Athlete · Wrestling · CCHS Class of 2006 · 2021 Hall of Fame Inductee
A 2006 CCHS graduate, Bryan Deutsch led the wrestling team to three straight final-four appearances, three semi-state titles, three regional titles, and four sectional titles. A four-time state qualifier, he finished as state runner-up in both 2005 and 2006 and compiled a 136–18 career record.
He still holds CCHS records for most wins in a season, most career postseason wins, and the longest career winning streak. Bryan went on to wrestle at Northern Illinois University, where he was a three-time NCAA national qualifier.
Athlete · Track and Field · CCHS Class of 2007 · 2021 Hall of Fame Inductee
A 2007 CCHS graduate, Leah Eber was a four-time state qualifier in the long jump, finishing eighth as a freshman and state runner-up each of her next three years. She also qualified in the 200m dash as a junior, earning a ninth-place medal, and helped lead the girls' track team to a sectional championship. Leah still holds the CCHS records in the 100m dash, 200m dash, and long jump.
At Purdue University she broke the school indoor long jump record, won four Big Ten titles, was a four-time Academic All-American, and finished as high as third at the NCAA Championships, earning All-American honors. In 2012 she was named the Big Ten Indoor Field Athlete of the Year and qualified for the London Olympic Trials, and in 2013 she placed eighth in the long jump at the USA Track and Field National Championships.
Athlete · Golf & Basketball · CCHS Class of 2000 · 2021 Hall of Fame Inductee
A 2000 CCHS graduate, Mike Schumaker competed in golf and basketball, earning seven varsity letters and multiple all-conference honors. In golf he was a two-time state qualifier and won individual sectional, regional, and state titles, and was named the IHSAA Mental Attitude award recipient for golf. He still holds the school records for best nine-hole round and best 18-hole round.
Mike was also a member of the 1998 boys' basketball sectional championship team and a recipient of the prestigious CCHS Honor Blanket. He went on to Northwestern University on a golf scholarship.
Coach · Basketball, Football & Track and Field · CCHS 1926–1943 · 2021 Hall of Fame Inductee
Abe DeVol served as head boys' basketball coach from 1926 to 1943, leading the Eagles to 272 wins along with 11 sectional and 2 regional titles. He remains the winningest coach in Columbia City boys' basketball history. He also coached the football team from 1926 to 1939 and boys' track and field from 1926 to 1943.
Beyond coaching, Abe served as an athletic director and as president of the Northern Indiana Athletic Officials' Association. Each year, Columbia City High School presents the DeVol Award in every male sport, honoring his lasting contributions to the school.
Athlete · Basketball, Volleyball & Softball · CCHS Class of 2000 · 2021 Hall of Fame Inductee
A 2000 CCHS graduate, Connie Kline was a multi-sport standout with 11 varsity letters in basketball, volleyball, and softball. She started every basketball game of her career until the 3A State Championship game her senior year, after tearing her ACL in the semi-state, yet still took the floor for her final game as the heart and soul of the Lady Eagles.
She remains the girls' all-time leading scorer with 1,629 career points and also holds records for most points in a season, most points in a game, most free throws made in a game, and most rebounds in a game. A 1999 Indiana Junior All-Star, the 2000 21-Alive Player of the Year, a four-time first-team all-conference selection, and an All-State Honorable Mention, Connie went on to Northern Kentucky University, where she led the team to the 2003 NCAA Division II national championship game.
