D. Mark Mitchell Articles

On the Mark | Week of March 10, 2025

OPINION — Congratulations to Craig Montel on being named Athletic Director at Opelika High School. SOCCERThe Opelika High varsity boys soccer team lost to Auburn 5-1 and Enterprise 4-0 last week. The Bulldogs host Central-Phenix City on Thursday, March 17. The girls...

On the Mark | OHS boys soccer suffers losses this week

BY D MARK MITCHELL OPINION —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...

On the Mark | Spring sports are now in full bloom

Opelika Middle and High schools’ spring sport teams are wide open as we head into the first week of March. Following is a summary of last week’s action. TENNIS The Opelika High School tennis team swept Lee-Scott Academy last week, with the girls winning 9-0 and the...

On the Mark | Local wrestlers shine at state tournament

BY D MARK MITCHELL OPINION — 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...
On the Mark | Feb. 13, 2025

On the Mark | Feb. 13, 2025

OPINION —  Opelika High School Principal Kelli Fischer confirmed to me via telephone last week that OHS Athletic Director Jamie Williams will...

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On the Mark | Feb. 13, 2025

On the Mark | Feb. 6, 2025

OPINION — As the chilly season winds down, Opelika’s athletes are making their last strides, jumps, and throws before spring sports kick off. This...

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On the Mark | Feb. 13, 2025

On the Mark | Jan. 28, 2025

By D. Mark Mitchell OPINION — Opelika High School’s Athletic Department was quiet last week due to a winter storm that left our area with snow and...

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On the Mark | Feb. 13, 2025

On the Mark | Jan. 23, 2025

Inclement weather postpones Opelika sports OPINION — The forecast for Alabama called for sub-freezing temperatures and possible icy road conditions,...

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On the Mark | Feb. 13, 2025

On the Mark | Jan. 16, 2025

OHS basketball in middle of area regular season OPINION — Opelika High played two Area basketball games since my last column: Central-Phenix City...

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On the Mark | Feb. 13, 2025

On the Mark | Jan. 9, 2025

High school winter sports now in full swing - On the Mark Happy 2025! We are in the middle of high school winter sports. Basketball started Area...

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On the Mark | Jan. 2, 2025

On the Mark | Jan. 2, 2025

OHS basketball heads into area competition OPINION — The Opelika girls and boys basketball teams have completed pre-area schedules. Holiday...

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On the Mark | Jan. 2, 2025

On the Mark | Dec. 24, 2024

Wrapping up 2024 with basketball, wrestling OPINION — Local Schools are on Christmas and New Years break, but basketball teams, including Opelika’s...

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On the Mark | Jan. 2, 2025

On the Mark | Dec. 19, 2024

OHS wrestlers compete in Suede Umbach Invitational OPINION — The OHS boys Wrestling team particiapated in the 20th “Suede Umbach Invitational” last...

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