Strength, Scholarships, and State Titles

As the spring season reaches its peak, the buzz across Columbus continues to build and for good reason. From powerhouse coaching additions and scholarship signings to dominant performances on the diamond and the track, this week was packed with moments worth celebrating. Let’s start with a major addition to the Pacelli Lady Vikings Softball program. Coach Cedric Ware has officially joined the team as their new Strength and Conditioning Coach, bringing a championship pedigree and a passion for developing elite athletes.

Coach Ware is no stranger to the grind. With more than 17 years of experience in coaching and athletic performance, he’s trained athletes across multiple sports through his business, Game Changer Sports Performance, while also serving as a Department of Defense educator. A former All-Conference football and track athlete at Fort Valley State and a two-year pro with the Columbus Lions, Ware’s resume speaks for itself. He’s currently a competitive powerlifter and a two-time Georgia state record holder — proving his commitment to excellence never takes a day off. From football and flag football to track and soccer, Coach Ware has earned a reputation for building confident, explosive athletes. Now, he brings that same energy and expertise to the Lady Vikings softball program with one goal: to help each player unlock their full potential — physically and mentally. His mission is about more than just strength; it's about creating a culture of belief, responsibility, and winning habits that extend beyond the field.

Meanwhile, over at Brookstone, the Cougars added another tally to the win column, cruising past Southwest Georgia Academy 12–4 in a game that marked their fifth straight victory. Dominance has been a theme for Brookstone this year — they’ve won 12 games by six runs or more.

On the mound, Brennan Neal and Luke Lowery were sharp. Neal pitched a clean inning without allowing a hit or earned run and now boasts three straight scoreless appearances. At the plate, he was just as dangerous, going 3-for-5 with two RBIs, a stolen base, and two runs. Lowery matched the intensity with two strong innings and went 2-for-4 with a run and RBI. Mercer Hudson powered the offense with a 2-for-4 night, including a home run, three RBIs, and three runs scored — his best performance since February. Gray Jones was perfect at the plate, finishing 3-for-3 with two RBIs and a run.

Brookstone piled up 13 hits and improved to 22-5 overall, with their latest four victories coming at home — where their defense has only allowed 1.8 runs per game during that stretch. With balanced pitching, efficient hitting, and consistent execution, the Cougars are looking more like postseason contenders each week.

Off the field, Horace Empowerment hosted its third annual Track & Field Honors Luncheon to celebrate outstanding athletes across Muscogee County. Held at the New Birth Outreach Future Life Center, this year’s event recognized track stars from all seven area high schools and emphasized the value of athletic discipline and academic success. In a heartfelt moment, the non-profit awarded not one, but two student-athletes with the Richard Lane Campbell Scholarship, honoring the memory of the late Hardaway record-holder and retired Columbus Police detective. This year’s recipients were Desmond Johnson of Spencer High and Megan Taylor of Columbus High, both recognized for their talent, character, and academic excellence. Scholarships like these remind us that athletics is about more than scores — it's about opportunity, legacy, and impact.

Speaking of excellence, Alexandria Berk of Spencer High signed her letter of intent with LaGrange College, earning a full athletic scholarship. Berk is the embodiment of the term “student-athlete,” maintaining a 4.2 GPA while excelling on the court and leading by example. Her journey is a testament to hard work, focus, and staying true to your goals.

The success story continued with St. Anne-Pacelli’s Track & Field team making noise at the GIAA State Class AAA Meet held at Strong Rock Christian. Michael Rowe claimed the state title in the High Jump, punching his ticket to the prestigious Adidas Atlanta Meet of Champions on May 17th, where he’ll represent his school and the region among elite talent. Jacob Trawick added a third-place finish in the High Jump, while Tyson Copeland and Donovan Colvin posted top eight finishes in the 100m and 200m, respectively. The most inspiring moment came from Third Hill, a middle schooler competing against high school athletes who placed sixth in the 300m Hurdles — setting a new school record and earning widespread admiration for his fearless effort.

From the weight room to the track, from the dugout to the scholarship table, one thing is clear — Columbus continues to produce champions. These athletes aren’t just representing their schools; they’re representing what’s possible through dedication, belief, and community support. As we head deeper into May, let’s keep showing up, cheering loud, and celebrating every win, both big and small. The journey isn’t over — it’s just heating up.