D. Mark Mitchell

D. Mark Mitchell

Columnist

D. Mark Mitchell is a writer for The Observer

D. Mark Mitchell's Latest

On the Mark | Spring sports are now in full bloom

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...

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On the Mark | Local wrestlers shine at state tournament

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 retire at the end of his contract on June 1. Fischer did not elaborate on a timeframe for filling the...

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On the Mark | Local wrestlers shine at state tournament

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 weekend saw the conclusion of the Indoor Track season, while wrestling and basketball are set to...

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On the Mark | Local wrestlers shine at state tournament

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 ice for several days, causing Gov. Kay Ivey to declare a State of Emergency and making the decision...

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On the Mark | Local wrestlers shine at state tournament

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, causing our local schools to postpone all activities on Tuesday and Wednesday, including Area...

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On the Mark | Local wrestlers shine at state tournament

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 and Auburn at OHS.The Red Devils dominated the Bulldogs, sweeping the varsity girls and boys games in...

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On the Mark | Local wrestlers shine at state tournament

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 games last week, wrestlers are headed to duals and sectional matches and regional bowling is set for...

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On the Mark | Spring sports are now in full bloom

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 tournaments over the break are preparing them for area competition in January. The winner of the area...

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On the Mark | Spring sports are now in full bloom

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 girls and boys teams are busy playing in holiday tournaments before and after Christmas. The Lady...

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On the Mark | Spring sports are now in full bloom

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 weekend on the Auburn High campus. The Bulldogs competed against the top teams from Alabama. The...

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On the Mark | Spring sports are now in full bloom

On the Mark | Dec. 12, 2024

State championships held in Birmingham 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...

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On the Mark | Spring sports are now in full bloom

On the Mark | Dec. 5, 2024

Super 7 Football Championships Underway 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.The first game of the...

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On the Mark | Spring sports are now in full bloom

On the Mark | Nov. 27, 2024

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...

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On the Mark | Spring sports are now in full bloom

On the Mark | Nov. 21, 2024

Opelika finishes 8-2, heads to post-season OPINION — OHS FOOTBALLHoover (10-2) ended Opelika’s (9-3) football season with a 32-29 win in three overtimes last Friday at the Hoover Met.The quarterfinal matchup between the Bucs and the Bulldogs gained...

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On the Mark | Spring sports are now in full bloom

On the Mark | Nov. 14, 2024

Opelika to play against Hoover Friday 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’...

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On the Mark | Spring sports are now in full bloom

On the Mark | Nov. 7, 2024

Opelika finishes 8-2, heads to post-season 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...

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On the Mark | Spring sports are now in full bloom

On the Mark | Oct. 31, 2024

Opelika finishes 8-2, heads to post-season OPINION — In their last regular season game, the Opelika High School Bulldogs (8-2) lost to Carver 44-35 last Thursday at Crampton Bowl. The Dogs looked like a team destined to win their ninth game of the...

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On the Mark | Spring sports are now in full bloom

On the Mark | Oct. 24, 2024

Opelika defeats Central-Phenix City BY D. MARK MITCHELL OPINION — Opelika (8-1, R 5-1) beat the Central-Phenix City Red Devils (6-2, R 4-2) 23-14, last Friday night in front of a packed home crowd at Bulldog stadium, earning a first trip to the...

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On the Mark | Spring sports are now in full bloom

On the Mark | Oct. 17

BY D. MARK MITCHELL OPINION — Opelika (7-1, R 4-1) moved a step closer to clinching a playoff berth after beating Enterprise 30-13 last Friday at Homecoming at Bulldog Stadium.EHS head coach Ben Blackmon did not coach the Wildcats nor make the...

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