Sports

The Columbia High School boys cross country team, based in Maplewood, New Jersey, is a program steeped in tradition and excellence. With a legacy that includes a historic Group IV state championship in 1960, Columbia has remained a consistent force in New Jersey distance running over the decades. That tradition has only strengthened in recent years, as the Cougars have reasserted themselves as one of the top teams in Essex County and beyond. In the 2024 season, the team built on its storied past by capturing its second consecutive Essex County Championship, sweeping the varsity, junior varsity, and freshman divisions. This dominant showing followed an equally impressive repeat victory at the Super Essex Conference–American Division Championships held at Branch Brook Park, where Columbia once again claimed the conference title. Junior Leo Klint led the charge with a first-place finish in 16:25.90, with key contributions from Asa Glassman (third), Julius Marshall (fourth), Christian Caravetta (eighth), Samuel Medd (11th), and Abe Hoffmann (12th), showcasing the team’s remarkable depth and pack-running mentality. Their success carried into the postseason, where the varsity squad earned a third-place finish at the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group 4 Championships, placing ahead of several powerhouse programs and securing their spot as one of the top regional teams in the state. These recent accomplishments reflect not only the team’s athletic skill but also its cohesion, work ethic, and leadership, with a strong core of underclassmen ensuring the future remains bright. The 2024 season also solidified the team’s reputation for consistency at the highest levels of competition, with repeat county and conference championships affirming their dominance. In addition to their team accolades, individual runners like Klint, Glassman, and Caravetta have emerged as names to watch, consistently finishing near the top in large and competitive fields. Columbia’s continued success is a credit to its coaching, culture, and commitment to excellence, building on a foundation laid decades ago and strengthened each year by athletes determined to uphold and grow that legacy. As the program looks ahead, it does so with the confidence of champions and the history of a team that has long been a cornerstone of New Jersey high school cross country.

The Columbia High School girls cross country team continued to build on its rising legacy with a standout 2024 season marked by depth, individual excellence, and strong team finishes. Led by junior Keira Monagle, who won the Essex County Championship in a course-record time of 19:11.80, the Cougars earned a runner-up finish in the varsity division and claimed the junior varsity county title. Monagle’s dominant fall also included a 22nd-place finish at the NJSIAA Group 4 State Championships and a berth to the prestigious Meet of Champions. Behind her, underclassmen like Ameli Witherspoon, Gwendolyn Butkus, Elizabeth Poutre, and Sydney Kwan contributed strong times to Columbia’s varsity scoring, while JV standouts Faima Pierre, Elizabeth Leahy, and Ella Kohol swept the top places, signaling serious depth across the program. These accomplishments build on recent momentum, including a similar second-place county finish in 2023 and Meet of Champions qualification by senior Mae Dowling. With talented runners across all grades, strong coaching, and growing postseason success, Columbia's girls squad is quickly becoming one of Essex County’s premier programs.

The Columbia High School field hockey team capped off a historic 2024 season, achieving a 10–9 record for its first winning campaign since 2000—also marking the fewest losses since 2006 and the fewest goals allowed since 2012. The season included several program-first milestones: scoring more than 43 team goals, never allowing more than five goals in a single game, and finishing with a best-ever 9–3 record in the Essex/Union Conference–Blue Division. Under the leadership of Head Coach Stephanie Rivera, the Cougars secured their first double-digit win season in 24 years and cemented a new team identity defined by resilience, unity, and a commitment to continuous improvement. As the season unfolded, Columbia went on a five-game win streak, including key victories over Newark Academy (4–3), Mount St. Dominic (3–0), and a pivotal sixth straight win to reach 9–5 overall, fueling momentum rarely seen in program history. Coach Rivera praised the team's mental toughness, chemistry, and shared belief in one another, emphasizing how every player’s contribution played a crucial role in the resurgence of Columbia field hockey. The team also celebrated individual and team-wide growth at season’s end with internal awards such as Most Improved, Practice Player of the Year, and Offensive Player of the Year. This success is rooted in years of cultural rebuilding and focused leadership, but 2024 stands out as a defining year—an inflection point in the program’s long history. With strong leadership from senior captains, rising talent among the underclassmen, and a coaching philosophy grounded in empathy, discipline, and accountability, Columbia’s field hockey team has laid the foundation for future postseason runs and sustained success. The 2024 season not only rewrote long-standing statistical benchmarks but also reenergized a program ready to compete at a high level for years to come.

The Columbia High School Cougars football program wrapped up the 2024 season with a 1–7 overall record, highlighting ongoing challenges with consistency, depth, and execution. However, the offseason brought renewed hope as Lys Rubens Blanc was named the new head coach, ushering in what school officials called a “new era” for Columbia football. Blanc, who previously coached at Columbia in 2013 and helped lead Hillside High School to a state sectional championship in 2022, brings a combination of familiarity and proven success to the role. He has emphasized that his mission goes beyond wins and losses—focusing on leadership, academic achievement, player development, and a redefined team culture built on discipline, accountability, and long-term growth. Blanc has already implemented off-season initiatives including tutoring support, increased academic focus, and participation in multiple 7-on-7 tournaments to build chemistry and skill. With a goal of launching a middle school feeder program by 2026, he aims to make Columbia football sustainable and competitive for years to come. Blanc has also worked to re-engage former players and rebuild team trust, emphasizing that success will come not just through game-day performance but through consistent progress in practice habits, mindset, and execution. He and Athletic Director Sjocquelyn Winstead believe that by building a culture centered on personal growth, community connection, and mental toughness, the Cougars can turn the tide. For the 2025 season, Columbia’s goals include achieving their first league wins in years, closing the scoring gaps seen in previous seasons, and restoring respect to a once-proud program. Though they compete in the challenging Group V North bracket, the Cougars are focused on reclaiming pride, building a winning culture, and setting the groundwork for sustained success. Under Coach Blanc’s leadership, Columbia football is positioned as a team in transition—not decline—on a mission to grow stronger, more united, and more competitive one game at a time.

The Columbia High School Cougars boys soccer team concluded the 2024 season with a 9–9–3 record, marking a notable improvement from previous years. Their performance included a significant 3–0 victory over Bayonne in the first round of the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 4 state tournament, showcasing their potential in high-stakes matches. The team's resilience was further demonstrated by their impressive run to the quarterfinals of the Essex County Tournament, where they achieved a remarkable upset against Montclair, a perennial powerhouse, in a penalty shootout after a scoreless draw. This victory highlighted the Cougars' ability to perform under pressure and their growth throughout the season. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the team aims to build on this momentum by focusing on enhancing their defensive strategies and offensive coordination to achieve a more balanced and competitive performance. With a foundation of experienced players and a commitment to continuous improvement, the Cougars are poised to make a strong impact in the upcoming season, striving to advance further in both county and state tournaments.

The Columbia High School girls soccer team concluded the 2024 season with a 9–10–1 record under first-year head coach Mateo Green, a 2018 CHS graduate and former Cougar goalkeeper. In the state tournament, the Cougars secured a 4–0 victory over Woodbridge in the first round before falling to Bayonne 2–0 in the quarterfinals. Notable victories included a 2–0 win against Belleville and an 11–1 triumph over Payne Tech. The team also achieved a 6–0 win against Newark Tech and a 2–0 victory over Belleville. Looking ahead, the Cougars aim to build upon this season's experiences, focusing on enhancing their performance in both league and state competitions.

The Columbia High School girls tennis team has steadily built a competitive and resilient program, demonstrating significant progress during the 2024 season. Combining emerging talent with experienced upperclassmen, the Cougars competed strongly in one of the state’s toughest conferences, advancing several singles and doubles players deep into the Essex County Tournament and qualifying multiple athletes for the North Jersey sectional tournaments—highlighting their growing regional presence. Under the leadership of senior captains and a dedicated coaching staff focused on athletic skill, academic excellence, and mental toughness, the team consistently performed well in high-pressure matches. Younger players benefited from valuable experience and mentorship, setting a foundation for future success. Off the court, the program emphasizes conditioning, strategic preparation, and balancing school responsibilities, while also expanding feeder programs and offseason training to sustain growth. Fueled by perseverance, teamwork, and strong community support, Columbia’s girls tennis team aims to climb higher in state rankings and achieve deeper postseason runs, positioning itself as an increasingly formidable force in Essex County and beyond.

The Columbia High School girls volleyball team, delivered an impressive performance during the 2024 season, showcasing a blend of seasoned leadership and emerging talent. Under the guidance of longtime head coach Juan Bas, the Cougars secured a 12–5 overall record, including an undefeated 2–0 mark in league play, earning them the top spot in their division. Their postseason journey was equally commendable, as they advanced to the semifinals of the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 4 state tournament, defeating Plainfield in straight sets before falling to Union, the No. 2 seed. In the Essex County Tournament, the Cougars reached the quarterfinals, where they faced a challenging matchup against Montclair. Notably, the freshman team, coached by David Crouch, completed a perfect 16–0 regular season and clinched the West Essex Freshman Tournament title, underscoring the program's depth and promising future. The 2024 season not only highlighted the team's competitive spirit but also set a strong foundation for continued success in the coming years.

The Columbia High School boys basketball team in Maplewood, NJ, is entering a new chapter under the leadership of head coach T.J. Whitaker, who was appointed in May 2025. Whitaker, an honors English and social studies teacher at CHS and a 1987 graduate of Seton Hall Prep, brings a wealth of experience and a strong basketball background to the program, taking over from Deon Mingo, who led the team for the past two seasons. The Cougars are looking to build upon the foundation laid in previous years and aim to achieve greater success in the upcoming seasons. In the 2024–25 season, the Cougars faced challenges but showed resilience throughout the year. Notable performances included a 53–48 victory over East Side High School on January 23, 2025, and a 71–46 win against West Side High School on January 14, 2025. Despite these successes, the team experienced some setbacks, including losses to Montclair High School (38–61) and Newark Tech High School (51–78). These mixed results highlighted areas for improvement and underscored the need for continued development and cohesion within the team. Looking ahead, the Cougars are focused on rebuilding and strengthening their program. With a blend of returning players and incoming talent, the team is poised to develop a more competitive and cohesive unit. Under Coach Whitaker's guidance, the Cougars aim to enhance their performance, build a strong team culture, and strive for success in the Super Essex Conference and beyond. The program's commitment to growth and improvement reflects a positive outlook for the future of Columbia High School boys basketball.

The Columbia High School girls basketball team in Maplewood, NJ, is under the leadership of second-year head coach Aaron Breitman, a 2008 alumnus of the school. Assisting him are fellow alumni Chenae Earle, Stevana Sims, and Jacob Sumner, forming a coaching staff deeply connected to the program's history. The 2024–25 season showcased a blend of athleticism and youthful talent, with the team finishing with an overall record of 9–12 and a league record of 2–2 in the Super Essex Conference Liberty Division. Notable performances included victories over Nutley (53–40), Millburn (53–41), and Newark Central (52–35), highlighting the team's potential and growth throughout the season. The Cougars demonstrated resilience and determination, setting a strong foundation for future success. With a mix of returning players and incoming talent, the program is poised for continued development and competitiveness in the upcoming seasons. The commitment of the coaching staff and the dedication of the players reflect a promising outlook for Columbia High School girls basketball.

The Columbia High School boys fencing team in Maplewood, NJ, has a storied history marked by multiple state championships, including titles in 2003, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2014. Under the guidance of head coach Robert White, who has led the team to nine state titles, the program continues to uphold its legacy of excellence. The team has consistently demonstrated strength in various disciplines, with notable performances in sabre, foil, and épée events. In recent seasons, the Cougars have faced challenges but have shown resilience and determination, reflecting the enduring spirit of the program. The team's commitment to excellence is evident in their ongoing efforts to develop skilled fencers and maintain a competitive edge in the state's fencing community. With a strong foundation and dedicated coaching staff, the Columbia High School boys fencing team is poised to continue its tradition of success in the upcoming seasons.

The Columbia High School girls fencing team continued its storied tradition of excellence during the 2024–25 season, finishing as the runner-up in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) state team tournament. This achievement added to the program's legacy as one of the most successful in the state. The Cougars' journey to the state final included a notable 15–12 victory over North Hunterdon in the first round and a thrilling 14–13 upset against Montclair in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, they narrowly defeated Ridge, 14–13, securing their spot in the championship match. Throughout the season, the team demonstrated exceptional skill and sportsmanship, culminating in a strong performance at the Santelli Tournament, where they finished second overall. The Cougars' success is a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and the guidance of their coaching staff. Looking ahead, the team aims to build on this momentum and continue their pursuit of excellence in future seasons.

The Columbia High School ice hockey team has experienced a resurgence in recent seasons, culminating in a notable performance during the 2024–25 season. As part of a cooperative team with Nutley and Bloomfield, the team, under head coach Dave Macri, concluded the season with an 11–11–3 record. In the North Jersey Public Co-Op state tournament, the team achieved a significant 7–6 upset victory over the third-seeded Fair Lawn/Dumont/Bergenfield in the first round. Despite a subsequent loss to West Milford/Pequannock/Pompton Lakes in the quarterfinals, the team's performance highlighted their growth and potential. Key contributors included senior Alex Benkert, who scored 42 goals and 34 assists in just 14 games, junior Christian Sherman with 38 goals and 34 assists, and junior goalie Aiden Rosamilia, who surpassed 1,000 career saves. Looking ahead, the team aims to build upon this momentum, focusing on developing a cohesive unit and striving for greater success in future seasons.

The Columbia High School boys swimming team achieved a remarkable season in 2024–25 under the leadership of head coach Maggie Keenan. The Cougars concluded the season with an impressive 10–2 overall record, including a 6–1 mark in the Super Essex Conference–American Division, with their only loss to Seton Hall Prep. Their outstanding performance earned them the No. 2 seed in the North Jersey, Section 1, Group A state tournament. In the state sectional semifinals, the team defeated Passaic County Tech with a score of 99–71, advancing to the championship meet for the first time in over a decade. Although they faced a challenging matchup against top-seeded Ridgewood in the final, resulting in a 96–74 loss, the Cougars' journey to the championship highlighted their growth and determination. A standout moment of the season was at the Essex County/Super Essex Conference Championships, where junior Mason Keith was honored with the Cullen Jones Award as the meet's top swimmer. Keith's exceptional performances included winning the 50 freestyle with a time of 21.61 seconds and the 100 breaststroke in 57.10 seconds, both of which were among the fastest in the state. Looking ahead, the team aims to build upon this successful season, focusing on further development and striving for continued excellence in future competitions.

The Columbia High School girls swimming team has demonstrated remarkable growth and achievement under the leadership of head coach Maggie Keenan. In the 2024–25 season, the team started strong with a 4–0 record, showcasing their competitive spirit and skill. Coach Keenan, a Columbia alum and former champion swimmer, celebrated her 100th career victory with the team during this season, marking a significant milestone in her coaching tenure. The team's success is attributed to a combination of dedicated coaching, a no-cuts policy that fosters inclusivity, and a strong sense of community among the swimmers. Looking forward, the team aims to build upon this foundation, focusing on continued improvement and striving for excellence in future competitions. Their commitment to growth and teamwork positions them for continued success in the seasons to come.

The Columbia High School boys winter track and field team has demonstrated consistent excellence in recent seasons, continuing its tradition of strong performances in the Super Essex Conference and beyond. Under the guidance of co-head coaches Alex Simon and Mike Johnson, the team has achieved notable success in various competitions. At the Super Essex Conference–American Division Championships held at the Ocean Breeze Track and Field Facility on Staten Island, the boys team delivered solid performances, contributing to the overall success of Columbia's track and field program. Additionally, the team showcased their talents at the Essex County Championships at Schools Stadium in Newark, where they competed against top athletes from across the region. These achievements reflect the team's dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence in the sport. Looking ahead, the Columbia High School boys winter track and field team aims to build upon these successes, focusing on further development and striving for even greater accomplishments in future seasons.

The Columbia High School girls winter track and field team has consistently demonstrated excellence in recent seasons, continuing its tradition of strong performances in the Super Essex Conference and beyond. Under the guidance of co-head coaches Alex Simon and Mike Johnson, the team has achieved notable success in various competitions. At the Super Essex Conference–American Division Championships held at the Ocean Breeze Track and Field Facility on Staten Island, the girls team delivered solid performances, contributing to the overall success of Columbia's track and field program. Additionally, the team showcased their talents at the Essex County Championships at Schools Stadium in Newark, where they competed against top athletes from across the region. These achievements reflect the team's dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence in the sport. Looking ahead, the Columbia High School girls winter track and field team aims to build upon these successes, focusing on further development and striving for even greater accomplishments in future seasons.

The Columbia High School wrestling team in Maplewood, NJ, has demonstrated significant growth and achievement in recent seasons. Under the leadership of head coach Mike Freedman, the team has shown promise and dedication. In the 2024–25 season, the Cougars achieved notable victories, including a decisive 60–24 win over East Orange Campus High School on January 10, 2024. Key contributors such as August Katz and Oliver Kreizman advanced to the state tournament in Atlantic City, underscoring the team's competitive spirit and individual excellence. Looking ahead, the Columbia High School wrestling team aims to build upon these successes, focusing on further development and striving for continued excellence in future competitions.

The Columbia High School baseball team has demonstrated resilience and growth under the leadership of head coach Ryan Muirhead. In the 2024–25 season, the Cougars posted a 12–11–1 overall record, competing in the highly competitive Super Essex Conference–American Division. The season featured notable victories, including a 13–3 win over Union on April 30, 2025, and a 7–5 triumph against Bordentown on May 10, 2025. Despite a strong season, the Cougars faced a setback with a 4–1 loss to Seton Hall Prep in the sectional tournament. Looking ahead, the team aims to build upon this season's successes, focusing on further development and striving for excellence in future competitions. The Cougars' commitment to growth and teamwork positions them for continued success in the seasons to come.

The Columbia High School boys lacrosse team has shown significant progress in recent seasons. Under the guidance of head coach Ryan Downey, the Cougars achieved a commendable 9–8 overall record in the 2024 season. Their performance included notable victories such as a 14–13 overtime win against Montclair Kimberley Academy and a 5–4 triumph over Millburn in the first round of the Essex County Tournament. These achievements reflect the team's dedication and growth. Looking ahead, the team aims to build upon this foundation, focusing on further development and striving for excellence in future competitions. The Cougars' commitment to teamwork and improvement positions them for continued success in the seasons to come.

Under the leadership of head coach Steve Ramos, the Columbia High School girls lacrosse team had a strong 2024–25 season marked by significant achievements and player development. Senior Margaret McManus stood out by earning Third Team All–Group 4 state honors from NJ.com for the second consecutive year, finishing the season with 87 goals and 20 assists, and amassing a remarkable career total of 212 goals and 55 assists; she plans to continue her lacrosse career at Trinity College. Junior Anabel MacGuire contributed with multiple multi-goal games throughout the season, providing vital offensive firepower, while sophomore Amelia Burroughs added depth and versatility to the team’s attack. Coach Ramos, recognized for his leadership, helped guide the Cougars to a competitive season that set a strong foundation for future success, inspiring the players and strengthening the program’s reputation in the region.

The Columbia High School softball team had a remarkable 2024–25 season under the leadership of head coach Cliff Smith. The team achieved its first-ever sectional and regional championships, culminating in a state semifinal appearance—a historic milestone for the program. Junior Claire Shupe played a pivotal role in this success, leading the team with a 21-6 record and a 1.47 ERA, and contributing offensively with a .400 batting average, 6 home runs, and 28 RBIs. Her standout performance in the sectional final, where she pitched a one-hitter with 11 strikeouts and added a home run and two RBIs, exemplified her clutch play and leadership. Shupe's contributions were instrumental in the team's success, and she will continue her softball career at a collegiate level. The Cougars' historic run has set a new standard for the program, inspiring future players and solidifying their place in Columbia High School's athletic history.

The boys tennis team at Columbia High School has shown strong dedication and growth over the past two seasons. Last year, the team was led by standout players like Vaughn Lee and Oliver Grauman, who consistently delivered solid performances and helped the team secure key wins. This season, the team continues to build on that momentum with Vaughn and Oliver returning as experienced leaders, alongside emerging talents eager to make their mark. Under the guidance of head coach Steven Reichenstein, the team aims to improve their overall record and compete fiercely in their league, demonstrating both skill and sportsmanship on the court.

The Columbia High School boys spring track and field team has showcased exceptional talent and teamwork throughout the 2025 season, highlighted by standout performances from athletes such as Levi Taber-Kewene, Leo Klint, and Asa Glassman. Under the guidance of co-head coaches Alex Simon and Mike Johnson, the team secured a strong third-place finish at the Essex County Championships, where Taber-Kewene earned a second-place finish in the 1,600-meter run and Klint placed fourth in the same event, significantly contributing to the team’s overall success. Additionally, the 4×800-meter relay team, featuring Klint, Glassman, Taber-Kewene, and Caravetta, set a meet record with a remarkable time of 8:09.07, demonstrating their speed, coordination, and depth. Throughout the season, these athletes, along with their teammates, have exemplified dedication, resilience, and sportsmanship, helping Columbia maintain its reputation as a formidable contender in New Jersey high school track and field. Their achievements reflect the combined hard work of the athletes and coaching staff and reinforce the program’s strong standing within the highly competitive regional and statewide landscape. The commitment to excellence and team spirit continues to inspire both current members and younger athletes, ensuring Columbia’s legacy of athletic success and community pride remains vibrant and enduring.
 

The Columbia High School girls spring track and field team in Maplewood, New Jersey, delivered an outstanding performance during the 2025 season, marked by exceptional individual achievements and a strong sense of teamwork. Under the guidance of co-head coaches Alex Simon and Mike Johnson, the team secured a third-place finish at the Essex County Championships, showcasing their depth and versatility across various events. Notably, junior Keira Monagle clinched the 1,600-meter run with a time of 5:07.92, demonstrating her endurance and tactical racing skills. Sophomore Sydney Kwan contributed significantly to the team's success, recording impressive times in the 100 meters (12.83 seconds), 200 meters (26.68 seconds), and 400 meters (1:00.85), highlighting her speed and versatility. Additionally, junior Gwendolyn Butkus played a pivotal role in the 4×400-meter relay team, which placed 10th at the Penn Relays with a time of 4:12.09, showcasing the team's competitive spirit on a national stage. Throughout the season, these athletes, along with their teammates, exemplified dedication, resilience, and sportsmanship, contributing to the team's reputation as a formidable force in New Jersey high school track and field. Their achievements reflect the combined hard work of the athletes and coaching staff, reinforcing the program's strong standing within the highly competitive regional and statewide landscape. The commitment to excellence and team spirit continues to inspire both current members and younger athletes, ensuring Columbia's legacy of athletic success and community pride remains vibrant and enduring.