Columbus East High School

Olympians Focused on Finishing in 2026 The way last season ended still lingers — and that’s fueling the fire. After a heartbreaking 5-4 sectional championship loss to the Whiteland Warriors on May 29 to close the 2025 campaign, Columbus East walked away knowing something important: they can play with anyone. Head coach Rusty Brummett believes that lesson changed the mindset of this group. “We proved last year that we can compete with anyone,” Brummett said. “We learned how to compete.” That distinction matters. Competing isn’t just showing up — it’s sustaining focus, responding to adversity, and finishing games. That focus has defined the offseason. “This group has great leadership and work ethic,” Brummett said. “The loss at the end of the year left us ready to compete and take the next step.” Many players stayed active in travel softball while continuing skill development in pitching, hitting, and catching. The result is a veteran roster that returns every starter from a team that was right there at the end. Strength in All Three Phases Brummett sees balance across the board entering 2026. “We want to make sure we are prepared in all three aspects of the game,” he said. “We have a good pitching staff with depth. Our defense improved, and with the work this summer and fall it will continue to get better. And our offense should give most of our competitors some problems.” Speed and power headline the offensive outlook, while pitching depth provides flexibility in tight stretches. Combined with improved defensive consistency, East believes it has the pieces to handle early-season challenges. And there will be challenges right away. The Olympians open the season at home on March 25 against Brown County before heading on the road April 2 to Bloomington High School North. They remain in Bloomington for an April 4 doubleheader against Bloomington South High School, then travel April 7 to Brownstown Central High School. The O's do not have a home game until Thursday, April 9th when they host the always strong Floyd Central Highlanders, also a Hoosier Hills Conference opponent. The O's will know where they stand after this onslaught of big games early in the regular season schedule. “We’ll learn very quickly if we’re ready to take the next step with this group of athletes,” Brummett said. Experience Returns in the Lineup Continuity is a major strength. Lola Watkins, Thaise Jessup, Baliegh Fish, and Jacque Burroughs return after anchoring the top of the lineup a season ago. Behind them, Natasha Armstrong, Ariel Darnell, Taylor Wessel, Daisy Logan, Kenzie Hampton, and Jade Hampton provide depth and experience throughout the order. “We expect another balanced year,” Brummett said. “We believe we are as deep as we have been in a long time.” Returning every starter doesn’t guarantee success. It does raise expectations. The Standard for 2026 For Brummett, success isn’t defined by preseason talk or even record projections. “We believe that success is competing until the last out of every game,” he said. “If we can accomplish that, the wins and losses take care of themselves.” That mindset — finish every inning, every at-bat, every pitch — is the foundation. The Olympians were close last spring. Now, the focus is clear: don’t just compete. Finish.