Columbus East High School

As soon as the IHSAA Boys Soccer State Tournament pairings were announced, the Columbus East Olympians knew they faced a monumental challenge. They drew 3A #1 Center Grove, a team not only topping the Indiana rankings but also widely regarded as the best high school soccer team in the nation. Undeterred, the Olympians traveled to Greenwood, Indiana, with the intention of giving their all in the first-round sectional matchup. Despite a valiant effort, Columbus East fell 4-0 to the Trojans, who flexed their muscle and proved why they hold such a lofty ranking. Olympians goalkeeper Ryder Meek stood tall, finishing the night with an impressive 12 saves as he faced relentless pressure from Center Grove’s attack. Columbus East managed just two shots on goal against the dominant Trojans defense. While the loss ended their tournament run, the Olympians have much to be proud of under first-year head coach Sam LaVelle. The team achieved a major milestone this season by capturing the Hoosier Hills Conference Championship, a testament to their growth and resilience. With this season’s foundation laid, Coach LaVelle and the Olympians are eagerly looking ahead to building on their success next year.