By D. Mark Mitchell

I appreciate the feedback from last week’s column. Most folks agree, Mitch Myers was treated bad by the University of Alabama.
Numerous state wide media outlets, social media sites and websites that charge money to gain access, added my story about Mitch Myers.
I do not take pride in writing negative columns or a column that is picked up by other media outlets across Alabama.
In fact, over the years, very few of my columns are negative, but the Mitch Myers “Story” needed to be told.
It is disturbing to see the dark side of big time College Athletics and how a child can be treated after making a commitment to a college.
OPELIKA
ATHLETICS
Coach Caleb Ross gave his football team six days off to enjoy the July 4 holiday. The Dawgs returned to participate in the, USA 7-on-7 National Qualifier at the “Emory Folmar Soccer Complex” on the AUM campus.
OHS finished in the top 4 with Lanier, Hoover and Thompson. Notable teams participating included, Spanish Fort, Park Crossing and Bob Jones to name a few.
Opelika will participate in the USA National 7-on-7 National Championships Series in Hoover July 13-15.
The tournament has four pools, A-B-C-D.
The Bulldogs are in Pool A with Central of Phenix City, Daphne, Austin, Hewitt-Trussville, Northridge and Spain Park, along with Best Academy and Lassiter from Georgia, and Meridian from Mississippi.
Teams will compete against other teams in their Pool. The top teams compete for the Championship after Pool play.
Coach Ross uses 7-on-7 competition to shore up timing between quarterback and receivers, see how receivers run routes and how well each player competes.
This is extremely important to see this in his first summer with the team. Ross is still learning the players and this is another way to analyze talent.
Opelika starts “fall” practice Aug. 7. The first game is Aug. 25 at Smiths Station. The Dawgs play Auburn in the home opener the following week, Sept.  1.
A side note, 6’3″ 315 lb senior DeAndre Butler committed to play football at UAB. The offensive tackle will start his third season for OHS.
CORPORATE
SPONSORSHIPS
The Opelika All-Sports Booster Club is still pursing Corporate Sponsors.
The Corporate Sponsorship plans start at $500. The Sponsor Packages include, Reserved home football tickets for regular season, reserved parking pass, ad in the athletic program and much more.
The All-Sports Booster Club disburses money between all the sports at OHS including cheerleaders and the Bulldog Pride Cheerleaders. The OMS Athletic programs receive a portion of money as well.
If you are interested, please email me, foxonthemark @ yahoo.com
OPELIKA JUNIOR DIXIE BOYS HEAD TO STATE
TOURNAMENT
The Opelika Junior Dixie Boys all-star team won the District 5 Tournament two weeks ago with a 4-0 record, advancing to the state tournament.
The 13-year-old All-Stars will attend opening ceremonies and a banquet Friday night in Dothan.
Opelika will play Fairhope at 3 p.m. Saturday in the opening round. The double- elimination tournament is scheduled to end July 19.
D.Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State director and vice president of the  A-O Sports Council.