Sports

Columbia seniors Addyson Sherman (from left), Luisa Taylor, Raelyn Wehinger, Ava Christie, Lauryn Lee, Amani Tunsil, Anna Dansby and Emily Delgado wrapped up their careers with a state championship on Saturday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia seniors Addyson Sherman (from left), Luisa Taylor, Raelyn Wehinger, Ava Christie, Lauryn Lee, Amani Tunsil, Anna Dansby and Emily Delgado wrapped up their careers with a state championship on Saturday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

COMMENTARY: Columbia's state title was built on an unbreakable bond

JORDAN KROEGER
Sunday, May 24, 2026
It’s what they’ve always wanted.It was also bittersweet.The seniors at Columbia finally achieved the goal they set out to accomplish when they were freshman — winning a state championship.
Columbia catcher Emily Delgado encourages the CHS student section to get up for her team after scoring a run following her RBI double in the seventh inning of Thursday's Class 4A state semifinal against Seminole. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia catcher Emily Delgado encourages the CHS student section to get up for her team after scoring a run following her RBI double in the seventh inning of Thursday's Class 4A state semifinal against Seminole. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

COMMENTARY: These Tigers never stop fighting

JORDAN KROEGER
Friday, May 22, 2026
The words echoed throughout the season.“Tigers don’t lay down. Tigers fight.”Never was that truer than Thursday afternoon.Columbia, the top-ranked team in Class 4A, was on the ropes in the state semifinals.
Columbia right fielder Marlee Hunt (14) hugs left fielder Addyson Sherman after Sherman hit a walk-off RBI single to defeat Seminole 6-5 in the Class 4A state semifinals on Thursday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia right fielder Marlee Hunt (14) hugs left fielder Addyson Sherman after Sherman hit a walk-off RBI single to defeat Seminole 6-5 in the Class 4A state semifinals on Thursday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Columbia rallies past Seminole on Sherman's walk-off to advance to Class 4A title game

JORDAN KROEGER
Thursday, May 21, 2026
LONGWOOD — Columbia left fielder Addyson Sherman had been there before. Runners on base, her team needing a hit. Only this time, the pressure was ratcheted up to the nth degree. On the line was a berth in the state championship.
Lafayette quarterback Tucker Higginbotham drops back to pass against Madison County during the teams' spring game on Tuesday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Lafayette quarterback Tucker Higginbotham drops back to pass against Madison County during the teams' spring game on Tuesday. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Growing pains for Lafayette during spring shutout to Madison County

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
MAYO — The good news for the Lafayette Hornets on Tuesday? They likely played one of the toughest teams on their schedule.The bad news is that they still have a ways to go in order to catch up to that competition.
Columbia shortstop Alannah Lord (2) celebrates after recording an out against Baker County during the Region 1-4A championship on May 14. The Tigers won 6-2 to advance to the Class 4A Final Four. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia shortstop Alannah Lord (2) celebrates after recording an out against Baker County during the Region 1-4A championship on May 14. The Tigers won 6-2 to advance to the Class 4A Final Four. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP SOFTBALL: Columbia leaning on chemistry, confidence in Final Four

JORDAN KROEGER
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Columbia coach Joe Saucier still has the text.Before the Tigers ever played a game this season, he sent a message to the booster club that’s been proven true time and time again this spring.“‘Guys, we haven something special here,’” Saucier recalls.
Columbia defensive end Mikel Morgan (middle) races to celebrate with defensive coordinator Chris Martinez (middle) after returning a fumble for a touchdown against Camden County in Friday’s spring game. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia defensive end Mikel Morgan (middle) races to celebrate with defensive coordinator Chris Martinez (middle) after returning a fumble for a touchdown against Camden County in Friday’s spring game. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Columbia’s defense shuts down Camden County in spring game

JORDAN KROEGER
Friday, May 15, 2026
Columbia’s defense didn’t get its shot at its former teammate, but the unit picked back up where it left off after last season in Friday’s spring game against Camden County.