The UIL State Champion Football trophy, held by linebacker Brody Vinklarek, is proudly displayed by the Columbus Cardinals 2024, Conference 3A, Division I, football team. This first-ever feat by a Columbus Cardinal 12-man team overcame the death of a teammate and several injuries to take the top spot. The parade was held in the teams honor on Dec. 29, 2024, in Columbus. Photo by John Jones, Banner Press
Coach Kenneth Robinson, right, checks off the box to the Columbus Cardinals State Champs drive with Athletic Director Matt Schobel looking on. Taking the team to snatch the title of state champions away from the favored Malakoff Tigers, Coach Schobel says this was a "promise kept" in memory of #62 Aleks Medrano, a beloved Columbus Cardinal football teammate. Photo by John Jones, Banner PressThe Columbus Cardinals Cheerleaders, side by side through the season with the winning football team, show their spirit during the well-attended parade honoring the Cardinal State Champion victory. Photo by John Jones, Banner Press
