Columbus Explorers

🚨 NATIONAL RECOGNITION 🚨
Christopher Columbus High School has been ranked No. 3 in the nation for athletes by USA Today High School Sports! A proud moment for our student-athletes, coaches, and entire Explorer community. The best continue to compete with the best!

Congratulations to our Miami Herald First Team All-Dade Track & Field selections:
🏆 Alec Cruz ’25 – 100m Dash (10.59)
🏆 Gianluca Padilla ’25 – Shot Put (15.79m)
🏆 4x400m Relay Team – Oscar Braynon ’25, Jaden Glasper ’25, Alec Cruz ’25, and Alexander Lopez ’25 (3:14.35)
These Explorers set the standard all season long, earning recognition among Miami-Dade County's very best. Congratulations on an outstanding season and this well-deserved honor!

Congratulations to Felipe Quiñones ’26 on being named to the FIBA U18 AmeriCup All-Star Five! Felipe entered the tournament as one of the top prospects to watch — and he more than lived up to the hype. He helped lead Puerto Rico to a berth in the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup, highlighted by a dominant Quarter-Finals performance: 13 points, 12 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. He finished the tournament averaging 9.7 points, 4.5 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. We are proud of you, Felipe!

Congratulations to Caleb Gaskins '26 and Felipe Quiñones '26 on outstanding performances representing their countries on the international stage! Caleb helped lead Team USA U18 to a Silver Medal finish, while Felipe and Puerto Rico U18 battled their way to a strong 4th-place finish. Both Explorers competed at an elite level, showcasing the talent, determination, and work ethic that define Columbus baseball.

Congratulations to Lucas Riva '26, named the 2026 Florida Dairy Farmers Mr. Volleyball, and Coach Daniel Thews, selected as the 2026 Boys' Volleyball Coach of the Year. After leading Columbus to its first-ever state championship, both have earned recognition as the best in Florida!

NICHOLAS SIMAN ⚽️
Jon S. Mounts Memorial Award
Recognized for his faith, patience, work ethic, and leadership, Nicholas played a pivotal role in Columbus Soccer’s State Championship run while excelling academically as a Miami Herald Scholar-Athlete finalist.
Congratulations, Nicholas!

ALEC CRUZ ⚾️🏃‍♂️
Explorer Athlete of the Year
Alec’s incredible multi-sport dominance, selfless leadership, and unmatched athleticism set the standard for Explorer excellence. From baseball to track & field, he continually rose to every challenge and represented Columbus with pride.
Congratulations, Alec!

CALEB GASKINS 🏀
Marcellin Champagnat Athletic Award
From McDonald’s All-American to Florida Gatorade Player of the Year, Caleb’s resilience, leadership, and commitment to excellence have defined one of the most remarkable basketball careers in Columbus history.
Congratulations, Caleb!

SEBASTIAN TAMARGO ⚽️
Student-Athlete Sportsmanship Award
A four-year varsity starter, All-Dade selection, and Columbus’s first-ever Gatorade Player of the Year nominee in soccer, Sebastian led with humility, dedication, and character while helping guide the Explorers to a State Championship.
Congratulations, Sebastian!

New era starts TODAY!
The current Explorers met our new Head Wrestling Coach, Coach Ramsey, and are fired up for what’s ahead. Excited for the leadership, passion, and hard work he’s bringing to the program.