34 MARCH 2026 By Rachael Bouley It’s only been two years since the Central Phoenix Colts started, but the tackle football organization has a lot to celebrate, from growing participation numbers to their first- ever State Championship. Founded by retired NFL quarterback Drew Stanton in February 2024, the nonprofit is committed to promoting youth sports and developing leadership, character, sportsmanship, discipline, and athletic ability. Stanton played 14 professional seasons, five with the Arizona Cardinals, and settled in Phoenix after retirement. He began serving as a volunteer youth coach, initially coaching tackle football in Arcadia. “When the leaders of the Arcadia Titans Youth Football program decided not to field any teams for the 2024 season, Drew founded the Central Phoenix Colts to provide Arcadia- area boys an opportunity to play tackle and continue to develop their leadership and skills,” Coach Peter Wand said. In 2024, the Central Phoenix Colts had two teams – an 11-and-under team and a 12-and- under team. Last year, they had grown to three: 11-and-under coached by NFL veteran Lorenzo Alexander, 12-and-under coached by Stanton, and 13-and-under coached by Ronny McCarron. Their first year, the 11-and-under team made an impressive inaugural run, finishing as state runner-up after losing the championship game to the Phoenix Southside Wildcats. In 2025, the now 12-and- under Colts went undefeated to secure the organization’s first state title. By Kylie de Best Downtown Phoenix hums with energy from morning to night. Between big-name attractions and neighborhood happenings, there’s always something drawing people into the city center. Later this month, that buzz will include a healthy dose of movement and mindfulness as the DTPHX Wellness Fair returns to Civic Space Park on March 25, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The annual event, which typically welcomes 200 to 250 attendees, shines a spotlight on the wide range of health and wellness resources right in Downtown Phoenix. Open to the public, the fair features complimentary workouts led by local fitness instructors, giveaways from area businesses, healthy food and drink options, and one- on-one time with health professionals, nonprofits, and wellness studios. Since 2023, Downtown Phoenix Inc. has partnered with ASU to host the event, creating an approachable space for people to explore self-care and discover how accessible wellness can be. “This event is designed for everyone, whether you’re already active in fitness and wellness or just getting started,” Marketing Director Skyler Scott said. “It’s a chance to connect with downtown businesses and organizations, take a step toward your health goals, and enjoy a fun, active day in the city.” A highlight of the fair is its lineup of high-energy workouts, which give attendees a chance to break a sweat while connecting with others. Guests can pre-register for “The State Championship game was an instant classic – the game was played on a chilly Saturday evening in the pouring rain,” Wand said. “The Colts didn’t let that keep them down and won the game 23-18 over a very well-coached team from Glendale, the Southwest Stampede.” There were 40 boys on the roster, with most hailing from Arcadia and nearby neighborhoods, including students from Ingleside Middle School, Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School, Christ Lutheran School, and All Saints. The Colts went 12-0 in their unbeaten season. They started with training camp on hot summer afternoons at Arcadia High School through July and August. They connected and bonded as a team before two to three free classes. Past offerings include Pilates, yoga, spin, HIIT – even a Bollywood-inspired dance class. This year, organizers plan to host two complimentary sessions; one in the park’s amphitheater and another on the lawn at Civic Space Park. Several vendors are already confirmed for the 2026 event, including ASU Health Services and the Longevity Lab, which will offer stretch therapy, cold plunge, red light therapy and more. Spectrum Medical Health, Perry Monge Salon and Spa, Urban Eyecare, Orange Theory Fitness and the University of Speed, Agility and Quickness (SAQ) and participated in years prior. Civic Space Park is easily accessible, with nearby street and garage parking available. Visitors can also take the light rail to the Van Buren/Central Avenue station, just a short walk from the park, or reserve parking in advance using the ParkPHX app. Downtown Phoenix Inc. hopes to grow the Wellness heading north to the cool pines where they beat the Flagstaff Panthers and set up momentum for the rest of the year. Coach Wand’s favorite moment of the season came during halftime of the championship game, when the weather was wet and the score was close as their opponents played a very physical brand of football. “Team captains Izzy Johnson, Auggie Wand, Asher Stanton, and Brayden Mason pulled the boys together and reminded them that this was the moment they had worked so hard for,” Wand recalled. “This was exactly what they had dreamed of – the chance to win a State Championship – and that there was ‘no better place to be than right here and right now.’” Fair through new partnerships and expanded fitness programming. Ideas on the table include adding a community 5K sponsored by a wellness brand – another way to bring more people together and keep Downtown Phoenix moving. Wand coaches the offensive line and is impressed by the boys’ commitment to their craft and helping the team succeed, especially after a heartbreaking loss in the 2024 championships. “Football is the ultimate team game. We’ve got 11 young men on the field at any given time, and to be successful as a team, each of them must do his job to the absolute best of his ability,” Wand said. “It’s incredible to see their growth and development as football players and as teammates. In the playoffs, the boys simply refused to let each other down.” Co-captain and starting center Auggie said he’s loved his time with the Colts after transitioning from flag football to tackle. “The best part of the season was playing in the championship game, in the cold and the rain, with my teammates,” Auggie said. “We all have to work together on every play. Like on a field goal, I have to make a good snap, Asher has to make a good hold, and Beckem has to make a good kick. Everyone else has to hold their blocks until the kick is off. It only works if we all do our jobs.” No matter what the weather or how long practices are, Co-Caption Izzy enjoys training with his teammates and remains committed to the game. “This was a fun season and something new being on a new team,” Izzy said. “The best part of the season was getting better coaching, which I usually don’t get. Eventually, I want to get a scholarship for college, I want to get drafted to the NFL, and I want to win a Super Bowl.” Congratulations, Colts! Teamwork + perseverance = success for Colts football Hey, Phoenix! Let’s get moving! WHEN: Wednesday, March 25 @ 11 a.m. WHERE: Civic Space Park, 424 N. Central Ave., Phoenix More info @ dtphx.org DTPHX WELLNESS FAIR The DTPX Wellness Fair partners with various organizations that aim to educate attendees on health and fitness topics. PHOTO: ZEE PERALTA PHOTOGRAPHY Asher Stanton, Izzy Johnson, Brayden Mason, and Auggie Wand. PHOTO COURTESY OF MERCEDES WILSON

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