PREP BASEBALL: Howard says missing Columbia's state semifinal was ‘heartbreaking’

Columbia assistant coach Tracy Brinkley (left) hugs shortstop Brayden Thomas following the Tigers’ 5-2 loss to American Heritage in the Class 5A state semifinals on Monday at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. (JESSICA PILAND/Special to the Reporter)
Columbia assistant coach Tracy Brinkley (left) hugs shortstop Brayden Thomas following the Tigers’ 5-2 loss to American Heritage in the Class 5A state semifinals on Monday at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. (JESSICA PILAND/Special to the Reporter)

Chris Howard could only watch from his hotel room.

Stuck serving the final game of a two-game suspension, Columbia’s head coach watched his team battle American Heritage in the Class 5A state semifinal…