Columbus East High School

After 15 impactful years guiding the Columbus East baseball program, head coach Jon Gratz has announced his resignation. Gratz, who took over the Olympians in 2009, leaves behind a legacy of excellence, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his players and the school community. A defining moment of his tenure came in 2019, when Gratz led Columbus East to the IHSAA Class 4A State Finals. In a dramatic title game, the Olympians came up just short, falling to Hamilton Southeastern in a heartbreaker, 3-2. Despite the loss, the run to the finals marked a historic achievement for the program and remains one of its proudest accomplishments. “This program, and our players, have been such a huge part of my life,” Gratz shared in a heartfelt farewell message. “I’ve cherished every moment and every challenge we faced together.” Gratz made the difficult decision to step away from coaching to spend more time with his family, who have supported him through countless games and long seasons. He will continue teaching at Columbus East and remain an active supporter of the school community. “While I won’t be in the dugout, I’ll still be cheering on the Olympians from the stands,” he said. Gratz also expressed deep gratitude to his players, their families, and the Columbus East administration. “I’ve been truly fortunate to be a part of so many amazing lives,” he said. “I’m excited to watch our returning players continue their journey and grow into men. The future is incredibly bright!” As the Olympians prepare for a new chapter, Coach Jon Gratz leaves the program with a legacy built on integrity, hard work, and heart—a legacy that won’t soon be forgotten. Go East!