D. Mark Mitchell

Sports Director at Opelika Observer

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On the Mark | OHS boys soccer suffers losses this week

1 month ago | opelikaobserver.com | D. Mark Mitchell

BY D MARK MITCHELLOPINION —The Opelika High School boys’ soccer team endured a challenging week with two close losses. First, Smiths Station edged out the Bulldogs in a nail-biting sudden-death shootout, 5-4. Regulation time ended in a 2-2 tie, with Opelika’s Josh Beltran scoring both goals, thanks to assists from Rigo Ramirez and Josef Klapetek.
On the Mark | Local wrestlers shine at state tournament

2 months ago | opelikaobserver.com | D. Mark Mitchell

BY D MARK MITCHELLOPINION —The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) hosted the state wrestling tournament last weekend at the Vaughn Braun Civic Center in Huntsville, and local wrestlers brought home several state championships. Opelika’s Brady Campbell emerged as the state champion in the 175-lbs. weight class. Boasting an impressive season record of 50-1, Campbell defeated Andrew Sullivan of Vestavia Hills in the finals.
On the Mark | Feb. 13, 2025

2 months ago | opelikaobserver.com | D. Mark Mitchell

OPINION — Opelika High School Principal Kelli Fischer confirmed to me via telephone last week that OHS Athletic Director Jamie Williams will retire at the end of his contract on June 1. Fischer did not elaborate on a timeframe for filling the vacancy, nor has Opelika City Schools released an official statement regarding the opening. Williams was Opelika’s third full time athletic director since the position was created in 2009. Under his tenure, Opelika made the 7A Playoffs in football and soccer.
On the Mark | Feb. 6, 2025

2 months ago | opelikaobserver.com | D. Mark Mitchell

OPINION —As the chilly season winds down, Opelika’s athletes are making their last strides, jumps, and throws before spring sports kick off. This weekend saw the conclusion of the Indoor Track season, while wrestling and basketball are set to finish up before March ends, making way for the next wave of competitions. Indoor Track HighlightsThe Opelika High Indoor Track Team represented us proudly at the AHSAA Indoor Track and Field Meet held at Birmingham’s CrossPlex.
High school winter sports now in full swing - On the Mark

Jan 7, 2025 | opelikaobserver.com | D. Mark Mitchell

Happy 2025!We are in the middle of high school winter sports. Basketball started Area games last week, wrestlers are headed to duals and sectional matches and regional bowling is set for Jan. 23-24. The state indoor track meet is Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at the Crossplex in Birmingham.
On the Mark | Dec. 12, 2024

Dec 10, 2024 | opelikaobserver.com | D. Mark Mitchell

OPINION —The Alabama High School Athletic Association completed the Super 7 football champion-ship and flag football championships last week at Protective Stadium in Birmingham. This year’s event began with two flag football championship games, followed by seven football championship games. The event drew more than 41,000 fans over the three-day event: Wednesday (attendance 11,722), Thursday (attendance 13,177) and Friday (attendance 16,425 fans).
On the Mark | Dec. 5, 2024

Dec 3, 2024 | opelikaobserver.com | D. Mark Mitchell

OPINION —The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) is holding the Super 7 Football Championships at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 4 through 6.
On the Mark | Nov. 27, 2024

Nov 26, 2024 | opelikaobserver.com | D. Mark Mitchell

OPINION —The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) held the 61st Swimming and Diving Championship last weekend at the Huntsville Aquatics Center. GIRLS SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPWestminster Christian Academy girls team won the 1A-5A State Swimming Championship with 264 points, followed by Lamp (177 points), Arab (177 points), Randolph (148 points) and School of Cyber Technology (132 points). Locally, Beulah girls finished 16th (28 points) and Valley placed 21st (11 points).
On the Mark | Nov. 14, 2024

Nov 13, 2024 | opelikaobserver.com | D. Mark Mitchell

OPINION —Opelika (9-2) football thumped Florence (6-5) by a score of 43-7 last Friday at Bulldog Stadium in the round one of the AHSAA Class 7A football playoffs. The Dogs started fast, blocking the Falcons’ first punt and setting up Opelika’s first TD with 9:53 left in first quarter. OHS converted a two-point play. OHS proceeded to score on a 30-yard field goal with 7:26 left in first quarter, then scored three more TDs and a safety prior to intermission.
On the Mark | Nov. 7, 2024

Nov 8, 2024 | opelikaobserver.com | D. Mark Mitchell

OPINION —Opelika’s Football team (8-2) will host Florence (5-5) in the first round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association 7A State playoffs Friday at Bulldog Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.This is the first playoff appearance for the Dogs in class 7A and the first playoff birth in three years.