Columbus East High School

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The 2026 season came to an end Friday evening for the Columbus East Olympians as they fell 5-1 to East Central in the semifinal round of the IHSAA Baseball Sectional hosted by Columbus North High School. While the result did not go the Olympians' way, Columbus East continued to compete throughout the contest, receiving a strong all-around performance from senior Kaden Arnholt and collecting five hits against a tough opponent. Arnholt turned in a complete-game effort in his final appearance on the mound for the Orange and Brown. The senior right-hander worked all six innings, striking out six batters while allowing six hits. After a challenging second inning, Arnholt settled in and kept the Olympians within striking distance, retiring nine batters via strikeout or ground ball over the final four innings. At the plate, Columbus East scattered five hits among five different players. Arnholt, Emmett Harden, JD Rotert, Bige Asher, and Paxton Thompson each recorded a hit for the Olympians. The Olympians threatened in the third inning when Harden ripped a single to center field and Logun Rager was hit by a pitch. In the fourth, Rotert lined a single to right field and later advanced into scoring position, but East was unable to cash in. Columbus East put together another scoring opportunity in the fifth. Asher opened the rally with a hard-hit single before Harden reached on a fielder's choice. Thompson followed with a line-drive single to center, loading the bases with momentum beginning to swing toward the Olympians. Although the rally came up empty, East continued to battle and refused to go away quietly. The breakthrough finally came in the sixth inning. Rotert worked a leadoff walk and aggressively moved into scoring position with a stolen base. Arnholt then delivered, lining a single to left field that brought Rotert home for the Olympians' lone run of the contest. The RBI was Arnholt's team-leading contribution of the evening and provided one final offensive highlight for the senior. Rotert finished the game 1-for-2 with a run scored, a walk, and a stolen base. Arnholt was 1-for-3 with an RBI, while Harden, Asher, and Thompson each added a hit. As a team, the Olympians recorded five hits, drew a walk, and put runners aboard in multiple innings. Defensively, Columbus East turned in several strong plays behind Arnholt. Landyn Jewell made key plays at third base, including a pair of assists, while Harden recorded an assist from shortstop. Thompson handled multiple chances in right field, and Rotert tracked down several fly balls in center field to help keep the Olympians within reach. The loss concludes a competitive season for the Olympian baseball program and first year head coach Christian Brown. Friday's game also marked the final chapter for a senior class that has left its mark on Columbus East baseball. Seniors Logun Rager, Ryker Stott, Kaden Arnholt, and Bige Asher each played their final game in an Olympian uniform. Throughout their careers, they have represented Columbus East with dedication, toughness, leadership, and pride while helping carry on the tradition of Olympian baseball. Arnholt closed his career with a complete-game performance and an RBI, while Asher contributed a hit in his final contest. Rager and Stott have been valuable members of the program throughout their careers, providing leadership and commitment both on and off the field. The Columbus East baseball family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Logan, Ryker, Kaden, and Bige for their years of dedication to the Orange and Brown. Their impact on the program will be remembered, and the Olympian community wishes each of them nothing but success as they move forward to the next chapter of their lives. Though the season ended one game short of a sectional championship opportunity, the 2026 Olympians leave behind a legacy of perseverance, teamwork, and pride that will continue to inspire those who follow. Thank you Olympians for a fun season!