By D. Mark Mitchell
Sports Editor

Today is Independence Day, July 4. I want to wish everyone a Happy Fourth of July.

The AHSAA mandates this week as an off week for all of the member schools. No school under the AHSAA can practice, work out, condition or have an organized activity.

This is a great idea! In fact, the AHSAA should mandate more time off during the summer. Student-athletes that are in middle or high school need more time off in the summer.

I know all schools work out and condition in the summer. Summer workouts have gotten more and more widespread. Schools feel if one school is working out, then we need to work out.

But big schools such as Opelika may have one or two athletes that play multiple sports. It’s hard to play three sports because of the grind. The student leaves one sport and the next day starts another.

Don’t get me wrong – I love athletics!

Also, kids that play sports cannot work in the summer because they are preparing for the season. And parents have to plan vacation around workouts.

I think Opelika does a tremendous job of giving our athletes time off during the summer.

It’s still hard for the kids to work or be a normal teenager and go swimming, fishing, go to the beach, etc.

But this is the positive part of summer workouts:

The athlete will improve and get stronger by working out. He will learn the game and his teammates. The more you practice, the better you get.

I believe the AHSAA will take a look at the summer workout rules.Don’t be surprised if the AHSAA demands more time off during the summer.

I admire all of the young men and women that participate in athletics, and I think it’s best if the kids have more time off in the summer.

DIXIE BASEBALL

The Dixie Boys baseball league in Opelika is hosting the District 5 tournament, starting today. This is a ten team double elimination tournament. The top two teams advance to the State Tournament in Muscle Shoals July 18.

Opelika will play at 7 p.m. tonight.

OPELIKA BOOSTERS

The Opelika All-Sports Booster Club is still enrolling Corporate Sponsorships and selling ads for the football program.

All proceeds go to the Athletics at OMS and OHS.

The ASBC funds are used to help compensate each sport so they can have extra funds to help the sport. The All-Sports Boosters transfers several thousand dollars to the athletic department. The funds are kept at the school and can only be used with approval of the Booster Board.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or buy an ad, please call 334-319-0467 or email me at www.foxonthemark@yahoo.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

ON THE MARK ON THE RADIO

You can keep up with Opelika Athletics every day by tuning into On The Mark radio show weekdays from 7-9 a.m. on WTLM 1520am.

Jeff Sasser and I host the show. We interview coaches and special guest each day.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

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