbus’ Scholar Athlete Award
     
    Eugene Becker (‘67) – Baseball
    • First recruit of Charlie Greene, the legendary Miami-Dade South baseball coach
    • Named MVP of the American Legion All-Star Game
    • Played on the Columbus American Legion team
     
    Enrique “Kiki” Bengochea (‘99) – Baseball
    • Named Player of the Year
    • Helped baseball team post a record on the all-time win list
    • Drafted by the Kansas City Royals
     
    Tom Bernhardt (‘93) – Baseball
    • All-County in 1995 when he led Dade County in hitting and home runs
    • Played at Louisiana State University where he helped the Tigers win two National Championships
    • Played in the Cubs organization
     
    John Bevilaqua (‘65) – Basketball
    • Led the Explores to 16 wins and a District championship in 1965
    • Scored 11 points in the 1965 North-South All Star Game and took home the MVP trophy
    • He was named First-Team All-City by the Miami Herald
     
    Greg Blackwell (‘04) – Golf
    • Won both Youth Fair and GMAC titles
    • Named the Miami Herald Athlete of the Year for Boy’s Golf
    • Ranked in the Top 50 Nationally by Golfweek Magazine
     
    Eduardo Blanco (‘83) – Baseball
    • Three-year starter in centerfield
    • County-record 11 Homeruns as a Junior
    • Played at Creighton University
     
    Frank Boucek (‘64) – Football
    • 3 Year Letterman
    • First Team All-City and All-Catholic
    • Played both Offensive Line and Linebacker
     
    John Bow (‘76) – Football
    • Lettered in four sports – football, basketball, baseball and track
    • Named to the Miami Herald and Miami News All-County football team
    • Athlete of the Year in 1976
    • Played at the University of Kentucky
     
    Matthew Britton (‘87) – Football
    • Named first team All-Dade and first team All-State
    • 22 tackles – Team captain his senior year
    • A Hall of Fame member
     
    Marc Buoniconti (‘83) – Football
    • All-county inside linebacker
    • Started as a junior on the team that played in the state championship game
    • Played at the Citadel
     
    Dr. E. Carter Burrus (‘62) – Football
    • All-state defensive end; also played running back
    • Was also a standout sprinter in track and was the CCHS Sportsmanship award winner in 1962
    • Played football at Michigan State University
     
    Deon Bush ('12) – Football
    • Led football team to three-straight district titles
    • Four-star recruit by Rivals.com
    • Played in the 2012 U.S. Army All-American Bowl game

    Gary Bush ('09) – Track & Field
    • Two-sport star (basketball, football and track)
    • Helped the football team win back-to-back District titles
    • Considered the ‘best all-around jumper’ the track program has ever had

    Bob Bustamante (‘72) – Basketball
    • Led CCHS to its first district basketball championship
    • First-team Class AAA all-state
    • Played at Miami-Dade and Biscayne College (now St. Thomas University)
     
    Warren Butler (‘76) – Basketball
    • Starting Point Guard for 2 Years
    • 1976 Team Records was 23-6
    • Played 4 Years at Florida Southern College

  • C

    Dominick “Dom” Cabrera (‘10) – Cross Country
    • A member of the 2008 & 2009 CCHS State Championship Cross Country Team
    • First Team All-Dade in Cross Country
    • A member of the 2010 State Championship 4X800 Relay Team

    Roger Cainzos (‘93) – Baseball
    • Four-year letterman
    • Named 1st Team All-Dade as a Senior
    • While at FIU, he helped the Panthers win the 1995 TAAC Conference and contributed heavily to a school record of 21 straight wins
     
    Michael Carricarte (‘59)
    • Named to the All Gold Coast Conference First Team
    • Helped the Explorers make it to the Gold Coast Championship Game
    • Earned a Baseball Scholarship to the University of Miami
     
    Oscar Cartaya ('95) – Baseball
    • 1st Team All-Dade, 2nd Team All-State
    • Senior Award in Baseball at the Block C banquet.
    • Played both SS and 2nd base at UM

    Robert “Hoven” Cizek (‘82) – Tennis
    • Helped CCHS to four-straight winning seasons
    • First-ever Big South Conference player of the year
    • Earned First-Team All-Conference Honors
     
    Andres Correal (‘89) – Soccer
    • One of the toughest goalies in the history of Columbus soccer
    • Guided the Explorers to a record of 15-3-3, and the District title in 1989
    • Earned All-Dade 1st team honors from the Herald
     
    Julio Cortes (‘79) – Baseball and Football
    • First-team all-Dade in Baseball and Football
    • The “Goose Egg” defense
    • Won the school’s first national championship
     
    Jim Cox (‘64) – Football
    • All-American as a senior tight end and linebacker
    • Started three years as a receiver at the University of Miami and became the first CCHS player to play in the National Football League
    • Also, starred in baseball and track
    • Athlete of the Year in 1964
     
    Luis Cristobal (‘86) – Football
    • Named MVP in his senior year
    • Awarded the Scholar Athlete Award
    • The most intense and punishing Offensive Lineman the school has ever seen
     
    Mario Cristobal (‘88) – Football
    • First Team All-Dade
    • University of Miami 4-year Letterman
    • University of Oregon Head Coach
     
    John Cull (‘79) – Track & Field
    • State champion in the mile run as a senior and first team all-county
    • Selected CCHS Athlete of the Year in 1979
    • Won a track scholarship to the University of Michigan

  • D

    Raymond “Ray” De Cario (‘64) – Football
    • Named First Team All-Catholic by the Voice newspaper
    • First Team All Gold Coast Conference selection
    • 1968 Pre-Season All-American for the Naval Academy
     
    Cesar Trigo De Serrano (‘05) – Volleyball    
    • Named First Team All-Dade as a senior
    • First Explorer to receive a college scholarship for volleyball (Mount Olive College in North Carolina)
    • Set a school record for kills per set at Mount Olive
     
    Cesar Hoed De Beche (‘88) – Water Polo
    • Led Dade County in scoring as a Senior
    • Named First Team All-Dade, First Team All-State and First Team All-American
    • Earned a Scholarship to the University of Miami
     
    Armando Del Valle (‘11) – Track & Field
    • Most decorated athlete in Columbus History
    • Two-time state champion in the 3200 meters, the 1600 meters, and the 4×800 relay
    • Three-time Regional Champ in the 3200 meters
    • Four-time Regional Champ in the 1600 meters
    • Named the Miami-Dade Athlete of the Year in 2011
     
    Andres Davila (‘06) – Cross Country 
    • 3200 meters GMAC champ in Track
    • Named 1st Team All-Dade and All-State
    • One of the best distance runners in CCHS history
     
    Peter De Morejon (‘92) – Baseball
    • Starting pitcher 3 years
    • County record 24 wins
    • First team All-Dade
     
    Thomas DeSiato (‘76) – Football
    • Named a Third-Team All-Dade
    • Received the Scholar Athlete Award
    • Went to the University of Norte Dame; received ring for Notre Dame’s National Championship
     
    James Desmond (‘81) – Football
    • Guided the Explorers to a record of 20-4 over two years
    • Quarterback who led the Explorers offense to their first District title and State Championship Game
    • Three-year letterman at the University of South Carolina
     
    Orestes Destrade (‘80) – Baseball
    • Played professionally in Japan and in the Major Leagues for four years
    • Was on the Florida Marlins opening day roster in their inaugural season
    • Works as a baseball analyst for ESPN
     
    Eric Diaz (‘05)- Basketball
    • Most Valuable Player and Second Team All-Dade
    • 20 points and 11 rebounds per game
    • Awarded a basketball scholarship to Stetson University
     
    Rick DiBernardo (‘80) – Wrestling
    • State runner-up at 185-pound division as a senior with a 38-2 record
    • Also, was first team all-county in football as a linebacker
    • Won a wrestling scholarship to Ball State
    • CCHS Athlete of the Year in 1980
     
    Scott Dimare (‘85) – Football
    • 3-year starter
    • FSU
    • Athlete of the Year
     
    John Doyle (‘69) – Football
    • First Team All-Dade
    • Second team All-State
    • Scholarship to Purdue University
     
    David Drier (‘83) – Swimming & Diving
    • 4 Years – All-Dade
    • 2 years – All-state
    • 3-time All American
     
    Kirk Dulom (‘84) – Baseball
    • 3-year starter
    • First team All-Dade
    • Played for the University of Miami and then the New York Yankees

    Dave Dunn (Dave Riley Excellence in Coaching Award)
    • Led football program to 1st State Championship (2019)

  • E

    Jack Ellison (‘61) – Football
    • Football Captain for two years
    • All Gold-Coast Conference
    • Also, played basketball and ran track
     
    James Ellison (‘59) – Football
    • Miami-Dade County’s All-Catholic most outstanding player
    • The first All-City player in the school’s history
    • Received a football scholarship to the University of Miami
     
    Thomas Ellison (‘61) – Football
    • Halfback, fullback, wide receiver and linebacker
    • All-Gold Coast Conference first team – All Catholic All-State
    • Honored as the school’s top scholar athlete
     
    Matthew Eustace (‘00) – Bowling
    • 2000 State Champion
    • 212 Average
    • Bowled for FSU

  • F

    Jorge Fabregas (‘88) – Baseball
    • All-state and all-county as a senior
    • Three-year starter at the University of Miami before being selected in the first round of the 1991 MLB draft by the California Angels
    • Played in the Major Leagues for nine seasons (Angels, Royals)
     
    Manny Figueroa (‘67) – Swimming & Diving
    • All-city performer who set school records in the breaststroke and freestyle
    • Selected all-American at Miami-Dade Community College and later swam at Eastern New Mexico University
     
    Joseph Flaherty (‘65) – Baseball and Wrestling
    • First team All-State and first team All-City
    • 10-1, won the NAIA national championship
    • He entered the world of professional wrestling
     
    Brian Flynn (‘80) – Football
    • Earned team Offensive MVP award
    • Three-year letterman in football
    • Member of University of Pennsylvania Baseball Hall of Fame
     
    Mike Flynn (‘70) – Football
    • 3 Year Starter at Linebacker
    • First Team All-City and All-State
    • Columbus’ Athlete of the Year in 1970
     
    Nelson Fonseca (‘91) – Basketball
    • Three-Year starter
    • Team MVP
    • Barry University, three-year starter
     
    Fred Foyo (‘77) – Baseball and Track & Field Coach
    • The most dominant and respected player on the Columbus offense
    • Baseball, Track & Field Coach at Fort Lewis College
     
    Robert “Bobby” Fuller (‘87) – Football
    • Led the 1986 Explorers to District and Regional championships
    • Honored with the Offensive MVP award
    • Two-time University of South Carolina MVP

  • G

    Mauricio Galindo (‘97) – Golf
    • Four-Year Letterman in Golf at CCHS
    • First-Team All-Dade in 1997
    • Four-Year Letterman in Golf at the University of Central Florida

    Alex Galvez (‘92) – Football
    • Three-year starter at center
    • Named First Team All Dade in 1992
    • Three-year starter at the University of Central Florida
     
    Dwayne Ganzy (‘84) – Track & Field
    • School Record Holder 110 Hurdles
    • Three-year Letterman in Football & Track
    • Played Football at Syracuse University
     
    Alex Garabedian (‘04) – Baseball
    • Hit 28 career home runs
    • Two-time All Dade Selection
    • 4-year batting average of .415
     
    Bryan Garcia ('13) – Baseball
    • 1st Team All-American
    • Named the 2016 NCBWA Stopper of the Year award
    • Finished his UM career with 43 saves, which is a Hurricane record

    Jeff Gardner (‘72) – Football
    • All county, all-state and all-American
    • Three-year varsity starter as offensive and defensive lineman
    • Selected Miami Herald all-decade team
    • Three-year starter at Florida State University

    Kito Gary (‘95) – Track & Field
    • Four-Year Letterman in Track
    • Set the CCHS record for the 200 meters
    • 1995 Outstanding Athlete Award Winner
     
    Ed Gehret (‘64) – Track & Field and Cross Country
    • First team All-City in track & field and cross country
    • Championships three consecutive years
    • GMAC champion in cross country

    Danny Gil (‘03) – Baseball
    • Dade County Pitcher of the Year in 2003
    • Member of 2003 Explorer State Championship Team
    • Ranks first in career appearances for University of Miami Baseball Team
     
    David Gil (‘96) – Baseball
    • High School All-American in 1996
    • A member of the 1999 UM College World Series Championship Team
    • A two-time All-American at UM
     
    Rudy Gomez (‘93) – Baseball
    • Three Year Letterman at the University of Miami
    • Recognized with 1st Team All-Dade Honors
    • Named a AA All-Star in 1997
     
    Joaquin Antonio Gonzalez (‘97) – Football
    • Sugar Bowl winner in 2000; National Champion in 2001
    • Named Freshman All-American
    • Recipient of the Draddy Scholar-Athlete Award
     
    David Goodman (Swimming Coach) – 1963-1971
    • Led Columbus to 68 dual meet wins
    • He was honored as the Miami News Coach of the Year
    • He received honor from the Miami Herald in 1971
     
    Jakhari Gore ('10) – Football
    • Considered one of the best RBs going into his Senior year
    • 4600 rushing yards and 64 TDs (Columbus records)
    • Nick Kotys Award winner

    Camilo Guerci (‘06) – Volleyball
    • A brilliant leaper with uncanny timing
    • Received Second-Team All Dade honors from the Miami Herald and was selected to play in the Dade-Broward All-Star game
    • Bronze Medal winner at the USA Open Nationals
     
    Tony Guerra (‘89) – Soccer
    • The most dynamic offensive weapon
    • He kicked 31 goals in just 17 games
    • Soccer at Miami-Dade & Division 1 Drexel University
     
    Joseph “JoJo” Gutierrez (‘03) – Baseball
    • School record holder for RBIs and Homeruns
    • Won 23 games as a pitcher
    • Delivered a clutch two-RBI double to help the Explorers bring home the State Title
     
    Brian Griese (‘93) – Football
    • All-county quarterback
    • Played at the University of Michigan and in the National Football League
    • CCHS Athlete of the Year for 1993
     
    Pedro Grifol (‘88) – Baseball
    • All county catcher.
    • Played for Florida State University and Team USA
    • Played nine seasons of professional baseball (Minnesota Twins, New York Mets)

    Mark Gulesian (‘11) – Cross Country
    • Three-straight First Team All-Dade selections
    • Crowned GMAC champion as s senior
    • During Mark’s tenure, the Cross Country won three District, Regional and an unprecedented three straight State titles

  • H

    Alex Halley (‘05) – Soccer
    • First Team All-Dade in Soccer, Football and Volleyball
    • Four-year starter in Soccer
    • 2005 Scholar/Athlete Award winner
    Br. Kevin Handibode 1971-1988 – Head Basketball Coach
    • Came to the school first in 1966
    • Titles, positions: teacher, dean of discipline, principal, president, development director, athletic director, basketball coach
     
    Darren Handy (‘86) – Football
    • Three-sport standout
    • UM — 2 national titles
    • Columbus defensive coach for a number of years
     
    David Hartnett (‘82) – Baseball
    • Columbus MVP Pitcher 1981 & 1982
    • Pitched at Creighton University
    • Pitched for Seattle Mariners & Chicago Cubs
     
    David Heffernan (‘80) – Football
    • “Goose Egg” Defense
    • 1979 Team allowed 39 Points in 10 Games
    • 2-year OT Starter at University of Miami
     
    Jim Hendry 1980-1982 – Head Baseball Coach
    • Columbus Coaching Record of 80-16
    • National Collegiate Coach of the Year in 1991
    • Current General Manager of the Chicago Cubs
     
    Joseph Hernandez (‘65) – Football
    • Three-year Starter
    • 1965 First Team All-Dade
    • Four-year Starter at University of Tampa
     
    Luis “Wicho” Hernandez (‘90) – Baseball
    • Helped Explorers post a 27-6 Record and capture GMAC, District, Regional and Sectional titles in 1988
    • Received 1st Team All-Dade honors
    • Had a career average of .360 and was a phenomenal base-stealer
     
    Alonzo Highsmith (‘83) – Football
    • All-county, all-state and all-American defensive end
    • Started three years as a running back at the University of Miami and was the third overall pick in the NFL draft in 1987
    • Also, played basketball at CCHS
    • Athlete of the Year for 1983
     
    David Hiss (‘63) – Football
    • All-city, all-state, and All-South
    • Led Dade County in rushing as a senior
    • Also, ran track and was Athlete of the Year for 1963
    • Won a football scholarship to the University of Florida
     
    Christopher Hosford (‘65) – Track & Field
    • All-State for both 880 yards (school record holder) and 1 mile
    • All-State Meet 1-mile champion, record holder, and meet MVP
    • Florida Junior Olympics 1 mile champion
    • Full scholarship winner and letterman, University of Florida
     
    Carlos Huerta (‘87) – Football
    • “Ice Man”
    • First Team All-Dade
    • University of Miami Hall of Fame

  • I

    Robert Infante (‘00) – Cross Country
    • 4-time 1st Team All-Dade
    • 2-Time 1st Team All-State
    • Athlete of the Year

  • J

    Lane Jackson (‘00) – Football
    • First-Team All-Dade Linebacker
    • Three-Year Starting Linebacker for the U.S. Naval Academy
    • Member of U.S. Navy SEAL Team Eight

    Jonathan Jay (‘03) – Baseball
    • First team all-county in 2003 when he led CCHS to its first state baseball championship
    • Played at the University of Miami
    • Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals out of UM

  • K

    John Kaay (‘67) – Swimming & Diving
    • Freestyle swimmer who dominated in the 50 and 100 meters and anchored the Explorers’ dominate relay teams
    • Went on to William & Mary University

    Joe Keefe (‘60) – Basketball
    • First-Team All-City in Basketball
    • All Gold Coast Conference in Basketball, Football and Baseball
    • 1960 Athlete of the Year at CCHS
     
    Joshua Monsalve-Kirk (‘98) – Soccer
    • First team All-Dade
    • Team captain: Two sports
    • Went on to the University of Bridgeport
     
    Hank Klovekorn (‘75) – Baseball
    • 1975 Columbus Salutatorian and Scholar Athlete
    • First Team All-County in 1974
    • Played at LSU
     
    John Koval, M.D. (‘67) – Golf
    • Selected to be on the Gold Coast All-Conference Team
    • Named Outstanding Senior Golfer
    • Placed on the first-ever Miami News All-Star Golf Team

  • L

    Donald “Donnie” Lewis (‘80) – Football
    • Three-time letterman for the Explorers
    • Led the nation in receptions in 1982
    • Third Team All-American for Columbia University in 1983
     
    Frank Lagotic (‘63) – Cross Country
    • Won Florida state cross-country championship in 1962, becoming the first state champion in school history
    • Two-time state track champion for 1-mile run
    • CCHS Scholar-Athlete award winner
    • Scholarship winner, University of Florida, setting UF’s 1-mile and 2-mile records
    • Southeastern Conference cross-country champion for UF in 1967
     
    Patrick Lee (‘03) – Football
    • Two-year starter
    • Played at Auburn University and earned All-SEC honors
    • Played for the Green Bay Packers and won a Super Bowl
     
    William (Bill) Lennon (‘76) – Track and Field
    • Dominant in the 800 Meter and the Mile
    • First Team All-County
    • First Team All-American at Miami Dade South
     
    Robert Lesperance (‘81) – Track & Field
    • Received Honorable Mention by both the Herald and Miami News
    • Named Track & Field Athlete of the Year
    • Has competed in over 25 marathons including Boston, New York and Miami
     
    Erik Lora ('09) – Football
    • First Team All-Dade by the Miami Herald (football)
    • Set the FCS single season record by hauling in 136 passes for 1660 yards and 12 TDs
    • Spent time in NFL camps with the Vikings, Lions and Jaguars

    Chris Lynch (‘72) – Baseball
    • Three Year Letterman
    • First Team All-County in 1972
     
    Ed Lynch (‘73) – Baseball
    • First team all-city in baseball and basketball
    • Played both sports at the University of South Carolina
    • Pitched in the Major Leagues for 8 seasons, including 7 with the New York Mets

    John Lynskey (‘78) – Football
    • CCHS School Record Holder for tackles in a game (26) and a season (150)
    • Winner of the 1978 Sportsmanship Award
    • Coached the CCHS Varsity Linebackers for 18 years

List of 11 items.

  • M

    Daniel “Danny” Matienzo (‘97) – Baseball
    • Named First Team All-Dade and First Team All-State
    • Named to the 2000 All-Regional Team at the University of Miami
    • Member of the 2001 National Championship Team at UM
     
    Robert MacKarvich (‘04) – Bowling
    • First-team all-county bowler four consecutive years
    • State champion and Dade County Bowler of the Year in 2003
     
    Paul Mainieri (‘75) – Baseball
    • All-county shortstop who also played quarterback on the football team
    • CCHS Athlete of the Year for 1975
    • Played for LSU, Miami-Dade North and the University of New Orleans
    • Today is the head baseball coach at LSU
     
    Jose Marques-Neto (‘82) – Tennis
    • Three-year letterman
    • Three-time District Champion in Singles and Doubles
    • Recognized as a Miami Herald All-Dade selection in 1980
     
    David McCammon (‘63) – Baseball
    • First team all-city as a pitcher and outfielder
    • Played in the Los Angeles Dodgers system and won the batting title in the New York-Penn League
     
    Kevin McCutcheon (‘82) – Football
    • 3-Year Starter in Basketball and Football
    • First Team All-County in 1981
    • Played at the University of South Carolina and the University of Miami

    Chris McKeon – Athletic Director
    • Has led the Columbus athletic program to an unprecedented 20-year run of success at the highest levels in the State of Florida
    • Columbus has taken home the All Miami-Dade Athletic Award for the Best Boys Major Sports Program four times and we have also won the prestigious Sunshine Cup three times
     
    James McKirchy (‘64) – Basketball
    • Dade County Basketball Player of the Year as a senior
    • Averaged 26 points per game.  Scholar-Athlete award winner for 1964
    • Won a basketball scholarship to the University of Notre Dame
     
    John McVeigh (‘81) – Football
    • First Team All-County, All-State and All-American
    • Played at the University of Kentucky and the University of Miami
    • Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 1986
     
    Rolando “Roly” Medina (‘92) – Basketball
    • Named team MVP
    • Represented CCHS in the 1992 State All-Star Game
    • Went to on to Barry University to be named Sunshine State All-Freshman team
     
    Ricardo Mejia (‘81) – Wrestling
    • Won 2 District Championships
    • First Columbus Wrestler to win Regional Championship
    • First Team All-County for 3 Years

    Billy Mendoza ('84) – Football
    • Played defensive tackle
    • Three-year letterman in soccer
    • First Team All-Dade by the Miami Herald (football)

    Chris Merritt (Coach) – Football
    • Has posted most career wins as Explorer’s Head Football Coach (158-45)
    • Has won 13 District and four Regional Championships
    • Nike Coach of the Year in 2015
     
    Mark Miggins (‘72) – Baseball
    • 2-Year Starter as Outfielder
    • Played at Miami Dade South for 2 Years
    • Played 7 Years of Professional Baseball
     
    John E. Miller (‘67) – Football
    • Caught the winning touchdown pass in CCHS’s first ever victory over Coral Gables
    • Selected Second Team All-City in both the Herald and Miami News
    • Selected for an Honorable Mention All-East
     
    Alex Mirabal ('88) – Football Coach
    • Has coached offensive line at FIU, Marshall and Oregon
    • Rose Bowl Champion (University of Oregon)
    • Offensive Line Coach of the Year by Football Scoop

    Francisco Montana (‘87) – Tennis
    • State No. 1 singles champion
    • First team all-county four years
    • Awarded a scholarship to the University of Georgia and played professionally for more than 10 years
     
    Marco Morales (‘04) – Golf
    • First team All-Dade – 3 years
    • Part of 2 state championship teams
    • Golfed for FAU and UNF
     
    Edward Morse (‘89) – Swimming & Diving
    • Won Three State Championships in Diving
    • Set Three State Records
    • 1st Team All Dade
     
    Robert Murphy (‘78) – Baseball
    • First-team all-county as a left-handed pitcher
    • Also, kicked for the football team and played both baseball and football at the University of Kentucky
    • Pitched in the Major Leagues for 11 years (Reds, Red Sox, Mariners, Astros, Cardinals)
     
    Charles Musick (‘65) – Golf
    • Won All-City Championship in 1965
    • Miami Herald Golfer of the Year
    • Scholarship to the University of Notre Dame

  • O

    John Oakley (‘71) – Baseball
    • Named First-Team All-Dade as Senior
    • Four-year Letterman at Stetson University
    • Finished 7th in the nation for stolen bases during his senior year at Stetson
     
    Edward “Eddie” Odio (‘11) – Basketball
    • Named 1st Team All-Dade as a Junior and Senior
    • Led Basketball team to win District as well as the first Regional title in Columbus History
    • Four-year Letterman at Boston College
     
    Michael “Mike” O’Brien (‘66) – Football
    • Remembered for his ferocious play and outstanding leadership
    • Named to both All Catholic and All City teams
    • Named Outstanding Athlete in his senior year
     
    Steve O’Brien (‘81-00) – Cross Country Coach
    • 120 straight dual meet victories
    • 9 GMAC championships – including 6 in a row
    • 12 district championships – including 8 straight
    • 6 regional champions – including five straight
    • 1 state championship
    • 1 state runner up
    • 4 times his team finished third in the state
     
    Cesar Odio (‘77) – Basketball
    • First-team all-county
    • Led county in scoring as a senior
    • Played four years at Florida Southern College
    • CCHS Sportsmanship award winner in 1977
    • Head basketball coach at Barry University
     
    Bill O’Dowd (‘87) – Basketball
    • Class of 1987 Valedictorian
    • First Team All-County
    • Played at Creighton University for 4 years
     
    Todd Oelze (‘80) – Football
    • Three-year starter
    • “Goose Egg” defense
    • First team All-Dade
     
    Robert O’Malley (‘66) – Tennis
    • #1 Singles and Doubles Player for 4 Years
    • Columbus Athlete of the Year in 1966
    • Played at Notre Dame for 4 Years

  • P

    Lou Pagley (‘76) – Football
    • Second-Team All-City Quarterback in 1975
    • Member of the 1977 Notre Dame National Championship Team
    • Played for the Chicago Blitz and the Washington Federals of the USFL

    Luis Palenzuela (‘86) – Soccer
    • 2nd team All-Dade honors as a senior
    • As a sophomore, helped the Columbus team go 11-2 and capture the first District title in the short history of the program
    • All-time Assist Leader at Barry University
     
    Tim Plummer (‘83) – Soccer 
    • First 4-Time Letter Winner in Soccer
    • First Columbus Soccer Player to be selected First Team All-County
    • Scored 18 Career Goals
     
    Dick Pollock 1959-1970 – Head Basketball Coach
    • Won 2 District Championships
    • First Columbus Athletic Director
    • A Man for All Seasons
     
    Adilson Puna (‘00) – Soccer
    • MVP for three years
    • Named to All-Dade and All-State First team
    • Highest-Leading goal scorer in Columbus soccer history
     
    Michael Putman (‘07) – Track & Field
    • Two-time state champion
    • Athlete of the Year
    • FSU: ACC champion
     
    Lewis Pytel (‘67) – Football
    • All-city quarterback who started three years
    • Holds school record with 1,717 yards passing in one season.
    • CCHS Athlete of the Year for 1967
    • Played QB at the University of Miami and Tampa University

  • Q

    Matthew “Matt” Quigley (‘87) – Football
    • Two-Year Starter at Defensive Tackle for CCHS
    • Two-Year Starter at Defensive Tackle for the University of Virginia
    • Second-Team All-ACC at UVA

  • R

    Douglas Ramos (‘11) – Swimming & Diving
    • 2010 State Champion in the 100-yard Breaststroke
    • Four-time First Team All-Dade Selection
    • Four-time State Qualifier in the 200 yard IM
     
    Michael Reddick (‘91) – Football
    • Back-to-back 1000 yard seasons
    • Set a single-game rushing record with 210 yards against South Dade
    • Named First-Team All-Dade
               
    Eliseo “Rick” Riera-Gomez (‘86) – Soccer
    • Two-year all-county performer
    • Won a scholarship to the University of North Carolina-Charlotte where he was a four-year starter
    • Played professionally for the Miami Freedom of the American Professional Soccer League
     
    Tito Riera-Gomez (‘64) – Baseball
    • All-city second baseman as a senior and won a scholarship to the University of Miami
    • Also, played running back on the CCHS football team and played basketball
     
    David Riley (deceased) – Football, Tennis and Golf Coach
    • 3 State Championships
    • Head coach – 4 sports
    • 38 years at CCHS
     
    John Roche – Coach
    • Architect of the Columbus track program
    • Coach Roche was named Coach of the Year by the Herald
    • In 1963, he led the track team to win the first District title in Columbus history
     
    Eduardo Rodriguez (‘01) – Track & Field
    • First team All-County in his junior and senior
    • Win 2 conference championships – a national qualifier
    • Cross Country and Track at FSU

    Fernando Rodriguez (‘93) – Baseball
    • Went 9-1, with 1.2 ERA as a Senior
    • Named the American Legion Player of the Year in 1994
    • Member of the 1995 FIU Conference Championship
     
    Gabriel Rodriguez (‘96) – Cross Country
    • Won 2 Regional and 3 District Championships
    • Selected First Team All-State and All-County for 3 Years
    • Miami Herald Runner of the Year in 1994 and 1995

  • S

    Javi Salas ('10) – Baseball
    • Scholar-Athlete Award at the Block C
    • Four-year (baseball) letterman for the Hurricanes
    • Drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 10th round

    Casey Sreenan (‘08) – Swimming
    • Earned District and GMAC titles in the 50 freestyle as Senior
    • First Team All Dade as a Senior
    • Member of the All-Big Ten Academic Team at the University of Michigan
     
    Manuel Salgado (‘97) – Cross Country
    • District Champion
    • Two-time First Team All-Dade
    • 1997 Athlete of the Year
     
    Javier Sanchez (‘00) – Baseball
    • Team captain
    • 4-year starter at Notre Dame
    • Minnesota Twins – 4 seasons
     
    Marty Schuette (‘76) – Basketball
    • All-state and all-county
    • Led Columbus to 23-6 record and a GMAC Southern Division championship
    • Awarded a scholarship to Stetson University
     
    Robert Schulz (‘99) – Golf
    • Played No. 1 for four years
    • First Team All-Dade
    • Played professionally for six years
     
    Mike Shula (‘83) – Football
    • All-state and all-county quarterback
    • Led CCHS to the 1982 state Class 6A championship game
    • Played quarterback at the University of Alabama and in the NFL
               
    Andre Simm (‘84) – Tennis
    • 1984 State Singles & Doubles Champion
    • 1984 Athlete of the Year
    • Played at Georgia Tech
     
    Butch Staiano (‘88-08) – Basketball Coach
    • Winningest Coach in Columbus History
    • 370 Varsity Wins
    • 112 JV Wins
    • Coached 40 College Players

    Michael Stevens (‘08) – Volleyball
    • Led Dade-County with 378 Kills in 2007
    • First-Team All-Dade in 2008
    • Senior Award Winner for Volleyball in 2008
     
    Michael Stewart (‘70) – Diving
    • The leader of the Columbus diving team
    • Undefeated in 8 dual meets – honorable mention all-county
    • Joined the diving team at Columbus
               
    Roberto Suarez ('69) – Football
    • 2nd Team All-City by the Miami Herald and the Miami News
    • Outstanding Athlete Award at the Block C banquet
    • Played football at Rutgers

    Thomas Suri (‘03) – Golf
    • Second overall in the 2002 state tournament
    • State champions in the year 1991, 2001 & 2002
    • Received a golf scholarship to Florida Atlantic University

  • T

    Eric Thomas (‘95) – Football
    • Earned First-Team All-Dade and Second-Team All-State honors
    • Two-year starter at Florida State University
    • Nine-year starter in the Arena Football League
     
    Thomas Thweatt (‘71) – Football
    • Dade County’s Defensive Player of the Week
    • First team All-Dade and first team all-state
    • Football at Memphis State University
     
    Adrian Tramutola (‘93) – Wrestling
    • Second State Champion
    • 77-8-1 won-loss-draw
    • First Team All-Dade-All State
     
    Julio Travieso (‘64) – Track & Field
    • All-city long-jump champion who also excelled in sprints
    • Won a track scholarship to the University of Miami
    • CCHS Sportsmanship award winner for 1964

  • V

    James Vargas (‘02) – Golf
    • Three-time state high school golf champion (1998, 1999, 2001)
    • Led CCHS to two state championships (1999, 2001).
    • Athlete of the Year for 2002
    • Won a scholarship to the University of Florida and is now a professional
     
    Jonathan Ray Vasquez (‘06) – Volleyball
    • Named First Team All-Dade
    • Two-year Letterman
    • Captured District and Regional Titles
     
    Luis Felipe Vazquez-Bello (‘99) – Basketball
    • Three-year Varsity Starter
    • 1998-99:  Averaged 18 Points, 12 Rebounds
    • First Team All-Dade, Third Team All-State

  • W

    Joe Weber (‘83) – Baseball Coach
    • Named Miami Herald’s Coach of the Year (2)
    • Columbus (‘82) – pitcher for the Explorers

    Alexander Wethy (‘10) – Wrestling
    • Two-time First Team All-Dade in Wrestling
    • Career record of 127-21 in Wrestling
    • 2010 Sportsmanship Award winner
     
    Nick Wethy ('13) – Wrestling
    • Four-year wrestling letterman
    • 167-24, with exactly 100 pins
    • Miami Herald Wrestler of the Year (2013)

    Christopher Cobden Wick (‘80) – Swimming & Diving
    • Helped the Explorers earn the GMAC and District titles in 1980
    • Named First-Team All-Dade honors from the Herald
    • Won the State title in 1980 in the Medley Relay
     
    Daniel Wick (‘72) – Swimming
    • Dade County Sophomore of the Year in 1970
    • First Team All-County 4 Consecutive Years
    • Scholarship to the University of Miami
     
    Mike Whittington (‘76) – Football
    • All-American, all-state and all-county linebacker
    • Three-year starter selected to the Miami Herald all-decade team
    • Three-year starter at the University of Notre Dame and member of the 1977 National Championship team
    • Played four seasons in the NFL and two seasons in the USFL
     
    Alexander Wright (‘94) – Soccer
    • First Team All-Dade for 4 Years
    • First Team All-State for 3 Years
    • Also, played Football and Volleyball
     
    Ken Wright (‘72) – Tennis
    • First-team all-county as a junior and senior
    • Awarded a scholarship to Auburn University where he played varsity tennis for two years

  • Y

    Carlos Yedo (‘92) – Baseball
    • One of the best power-hitting first basemen the Columbus Baseball program
    • Hit .456, with 8 homers and a county-leading 44 RBIs leading Columbus to bring home the District and Region titles in 1992
    • Ranks as the Miami Dade South all-time career RBI leader, with 102
     
    David Yocum (‘93) – Baseball
    • Two consecutive district championships
    • 18-1, 93 mile an hour fastball
    • Awarded with a baseball scholarship to Florida State University

  • Z

    Warren Zorzi – Football and Track Coach
    • 33 seasons – assistant coach
    • 25 D-1 players
    • 5 NFL players
Christopher Columbus High School | 3000 SW 87 Avenue | Miami, FL 33165 | (305) 223-5650
Christopher Columbus High School is a private, Roman Catholic, college-preparatory high school, conducted by the Marist Brothers of the Schools. We aim to make Jesus Christ known and loved, as we prepare young men for higher education and for their continuous challenge of harmonizing faith, culture and life. We foster a family spirit among all who are committed to the success of the school and promote opportunities to work together as a community of learners. 

Columbus is fully accredited by AdvancEd and a member of the National Catholic Educational Association.