• What's Up Columbia!
  • Posts
  • Culleoka Second Grader Takes the Field as Tennessee Titans Kids Captain

Culleoka Second Grader Takes the Field as Tennessee Titans Kids Captain

Issue #818

September 16, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☀️ Columbia’s Thursday Weather - Sunny w/ high of 95, low of 70

🏈 Culleoka Second Grader Takes the Field as Tennessee Titans Kids Captain

🪄 9/19: David Merlin Brings Paranormal Comedy and Magic to The Mulehouse

🗓 List of Upcoming Events - Just Updated!

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Culleoka Second Grader Takes the Field as Tennessee Titans Kids Captain

Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans

Culleoka Unit School second grader Liam Heiss was selected as the first winner of Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee’s 17th annual Tennessee Titans Kids Captain contest. The 8-year-old had a moment to remember Sunday as he stood alongside Tennessee Titans captains at midfield for the pregame coin toss ahead of the team’s matchup with the New York Jets.

The experience was part of the Titans’ Kids Captain contest, which gives young fans ages 6 through 12 years old the unique opportunity to receive four lower-bowl tickets, a parking pass, a red Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee cap, an official Titans jersey, and the rare chance to step onto the field as an honorary captain.

Eight-year-old Liam Heiss is outgoing, energetic and always ready to have fun. A soccer player and sports fan, he loves playing with his friends and gaming. When he’s not on the soccer field, Liam can be found spending time with his family, especially his twin brother, Tanner, and letting his wild, fun-loving personality shine

“Being part of a Titans game and experiencing everything that came with being the Kids Captain is something he’ll remember for the rest of his life,” said his mother, Brittany Heiss. “We were just so excited to see his face when it all became real!”

For Liam, being named the Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee’s Kids Captain made his first professional football game especially memorable. An avid sports fan, he was most excited to see the players up close, step onto the field, and experience the excitement of a Tennessee Titans game for the first time. 

“Seeing Liam take the field and experience such a special moment with the Titans was something we were proud to be a part of,” said Kevin Herston, a Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee agent in Lawrence County. “Our local communities are at the heart of everything we do, and opportunities like this allow us to celebrate the families we’re fortunate to serve every day. We hope Liam and his family will remember this experience for years to come.” 

From now through December, Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee will choose seven more winners to be a Kids Captain for each of the following home games:

• Oct. 11 vs. Houston Texans 
• Oct. 25 vs. Cleveland Browns
• Nov. 15 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars 
• Dec. 6 vs. Washington Commanders
• Dec. 20 vs. Indianapolis Colts
• Jan. 3 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Contest entries open three weeks prior to the Titans’ home football games listed above, and contestants can enter to win anytime throughout the fall season. Entrants must be residents of Tennessee, be ages 6 through 12, and have parental consent to participate. Winners will be notified approximately two weeks before their assigned game and must respond within 24 hours to claim their opportunity to shine on the field.

9/19: David Merlin Brings Paranormal Comedy and Magic to The Mulehouse

Get ready for an evening of family-friendly magic & entertainment!

David Merlin is a paranormal comedy performer who blends interactive magic, mentalism, audience participation, and humor into a high-impact theatrical experience. It’s something a little different from a traditional stand-up show and works extremely well in theater settings.

The show is family-friendly and includes a variety of visual illusions such as:

  • A “cut in half” illusion

  • A crate illusion involving audience interaction

  • Self-levitation

  • A mirror illusion where he passes his arm through the glass

  • A live audience (kid) levitation

Enjoy an evening of mind-blowing illusions and laugh-out-loud entertainment! FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN for all ages. Expect the impossible, experience the unexplainable, and laugh the whole way through the evening! 

Saturday, Sep 19, 2026
Doors: 6:00PM | Show: 7:00PM

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Thursday, September 17th

Friday, September 18th

Saturday, September 19th

Sunday, September 20th

Monday, September 21st

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, September 17
Todd Ciprian - Tito's, 6-9 PM
Steven Gary - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30-9 PM

Friday, September 18
TBA - The Spot: Burgers & Beer, 5-8 PM
Michael Forkuo - Buck & Board, 6-9 PM
Tom Saffell - McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery, 7-9 PM
Blue Ashes - Southern Bayou Kitchen, 7 PM
Don’t Tell Mom - The Bourbon Gospel (back patio), 7-10 PM
Jami Grooms - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30-9 PM
The Howlin Embers - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Lorrie Morgan - The Mulehouse, 8 PM

Saturday, September 19
Troy Castellano - Keg Springs Winery, 2-5 PM
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 2-5 PM
Carson Phillips - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3-7 PM
Open Mic - Grinder's Switch Winery, 3-7 PM
Jane Rose & The Deadends - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4:30 PM
Sins Country - Hampshire Hills Distillery, 5-9 PM
Curated Writers Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Everamarillo - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Pretty Grimm - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, September 20
Jim Fox Trio - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1-5 PM

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk