Tri-City Athletes Shine: Celebrating Local Sports Triumphs and Upcoming Events

By Jerome Bryant

As we draw closer to the end of summer, the competitive spirit within the Tri-City area is reaching a fever pitch. Our local athletes are not only seizing titles but also making headlines that resonate far beyond our community borders. Let’s dive into the action and celebrate their outstanding achievements.

The Harris County Little League has triumphed, clinching the 2024 Little League 12U Softball State Championship, and is now poised for the next challenge in Warner Robins. Tune into ESPN starting July 21st to catch our Georgia State Champions in action. In another thrilling development, the Harris County 11U All-Stars have also captured the 2024 Georgia State Championship and are gearing up to showcase their skills at the Tournament of State Champions in Wilson, NC.

Adding to our local pride, Columbus's very own Mason Dozier has dominated the 8U National AAU Club Championships in Florida, securing first place in the 100m, 200m, and 400m races, and capturing the team MVP award. His team, the West Georgia Jets, mirrored his success by clinching the national title, underscoring a significant triumph for our sports community.

The PorterSports SE 7th grade team has also made headlines by winning the Run 4 Roses Classic Bronze bracket championship. Across state lines, the Phenix City 14u All-Stars excelled at the 2024 USSSA Little League World Series Rec Ball in Baton Rouge, achieving a runner-up finish in a hard-fought championship game. 

Congratulations are also for Georgy Helmers and Kristopher Strong, the inaugural winners of the AJC Peachtree Road Race Elite High School division. Helmers, a rising junior at St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School and two-time state champion in cross country and track triumphed in her first Peachtree Road Race, securing the top spot in the female's Elite High School division. Strong, a student from Stockbridge High School, clinched victory in his first-ever Peachtree Road Race, showcasing the depth of talent in our local youth.

In professional sports, the Columbus Lions, fresh off their 2024 Arena Football Championship win, are strategically advancing their gameplay by joining the National Arena League for the 2025 season. This move is set to heighten the competition and deepen fan engagement, promising an exhilarating future for local football fans.

As we continue to revel in these successes, let’s also look forward to the SAMARC Dream and Achieve 20th Summer Camp from July 22nd to 25th at Columbus State University, featuring sports legends Sam Mitchell and Marc Upshaw, along with Cory Black. Additionally, the excitement builds as we count down to the high school football season, with a special focus on both boys and girls high school flag football teams.

With so much talent and ambition pulsating through Columbus, our community remains a vibrant hub for athletic excellence. Let’s keep our spirits high and our support unwavering as we cheer on our local heroes to even greater heights.