Athletic Hall of Fame

John Adams ('82) – Football

• First Team All-Dade by both the Miami Herald and Miami News
• Second Team All-State
• Lettered in football, basketball and baseball

Michael Aguirre ('96) – Swimming

• Four-time First Team All-Dade member
• Five-time individual County Champion
• Six-time individual GMAC Champion

Andres Alfonso ('01) – Basketball

• Four-year letterman
• Second Team All-Dade and was MVP of the South Dade-North Dade All-Star game
• Played basketball at Barry University

Gus Alfonso (‘97) – Baseball

• Four-year startings shortstop in baseball
• Bronze Medal winner at 1997 Jr. Pan American Games
• Captain of the Florida International University baseball team

Eddy Alvarez ('08) – Baseball / Speed Skating

• A two-sport star at the highest levels (baseball and speed skating)
• Olympic Silver Medalist (speed skating)
• Chicago White Sox signee. Has played in MLB for the Marlins, Dodgers, and Brewers

Hugo Alvarez ('91) – Football

• Two-time Third Team All-Dade 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 the University of Virginia
• Inducted posthumously in the CCHS Athletic Hall of Fame

Andy Arguelles ('16) - Baseball

• Key contributor to the 2015 State Championship baseball team.
• Dominant 2016 season: 14-1 record, 120 strikeouts, three shutouts, and three no-hitters.
• Named Miami Herald 7-A Pitcher of the Year and First Team All-Dade in 2016.
• Pitched a no-hitter in the Region 4-9A semifinals and a complete game in the Region Finals.
• Played at the University of South Alabama with 113 strikeouts in 118 innings.

Carlos Avalos ('84) – Football       

• Started on the 1982 FHSAA State Runner-Up football team
• Four-year starter in wrestling
• Played football at The Citadel and was a consensus All-American (1988)

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

Br. Herb Baker 1983-1996 – Head Baseball Coach

• Won two state championships at Monsignor Edward Pace Senior High School
• Head coach for 14 seasons at Columbus
• Won seven district, five regional and two sectional championships

Matthew Barket (’01) - Baseball

• 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

Craig Barry ('92) – Swimming

• The pre-eminent swimmer of the 1990s at Columbus
• Four-year letterman specializing in the 100 meter breast and the 200 meter individual medley
• Named Dade County Swimmer of the Year by the Miami Herald

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 the 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

• Three-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

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

Matthew Britton (‘87) – Football

• First Team All-Dade and First Team All-State
• 22 tackles – Team captain his senior year

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

Nick Buoniconti (‘82) – Football

• Four-year varsity letterman (football)
• Captain his junior and senior seasons
• Two-year starter in wrestling
• Played football at Duke University

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 on their National Championship years.

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

• Three-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

Robert "Bob" Bustamante (‘72) – Basketball

• Led CCHS to its first district basketball championship
• First Team All-State (AAA)
• Played at Miami-Dade and Biscayne College (now St. Thomas University)

Warren Butler (‘76) – Basketball

• Starting point guard for two years
• 1976 Team Records was 23-6
• Played four years at Florida Southern College

Dominick  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 FHSAA State Championship 4X800 Relay team

Roger Cainzos (‘93) – Baseball

• Four-year letterman
• First Team All-Dade as a senior
• While at Florida International University, he helped the Panthers win the 1995 TAAC Conference and contributed heavily to a school record of 21 straight wins

Michael Carricarte (‘59)

• First Team All-Gold Coast Conference
• Helped the Explorers make it to the Gold Coast Championship game
• Earned a baseball scholarship to the University of Miami

Oscar Cartaya ('95) – Baseball

• First Team All-Dade, Second Team All-State
• Senior Award in baseball at the Block C banquet.
• Played both shortstop and 2nd base at the University of Miami

Guzman Castro ('91) – Soccer

• Led Dade County in scoring as a senior - 24 goals
• First Team All-Dade & First Team All-State - Senior Year
• Four-year starter at Drexel University

Juan R. Cendoya ('88) – Football

• Three-year starting linebacker for the Explorers
• Amassed over 250 tackles, one of the highest totals in CCHS history
• Played for Louisiana State University and was a four-year letterman for the Tigers

Victor Cereijo ('12) – Volleyball

• Two-year letterman and captain of the squad
• Led team to their first-ever GMAC title in 2011, a feat they repeated in 2012
• The team also won back-to-back district and regional championships in 2011 and 2012
• In 2011, the squad reached the Elite Eight & State Final Four in 2012
• Two-time First Team All-Dade(JR & SR)
  AAU Junior National Boys Volleyball Championship All-American Team.

Robert Joven 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 First Team All-Dade honors from the Miami Herald

Julio Cortes (‘79) – 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 NFL
• Three sport athlete (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 four-year letterman
• Served as head coach collegiately at Florida International University, the University of Oregon, and the University of Miami

John Cull (‘79) – Track & Field

• FHSAA State Champion in the mile run as a senior and First Team All-County
• Selected Athlete of the Year in 1979
• Earned a track scholarship to the University of Michigan

Michael Davide ('13) – Lacrosse

• 2013 First Team All-Dade & Miami Herald Player of the Year
• Four-year letterman as goalie
• Three sport varsity athlete (Lacrosse, Football, Soccer)
• Played collegiately at SMU where he was a four-year letterman

Andres Davila (‘06) – Cross Country 

• GMAC Champion in the 3200 meters
• First Team All-Dade and All-State
• As a senior, he led the team to second place finish at the State meet
• He finished 12th at the state meet his senior year 

Peter De Morejon (‘92) – Baseball

• Starting pitcher three years
• Held the county record with 24 wins
• First Team All-Dade

Dan De Armas ('87) - Football

• Two-year starter and special teams legend for the Explorers, named First Team All-Dade in both 1985 and 1986.
• Key contributor in the 1986 Regional Championship win over #1 Southridge, flipping the field repeatedly to secure a 3-0 victory.
• Set records at the University of Maryland, where he averaged 40 yards per punt and remains the career leader in punts (268) and punting yards (10,627).
• Named All-ECAC Punter and Kicker in 1989 and 1990 and Honorable Mention All-American Punter as a junior.
• Selected as the punter on the 100th Anniversary All-Time University of Maryland football team.

Gustavo De Quesada (‘09) – Baseball

• Two-time Louisville Slugger Collegiate Baseball High School All American
• 2009 Miami Herald Pitcher of the Year
• Pitched for Bradley University

Raymond DeCario (‘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

Armando "AJ" del Valle (‘11) – Track & Field

• Most decorated athlete in Columbus History with 9 State Championships
• Two-time FHSAA State Champion in the 3200 meters, the 1600 meters, and the 4×800 relay
• Three-time regional champion in the 3200 meters
• Four-time regional champion in the 1600 meters
• Named the Miami-Dade Athlete of the Year in 2011

Thomas DeSiato (‘76) – Football

• Named a Third Team All-Dade offensive guard
• Received the Scholar-Athlete Award
• Walk-on at the University of Notre Dame as a strong safety; two-year monogram winner, started six games and was a member of Notre Dame’s 1977 National Championship team

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 FHSAA 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
• Averaged 20 points and 11 rebounds per game
• Awarded a basketball scholarship to Stetson University

Joseph DiBernardo (’92) - Football

• Recorded over 110 tackles his senior year
• Named Defensive MVP and earned Second Team All-Dade honors
• Four-year starter at Appalachian State
• Signed as a free agent by the San Diego Chargers, where he backed up his friend and legend, NFL Hall of Famer Junior Seau

Rick DiBernardo (‘80) – Wrestling

• State Runner-Up at 185-pound division as a senior with a 38-2 record
• He was also a First Team All-County in football as a linebacker
• Won a wrestling scholarship to Ball State University
• CCHS Athlete of the Year in 1980

Lucas Di Croce ('08) - Soccer

• Two-time First Team All-Dade (2007 & 2008)
• Led team as a junior with 30 goals and 20 assists
• Captain at Florida International University as a Junior & Senior

Scott DiMare (‘85) – Football

• Three-year starter
• Attended Florida State University
• 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

• Four-years – All-Dade
• Two-years – All-State
• Three-time All-American

Kirk Dulom (‘84) – Baseball

• Three-year starter
• First Team All-Dade
• Played for the University of Miami and professionally for the New York Yankees

Cesar Trigo De Serrano (‘05) – Volleyball

• First Team All-Dade as a Senior
• The first Explorer to receive a college scholarship for volleyball
• He played two seasons for Mount Olive College, where his career hitting percentage of .306 and his 3.18 kills per set still stand as school records

Dave Dunn – Football 

• Three-time State Champion
• Former Head Coach at Catholic University of America for 10 years
• Led team to first perfect season (8-0) and won the Tri-County Championships (COVID)

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

• Played halfback, fullback, wide receiver and linebacker
• First Team All-Gold Coast Conference, All-Catholic, and All-State
• Honored as the school’s top scholar-athlete

Matthew Eustace (‘00) – Bowling

• 2000 State Champion
• 212 average
• Bowled for Florida State University

Eric Evans ('77) – Football

• He led the team in interceptions & was named First Team All-Area by the South Dade News Leader
• A excellent three-sport athlete: he played four years of football, four years of baseball & two years of basketball at Columbus
• Eric went on to attend the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a two-year letterman at safety, and also played two years of baseball for the Quakers

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)

Deshay Fernandes ('18) - Track & Field

• In Cross Country he was a Two- Time First Team All-Dade and in 2017 he was the individual GMAC, district and regional champion, and finished 2nd at the State Meet (15:43)
• 3rd Fastest 800 in school history (1:53.94)
• Three-time State Runner-Up (800 & 4x800)
• Two-time GMAC champion, a six-time district champ, a two-time regional champ
• Ran collegiately at the University of Florida

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) – Football 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
• Inducted posthumously in the CCHS Athletic Hall of Fame

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

• Three-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
• Three-year starter at Barry University

Fred Foyo (‘75) – Track & Field Coach

• The most dominant and respected player on the Columbus offense
• Football and track & field coach at Fort Lewis College
• Led CCHS to first ever FHSAA Track and Field State Championships in 2018 and then won again in 2019

Humberto Freire ('16) – Track & Field

• Three-time First Team All-Dade 800 (2014 & 2015), 1600 (2016)
• State Runner-up in the mile as a senior (4:16)
• In Cross Country he earned First Team All-Dade honors and had a PR of 16:07
• 800 meter State Champion in 2015
• School record holder in the 800 (1:53.03)

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

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

Jose "Giz" Gallart ('80) - Basketball

• First four-year varsity letterman in Columbus history, playing from his freshman to senior year.
• Averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists per game as a senior, earning team MVP and Honorable Mention All-State honors.
• Scored over 1,000 career points and led the team in scoring and rebounding during his senior season.
• Named team captain in both high school and at Pensacola Junior College, where he was a two-year starter.

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 meter 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
• Four-year batting average of .415

Bryan Garcia ('13) – Baseball

• First Team All-American
• Named the 2016 NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award
• Finished his University of Miami career with 43 saves, which is a Hurricane record

Luis Garcia ('12) - Baseball

• Three-year lettermen
• Batted .394 as a Junior (1987)
• First-Team All-Dade as a Senior (1988)
• Three-year lettermen at LSU
• Played 5 years of minor leage baseball for the Twins & Rangers

Jeff Gardner (‘72) – Football

• All-County, All-State and All-American
• Three-year varsity starter as an 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 University of Miami College World Series Championship team
• A two-time All-American for the University of Miami Baseball team

Rudy Gomez (‘93) – Baseball

• Three-year letterman at the University of Miami
• Recognized with First Team All-Dade honors
• Named an 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 running backs going into his senior year
• 4600 rushing yards and 64 TDs (Columbus records)
• Nick Kotys Award winner

Brian Griese (‘93) – Football

• All-County quarterback
• Played at the University of Michigan and in the NFL
• 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)

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

Anthony “Tony” Guerra (‘89) – Soccer

• The most dynamic offensive weapon
• He kicked 31 goals in just 17 games
• Played soccer at Miami-Dade & in Division 1 for Drexel University

Mark Gulesian (‘11) – Cross Country

• Three-straight First Team All-Dade selections
• Crowned GMAC Champion as a senior
• During Mark’s tenure, the cross country won three district, three regional and an unprecedented three straight FHSAA State Championships

Sean Guthrie (‘97) – Football

• Earned First Team All-Dade by the Miami Herald as a senior
• Played college football for Boston College
• Played for the Giants, Colts and Redskins (NFL free agent signee)

Carlos Gutierrez ('04) – Baseball

• Two-sport athlete at Columbus(basketball & baseball)
• As a senior, he went 6-2 with a 2.70 ERA, while striking out 42 batters and notching two saves
• Earned Third Team All-Dade honors
• Carlos accepted a scholarship to the University of Miami, where he led the Canes in saves with 13, and went 5-4 with 72 strikeouts
• Carlos was selected by the Minnesota Twins as the 27th pick in the first round of the 2008 MLB draft.
• Played professionally for six years including three seasons at the Triple A level

David Gutierrez ('05) – Baseball

• As a senior he had an ERA of 1.9 and a record of 5-1, as well as two saves.
• Third Team All-Dade by the Miami Herald
• Played collegiately at the University of Miami & went 16-9, with six saves, 175 strikeouts and an ERA of 4.1.
• Two-time ACC Pitcher of the Week
• Selected in the 18th round of the 2010 MLB draft by the Twins

Joseph “JoJo” Gutierrez (‘03) – Baseball

• School record holder in RBIs and home runs
• Won 23 games as a pitcher
• Delivered a clutch two-RBI double to help the Explorers bring home the FHSAA State Championship

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 and positions at CCHS: teacher, dean of discipline, principal, president, development director, athletic director, basketball coach

Darren Handy (‘86) – Football

• Three-sport standout
• University of Miami — 2 National Championships
• Columbus defensive coach for a number of years

David Hartnett (‘82) – Baseball

• Columbus MVP as a pitcher 1981 and 1982
• Pitched at Creighton University
• Pitched professionally for the Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs

David Heffernan (‘80) – Football

• “Goose Egg” defense
• 1979 team allowed 39 Points in 10 games
• Two-year offensive tackle starter at University of Miami

Tommy Heffernan ('10) - Football

• Two-time Second Team All-Dade (2008 & 2009)
• Walked on to the University of North Carolina & earned a scholarship
• Fourth leading tackler for UNC in 2012 with 73 tackles

Jim Hendry 1980-1982 – Head Baseball Coach

• Columbus coaching record of 80-16
• National Collegiate Coach of the Year in 1991
• MLB executive most notably as the general manager of the Chicago Cubs

Joseph Hernandez (‘65) – Football

• Three-year starter
• 1965 First Team All-Dade
• Four-year starter at the University of Tampa

Luis “Wicho” Hernandez (‘90) – Baseball

• Helped the Explorers post a 27-6 Record and capture GMAC, district, regional and sectional titles in 1988
• Earned First Team All-Dade honors
• Had a career average of .360 and was a phenomenal base-stealer

Steven Hernandez ('13) - Lacrosse

• Greatest goal scorer in Columbus lacrosse history, setting school records for goals (95) and total points (111) in a single season.
• Three-time district champion and key player in the Explorers’ stunning Regional Final victory over St. Thomas Aquinas in 2013, contributing three goals and two assists.
• Earned First Team All-Dade honors in both his junior and senior seasons, tallying 80 points as a junior and 111 as a senior.
• Returned to Columbus as head coach, leading the Explorers to three district titles in three years with a 41-25 overall record.

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

Cesar Hoed De Beche (‘87) – Water Polo

• Led Dade County in scoring as a senior
• First Team All-Dade, First Team All-State, and First Team All-American
• Earned a scholarship to the University of Miami

Steve Holtmann – Head Tennis Coach

• 1984 State Runner-ups
• 1985 3rd place State finish.
• 1986 State Runner-Ups
• 1987 the team won the first State Team Championship in Columbus history.
• He coached Francisco Montana to captured the #1 singles trophy for the third year in a row, while Chris Lebert and John Stupka won the #1 Doubles Championship.
• 1988 State Runner-ups
• 1989 & 1990 3rd place State finish.

Christopher Hosford (‘65) – Track & Field

• All-State for both 880 yards (school record holder) and the 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

Marcelo Huarte (’10) - Golf

• A big hitter off the tee with a stellar short game
• Four-year letterman
• Won the district individual title as a freshman and sophomore, was the Youth Fair Champion as a junior, and as senior
• Earned the regional title and went onto finish 11th at the State Tournament

Carlos Huerta (‘87) – Football

• “Ice Man”
• First Team All-Dade
• University of Miami Hall of Fame inductee
• Kicked in the NFL, CFL, and Arena League

Jim Husk - Coach: Wrestling

• Took over the wrestling program in 2004
• Has won six district titles, tallied over 300 wins, and an individual FHSAA State Championship with Nick Wethy in 2013
• Has tallied over 1,000 career dual meet victories

Robert Infante (‘00) – Cross Country

• Four-time First Team All-Dade
• Two-Time 1st Team All-State
• Athlete of the Year
• Led the program to its first FHSAA State Championship in 1997 as a sophomore

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 FHSAA State Baseball Championship
• Played at the University of Miami
• Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals and played 12 years in MLB

Wendell Johnson ('02) – Football

• In 2001 he gained 1,370 yards, averaging 10 yards per carry and tallied 9 touchdowns
• First Team All-Dade selection
• He earned a full scholarship to Fairmont State University was a four-year letterman and three-year starter
• He was a three-time selection to the First-Team Mountain East Conference

John Kaay (‘67) – Swimming & Diving

• Freestyle swimmer who dominated in the 50 and 100 meters and anchored the Explorers’ dominant relay teams
• Went on to William & Mary University

Joseph 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 Kirk (‘98) – Soccer

• First Team All-Dade
• Team captain in cross country and soccer
• Went on to the University of Bridgeport

Hank Klovekorn (‘75) – Baseball

• 1975 Columbus Salutatorian and ScholarAthlete
• First Team All-County in 1974
• Played at Louisiana State University

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

Paul Kumer ('01) – Football

• He was named team captain senior year
• His 70 tackles, 15 sacks, two blocked kicks and a touchdown return led the Explorers to back-to-back district titles for the first time in program history.
• He earned a full scholarship to the University of San Diego, where he was named to the All-Conference Academic team three times
• Paul finished his USD career with 143 tackles, three sacks, an interception & a blocked kick

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 University of Florida in 1967
• Inducted posthumously in the CCHS Athletic Hall of Fame

Robert Lasky (’85) - Football

• Three-year letterman and a two-year starter
• Received the team’s Defensive MVP Award, named First Team All-Dade and First Team All-State
• Member of the Miami Herald’s All-Super South Team and was listed as a Top 75 Southeast Blue Chip Prospect
• Played for the University of Florida

Julio LeBlanc (‘61) - Basketball

• Three-sport athlete for the Explorers, playing halfback in football and serving as Captain of the swim team, but it was in basketball that he made his mark
• Named First Team All-Gold Coast Conference, Second Team All-City by the Miami News and Second Team All-Diocese by The Voice Catholic newspaper

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 meters 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 Miami Herald and Miami News
• Named Track & Field Athlete of the Year
• Has competed in over 25 marathons including Boston, New York and Miami

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

Erik Lora ('09) – Football

• First Team All-Dade by the Miami Herald
• Set the FCS single season-record by hauling in 136 passes for 1660 yards and 12 touchdowns while at Eastern Illinois
• 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 Major League Baseball for eight seasons, including seven 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 seasons

Robert MacKarvich (‘04) – Bowling

• First Team All-County bowler for four consecutive years
• FHSAA 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 Louisiana State University, Miami-Dade North, and the University of New Orleans
• Head baseball coach at Louisiana State University

Kyle Mann ('16) - Wrestling

• Three-year varsity wrestler and 2 year Captain who finished his career as a two-time All-American and First Team All-Dade honoree.
• Posted an impressive 36-2 record as a junior, winning the GMAC Championship and earning titles in both Greco and freestyle wrestling for the Florida National Team.
• Finished 2nd in Nationals as a sophomore at 220 lbs. and capped his senior year as the State Runner-Up in the Heavyweight division.

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

Daniel Matienzo (‘97) – Baseball

• 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 University of Miami

Nick McBeath ('14) - Football

• Three-year starter and two-time captain for the Columbus football team, known for his relentless leadership and tackling ability.
• Earned First Team All-Dade and All-State honors in his senior year, recording 80 tackles and seven sacks.
• Accumulated 322 career tackles, eight sacks, and four interceptions during his time at the College of the Holy Cross, earning two All-Patriot League selections.
• Led his team and the Patriot League with 114 tackles in 2017, ranking 21st in the nation.
• Played professionally for the Ottawa Redblacks in the CFL before transitioning to a role on the pit crew for Joe Gibbs Racing.

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

• Three-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

• Led the Columbus Athletic Program to an unprecedented twenty 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 more than four times and we have also won the prestigious Sunshine Cup more than 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 Medina (‘92) – Basketball

• Named team MVP
• Represented CCHS in the 1992 State All-Star Game
• Went on to Barry University to be named Sunshine State All-Freshman team

Ricardo Mejia (‘81) – Wrestling

• Won two district championships
• First Columbus wrestler to win FHSAA Regional Championship
• Three-year First Team All-County

Billy Mendoza ('84) – Football

• Played defensive tackle
• Three-year letterman in soccer
• First Team All-Dade by the Miami Herald

Jose Mendoza (’05) – Baseball

• An imposing lefty who loved to challenge hitters on the biggest stage
• Named two-time Miami-Dade County Pitcher of the Year by the Miami Herald
• Won both the Baseball Senior Award and the Sportsmanship Award at the Block C banquet.
• Pitched for the University of Maine

Alex Meneses ('02) – Baseball

• Three-year letterman and two-year starter
• Played collegiately at Barry University where he still ranks second all-time in hits, runs scored and walks.
• Alex was drafted in the 35th round of the 2006 MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners
• Played three seasons in the Mariners system, reaching the Triple-A level. He ended his professional career with a .360 OBP

Chris Merritt (Coach) – Football

• Has posted the 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

Nick Meyer ('87) – Cross Country

• Two-time First Team All-Dade – Cross Country – 1983(JR) & 1984(SR)
• 1985 Dade County Scholar-Athlete of the Year by the Miami Herald
• Ninth place finish at State Championship senior year (15:44)

Mark Miggins (‘72) – Baseball

• Two-year starter as an outfielder
• Played at Miami-Dade South for two years
• Played seven 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 Miami Herald and Miami News
• Selected for an Honorable Mention All-East

Alex Mirabal ('88) – Football Coach

• Has coached the offensive line at the University of Miami, Florida International University, Marshall and the Universtiy of Oregon
• Rose Bowl Champion (University of Oregon)
• Offensive Line Coach of the Year by Football Scoop

Islay "Izzy" Molina ('90) - Baseball

• Helped lead the Explorers to a 22-6 record and both district and GMAC championships in 1989, hitting .452 with 31 RBIs.
• Batted .473 with six home runs and 42 RBIs in his senior year, earning First Team All-Dade honors and ranking in the Explorer Top Ten for RBIs in a season.
• Drafted by the Oakland A's in the 22nd round of the 1990 MLB Draft and made his Major League debut in 1996.
• Played 10 seasons in Triple-A, with 487 hits, 58 homers, and 273 RBIs in 562 games.
• Enjoyed a successful 14-year professional baseball career before retiring in 2003.

Ralph Montalvo ('84) – Football

• Member of 1982 State Runner-Up team
• Named First Team All-Dade by the Miami Herald as a senior
• Awarded CCHS Scholar-Athlete Award

Francisco Montana (‘87) – Tennis

• FHSAA Singles Champion
• Four-year First Team All-County
• Awarded a scholarship to the University of Georgia and played professionally for more than 10 years

Michael Montero (’11) - Track & Field

• Three-sport athlete, excelling in football, wrestling and track
• A dominant force in Miami-Dade County in both the shot put and discus events
• As a senior, Michael had a perfect sweep, as he was GMAC, district, regional and FHSAA State Champion in the shot, as well as being a First Team All-Dade selection

Marco Morales (‘04) – Golf

• Three-year First Team All-Dade
• Part of two State Championship teams
• Golfed for Florida Atlantic University and University of North Florida

Edward Morse (‘89) – Swimming & Diving

• Won three FHSAA State Championships in diving
• Set three state records
• First Team All-Dade

John Mosure ('05) – Football

• Senior year, he gained 1534 yards rushing, which led both Dade and Broward counties
• He famously shredded the vaunted Northwestern Bulls defense for 221 yards and two touchdowns, and added a 50-yard halfback pass for another score.
• Earned First Team All-Dade and All-State honors
• He was honored with the 2005 Nick Kotys Award (best high school football player in Dade County)
• He was runner-up for the Mr. Florida Football Award & he was named to the Top 50 High School Football Players in the Nation by USA Today
• He accepted a full scholarship to Colorado State University, where he was a four-year letterman

Chris Munoz ('01) - Football

• Two-year starter and team captain, known for his unmatched toughness and leadership as the center on the offensive line.
• Earned First Team All-Dade and Second Team All-State honors, and was named the team’s Offensive MVP in his senior year—an exceptional achievement for a lineman.
• Helped lead the Explorers to back-to-back district titles, opening key holes for Hall of Fame running backs Darrell Sheppard and Wendell Johnson.
• A four-year letterman in track and field, finishing 6th at State in the shot put and ranking 3rd all-time in the discus at CCHS.

Stewart "Buddy" Munroe (‘06) – Baseball

• Four-year varsity player
• Member of the 2003 FHSAA State Championship team
• Played college baseball for Clemson University and the University of Florida

Robert Murphy (‘78) – Baseball

• First Team All-County as a left-handed pitcher
• Kicked for the football team and played both baseball and football at the University of Kentucky
• Pitched in Major League Baseball 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

Richard Naue ('01) - Bowling

• Four-year letterman
• Three-year First Team All-Dade (1998,1999,2000)
• Led team to State Championship
• Career high average of 204

Berto Nieves ('18) - Golf

• Three-year letterman at Columbus, named Second Team All-Dade as a sophomore and First Team All-Dade in his junior and senior years.
• Won the Regional Championship as a junior, finished 8th at State, and averaged 73 for 18 holes as a senior.
• Set multiple records at the University of Delaware, including career scoring (71) and most rounds in the 60s (29), and was a two-time CAA All-First Team selection.
• Earned GCAA All-American Scholar honors twice and competed in the 2022 NCAA New Haven regional.
• Turned professional in 2023, competing on the PGA Minor League Tour after completing his grad studies at Pepperdine University.

Michael 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 (‘72) – Cross Country Coach

• 120 straight dual meet victories
• Nine GMAC Championships – including six straight
• 12 District Championships – including eight straight
• Six Regional Champions – including five straight
• One State Championship
• One State Runner-Up
• Four times his team finished third in the state

Bill O’Dowd (‘87) – Basketball

• Class of 1987 Valedictorian
• First Team All-County
• Played at Creighton University for four years

Robert O’Malley (‘66) – Tennis

• Number one singles and doubles player for four years
• Columbus Athlete of the Year in 1966
• Played at the University of Notre Dame for four years

John Oakley (‘71) – Baseball

• Named First-Team All-Dade as senior
• Four-year letterman at Stetson University
• Finished seventh in the nation for stolen bases during his senior year at Stetson

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

Edward Odio (‘11) – Basketball

• Named First 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

Todd Oelze (‘80) – Football

• Three-year starter
• “Goose Egg” defense
• First Team All-Dade

Kevin Oliveira ('10) - Water Polo

• Four-year letterman at Columbus, earning Third Team All-Dade as a freshman, Second Team All-Dade as a sophomore, and First Team All-Dade in his junior and senior years.
• Scored 104 goals with 38 assists and 73 steals in his junior year, leading the team to a district title and being named First Team All-Dade.
• Set the record as the leading scorer in Columbus Water Polo history and carried the team to the State Finals in his senior year.
• Earned First Team All-American honors at Golden West College and led the team to a California Community College Championship in 2011.
• Played at the University of the Pacific, scoring 41 goals in his senior year and contributing to a historic NCAA Tournament run, including a goal in the National Championship game

• Lou Pagley (‘76) – Football
  • Second Team All-City quarterback in 1975
  • Member of the 1977 University of Notre Dame National Championship team
  • Played for the Chicago Blitz and the Washington Federals of the USFL
  Luis Palenzuela (‘86) – Soccer
  • Second 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
  Terry Palmer ('85) – Football 
  • Two-time Second Team-All Dade (SO & JR)
  • He led Dade County in sacks as senior & team captain
  • First Team All-Dade and Second Team All-State his senior year.
  • In Track & Field, he set the school record with a throw of 54’ 1,” (formerly Fred Foyo's)
  • He played collegiately at Navarro Junior College in Corsicana, Texas, where he earned All-Conference
  • Honors. Terry went on to conclude his playing days at the University of West Virginia, where he was a two-year letterman in the 1988-89 seasons
  Damian Penichet ('14) – Wrestling
  • Four-year letterman
  • Finished 6th(SO), 5th(JR), and 2nd(SR) place at the FHSAA State Championship
  • Earned Second Team All-Dade Honors & Sportsmanship Award winner at the Block C banquet
  • Wrestled collegiately at Upper Iowa University(FR-JR) & Newberry College in South Carolina(SR)
  • Qualified for the NCAA championship (cut short by Covid-19) & earned Second Team South Atlantic Conference Honors
  Andres Perez-Lobo (‘10) – Baseball
  • Four-year varsity starting pitcher
  • Named two-time preseason All-American
  • Drafted by the Texas Rangers (23rd round)
  Tim Plummer (‘83) – Soccer  
  • First four-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 two district championships
  • First Columbus athletic director
  • A Man for All Seasons
  Julio Portela ('78) – Retired Number:24 
  • Outstanding basketball and football player
  • His number 24 was retired in 2017 and is the only retired number in CCHS
  • Cornerback on the 1978 football team
  • He was killed by a lightning strike on the CCHS football field on Oct 1, 1975
  • Number retired posthumously
  Adilson Puna (‘00) – Soccer
  • MVP for three years
  • First Team All-Dade and All-State
  • Highest-leading goal scorer in Columbus soccer history
  Michael Putman (‘07) – Track & Field
  • Two-time FHSAA State Champion in the discus and shot put (2006 & 2007)
  • USA National Champion in the shot put in 2007
  • Athlete of the Year
  • Four-time NCAA All-American shot put and discus thrower at Florida State University
  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 quarterback at the University of Miami and Tampa University

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 University of Virginia

Jose Quinones ('02) - Football

• First Team All-Dade as a Senior
• Opened holes for two HOF CCHS running backs (Sheppard & Johnson)
• Earned a scholarship to New Mexico State University

Anthony Rabasa ('11) - Football

• Two-time First Team All-Dade (2009-2010) and First Team All-State (2010)
• Honored by The Herald as the Best Defensive Lineman in Dade County
• Ranked 11th nationally at defensive end
• Played collegiately for the University of Notre Dame where he was a two-time letterman

Douglas Ramos (‘11) – Swimming & Diving

• 2010 FHSAA State Champion in the 100-yard breaststroke
• Four-time First Team All-Dade selection
• Four-time state qualifier in the 200-yard individual medley

Michael Reddick (‘91) – Football

• Back-to-back 1000 yard seasons
• Set a single-game rushing record with 210 yards against South Dade
• 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

Eliseo “Tito” Riera-Gomez (‘64) – Baseball

• All-City second baseman as a senior and earned a scholarship to the University of Miami
• Two-sport athlete for the Explorers, playing running back in football team & excelling in basketball

Tim Riera-Gomez ('88) - Track & Field

• 1st Team All County as Senior
• Regional Champion clearing personal best of 13'6"

David Riley – Football Coach

• Three State Championships
• Head coach for football, tennis, and golf
• 38 years at CCHS
• Inducted posthumously in the CCHS Athletic Hall of Fame

John Roche – Track & Field Coach

• Architect of the Columbus track program
• Coach Roche was named Coach of the Year by the Miami Herald
• In 1963, he led the track team to win the first district title in Columbus history

Caesar Rodriguez ('09) - Football

• Three-year starter and team captain, known for his dominance as a defensive end with 55 tackles and 14 sacks in his senior season.
• Earned First Team All-Dade and Second Team All-State honors, and was named captain of the Dade squad in the Dade-Broward All-Star Game, where he recorded two sacks.
• Known for his relentless motor and exceptional instincts, earning Second Team All-Dade as a junior and continuing to wreak havoc on opposing offenses.
• Played four years at Central Michigan University, accumulating 82 tackles and seven sacks while participating in two bowl games.

Christopher Rodriguez-Jaile ('99) - Baseball

• Transferred to Columbus after his sophomore year, quickly earning the respect of teammates and coaches as a dominant force behind the plate.
• Named a tri-captain in 1999 and formed a powerful pitcher-catcher duo with Kiki Bengochea, earning 2nd Team All-Dade honors.
• Posted an impressive .343 batting average with five home runs, and allowed only two stolen bases all season, showcasing an incredible arm.
• Selected by the Texas Rangers in the 4th round of the 1999 MLB Draft and played 435 games in the minor leagues, with 257 hits and 120 RBIs.
• Recognized for his outstanding defensive skills, receiving a National Gold Glove Award and the Cuban Marist Leadership Award.

David Rodriguez ('02) - Swimming

• Four-time First Team All-Dade selection
• Two-time Miami Herald Swimmer of the Year (2001 & 2002)
• Four-time All-American qualifier,
• CCHS Record-holder in the 100-yard backstroke
• Swam collegiately for the University of Nevada Las Vegas,
• Two-time First Team Mountain West Conference First

Eduardo Rodriguez (‘01) – Track & Field

• First Team All-County in his junior and senior
• Won two conference championships – a national qualifier while in Florida State University

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 Florida International University's Conference Championship

Gabriel Rodriguez (‘96) – Cross Country

• Won two regional and three district championships
• Selected First Team All-State and All-County for three Years
• Miami Herald Runner of the Year in 1994 and 1995

Rene Rodriguez – Coach Volleyball

• Two trips to the state tournament in 2006 and 2008.
• Overall record is 159-68.
• Brought identity, direction, and respectability to the program.

Javi Salas ('10) – Baseball

• An imposing lefty who loved to challenge hitters on the biggest stage
• Named two-time Miami-Dade County Pitcher of the Year by the Miami Herald
• Won both the Baseball Senior Award and the Sportsmanship Award at the Block C banquet
• Pitched for the University of Maine

Manuel Salgado (‘97) – Cross Country

• Second Team All-State
• District champion
• Two-time First Team All-Dade
• 1997 Athlete of the Year

Javier Sanchez (‘00) – Baseball

• Team captain
• Four-year starter at the University of Notre Dame
• Played for the Minnesota Twins for four seasons

Jerry Santos ('87) – Baseball

• Three-year First Team All-Dade
• Pitched for Florida International University
• Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals and played seven years of professional baseball

Jeff Sawyer (’76) - Football

• The prototypical linebacker; tall, strong, quick, fast, smart and violent
• Named Honorable Mention All-State and Second team All-Dade as a senior
• Played at Auburn University and the University of Miami
• Inducted posthumously in the CCHS Athletic Hall of Fame

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

Adam Scholer ('81) - Bowling Coaching

• Led the Columbus bowling team to 365 regular season wins with only 38 losses since 1989.
• Guided the Explorers to 26 State Meet appearances, 16 District titles, eight GMAC titles, and five Youth Fair titles.
• Coached the team to a State Championship victory in 1999, with four of five First Team All-Dade bowlers coming from Columbus.
• Named Dade County Coach of the Year four consecutive years: 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Robert Schulz (‘99) – Golf

• Played number one for four years
• First Team All-Dade
• Played professionally for six years

Darrell Sheppard (’01) - Football

• Named the Miami Dolphins Player of the Month recipient
• Named Second Team All-Dade, as well as being named Honorable Mention All-State
• Played at Marshall and Florida Atlantic University

Mike Shula (‘83) – Football

• All-State and All-County quarterback
• Led CCHS to the 1982 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

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

Achille “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

Andy Suarez (‘11) - Baseball

• A lefty who possessed a smoking fastball and a curveball that froze batters
• Combined 17-2 with a 1.5 ERA and 141 strikeouts and helped the team win 42 games over his junior and senior seasons
• Two-time First Team All-Dade selection
• Was an AFLAC All-American as a senior

Roberto Suarez ('69) – Football

• Second 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 1991, 2001 & 2002
• Received a golf scholarship to Florida Atlantic University

Eric Thomas (‘95) – Football

• 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

Alex Trujillo (‘96) – Football Coach

• Only player in CCHS history to start games at defensive end, outside linebacker, and safety
• Named two-time First Team All-District
• Coached the Explorer defense to the 2019 FHSAA 8A State Championship

Josh Uche ('16) - Football

• As a Senior, he had 50 tackles and 14 sacks
• 2019 Defensive Player of the Year at University of Michigan
• Earned Second Team All-Big Ten
• Plays for the New England Patriots since 2020

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
• Earned a scholarship to the University of Florida and played professionally

Peter Vari (‘79) – Football

• Two year starter (football)
• Led team in tackles his senior year
• Only defensive lineman ever to be named MVP of the Explorers football team

Jonathan Ray Vasquez (‘06) – Volleyball

• 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

Mike Vinson ('12) - Baseball

• Miami-Dade County 8-A Player of the Year (2012)
• First Team All-Dade & All-State (2012)
• Played College Baseball at the University of Florida
• Played in the Minors for the Detroit Tigers

Joe Weber (‘83) – Baseball Coach

• Named Coach of the Year (2) by the Miami Herald
• Columbus (‘82) – pitcher for the Explorers
• Winningest baseball coach in CCHS history
• His teams have won 2 State Championships (2015 & 2003)

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

• 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

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

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 regional 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, and notably through a 93 mile an hour fastball
• Awarded with a baseball scholarship to Florida State University

Warren Zorzi – Football and Track Coach

• 33 seasons – assistant coach
• 25 D-1 players
• Coached five NFL players

Danny Areces ('16) & Jimmy Hardwick – (Track & Filed)

• Led the Columbus track program to unprecedented success, securing three district titles, a regional championship, and four conference titles, culminating in back-to-back state championships in 2018 and 2019.
• After the passing of Coach Fred Foyo in 2021, Danny, at age 23, took over the program with Jimmy's guidance, continuing the legacy of excellence.
• Guided the team to four consecutive district and conference titles, three regional crowns, and a dramatic State Championship in 2024, with a thrilling finish against Niceville.
• Fostered a powerful coaching partnership: Danny, a former standout track athlete, and Jimmy, a veteran coach with decades of experience, created a unique blend of youth and wisdom.
• Received this award in 2025

Dave Dunn – Football 

• Three-time State Champion
• Former Head Coach at Catholic University of America for 10 years
• Led team to first perfect season (8-0) and won the Tri-County Championships (COVID)
• Led football program to 1st State Championship (2019)
• Received this award in 2019.

Michael Marinelli (‘03) – (Golf)

• 2022 State Runner-Up
• Produced 25 First Team All-Dade golfers & sent 14 players to college
• Seven regional titles & 12 district championships
• Received this award in 2024

Andrew Moran – (Basketball)

• The team advanced to the State Final Four for the first time since 2011
• Led football program to 1st State Championship in 2019 with a win over Dr. Phillips (46-45)
• Received awarded in 2023