By D. Mark Mitchell
Sports Editor

Athletes continue to workout and lift weights.

The AHSAA designated this week as “ALL-STAR” week. Athletes were chosen across the state to participate in each sport in Montgomery, the host city for this event.

Opelika has a few days off to rest before fall practice. The team will start the football season Aug. 22 at the Crampton Bowl in Montgomery in the “CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE” against Carver, and the Dawgs will play crosstown rival Auburn Aug. 29 at Duck Samford.

Opelika’s football team has completed 7-on-7 events and team camps. The Dawgs travelled to Hoover last Thursday for the National Select 7-on-7 tournament.

Our cross-country and volleyball teams are also getting ready for the fall season.

Opelika’s boys and girls cross-country team has a good chance to win a 6A state Title. I would encourage you to watch the Opelika cross-country meet at the Sportsplex – the cross-country team uses the trail at there.

The volleyball team continues to work to improve. The team will be better this year due to the hard work by the players.

The OHS cheerleaders are practicing every day, as well. The squad will put in as many hours as any team at Opelika.

The girls have been selling ads for the football program. The Opelika All-Sports Booster Club helps each cheerleader that sells an ad for the program.

LIVE STREAMING UPDATE

Opelika City Schools continue to look into “live video streaming” of each football game. The radio broadcast will be used as audio.

Fans can purchase 24-hour passes, monthly passes or yearly passes, and the school system will receive a portion of the money paid by the consumer.

Stay tuned for details.

DIXIE BASEBALL

The Opelika Dixie Boys baseball team finished 2-2 in the State Tournament.

Opelika traveled to Muscle Shoals for the tournament. The All-Stars won the first two games, then lost two in a row. Congrats to all the dixie softball and baseball teams!

OPELIKA ALL-SPORTS BOOSTERS

The Opelika Booster Club will hold monthly event called “Bulldog Night.” Opelika Coaches will speak each month during therir respective season. All fans are encouraged to attend the meetings. Stay tuned for date and times.

OPELIKA BOOSTER CLUB CORPORATE SPONSOR DINNER

The Opelika Booster Club will hold the annual dinner in the new OHS cafeteria, Aug. 14 at 6:30 p.m.

Sponsors will receive an invitation and are invited to attend.

Coach Blackmon will be the guest speaker.

D.Mark Mitchell is sports director for Qantum Radio, Alabama Dixie Boys State director and vice president of the  A-O Sports Council.