Columbia Roughnecks — Columbia — a college & pro athletic pipeline
6 alumni who reached major-college or pro sports
West Columbia, Texas – Columbia High School, a familiar name in Class 4A athletics, has a history of producing athletes who went on to compete at major-college and professional levels. The school's alumni include several who made their mark in professional sports. Among them is Jim Ray Smith, a former NFL offensive lineman, and Dennis Gaubatz, who played as an NFL linebacker. These athletes represent the talent cultivated within the Columbia High School athletic programs.
The tradition of athletic achievement continued with Charlie Davis, a former NFL running back, and Charlie Johnson, a former NFL defensive tackle. More recently, Columbia High School has seen alumni reach Major League Baseball, with Jared Wells and Seth Romero both becoming former MLB pitchers. The careers of these individuals highlight the path from West Columbia fields to professional competition.
- Jim Ray Smith — (1950), former NFL All-Pro offensive lineman
- Dennis Gaubatz — (1958), former NFL linebacker
- Charlie Davis — (1970), former NFL running back
- Charlie Johnson — (1970), former NFL All-Pro defesive tackle
- Jared Wells — (1999), former MLB pitcher
- Seth Romero — (2014), former MLB pitcher
Jim Ray Smith was a former NFL offensive lineman.