Sports

The Oglethorpe County High School varsity boys basketball team is 1-12 overall and 1-5 in their region. Head Coach Carlos Strong says this year is a "building year" as he is focusing on the culture of the team. The team is huddled after practice on Wednesday, Jan. 15 to debrief their practice. (Photo/ Avery Cameron)

The Oglethorpe County High School varsity boys basketball team is 1-12 overall and 1-5 in their region. Head Coach Carlos Strong says this year is a "building year" as he is focusing on the culture of the team. The team is huddled after practice on Wednesday, Jan. 15 to debrief their practice. (Photo/ Avery Cameron)

OCHS boys basketball focuses on culture

Avery Cameron
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
While the Oglethorpe County boys basketball team record isn’t what he hoped, sitting at 1-12 overall and 1-5 in Region 8-A Division I, coach Carlos Strong has faith in his team.  He said he believes they can finish well and build a new culture.
The 8u boys basketball team coached by Trae Lovin shows off the trophy after winning the championship on Jan. 18. The coaches include Dwight Howard, Shyanne Allgood and Lovin, and the team members are Tim Cheeseborough, Lane Allgood, Malachi Smith, John Kade Lovin, Max Mathews, Jordan Turner and Chase Turner. (Submitted photo)

The 8u boys basketball team coached by Trae Lovin shows off the trophy after winning the championship on Jan. 18. The coaches include Dwight Howard, Shyanne Allgood and Lovin, and the team members are Tim Cheeseborough, Lane Allgood, Malachi Smith, John Kade Lovin, Max Mathews, Jordan Turner and Chase Turner. (Submitted photo)

Improvement sparks 8u, 12u championships

Anna Izquierdo
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Improvement was the name of the season’s game for the 8u and 12u boys basketball teams that played in championship games at Oglethorpe County Rec Department on Jan. 18.  Trae Lovin, coach of the 8u team, said all the players improved throughout the season.

Boys wrestlers struggle, aim for traditional meets

Hank Tatum
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
The Oglethorpe County boys wrestling team failed to qualify for the team dual state tournament after finishing fourth at the area tournament on Jan. 9.  Due to weather concerns, the tournament was moved from Jan. 11, putting head coach Steve Mason and the Patriots at a disadvantage.
Oglethorpe County co-athletic directors Michael Holland (left) and Brianna Dickens (right) will team up to coach the girls track and field team this spring. They replace Tim Stoudenmire, who retired from coaching last spring. (Lauren Hill/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Oglethorpe County co-athletic directors Michael Holland (left) and Brianna Dickens (right) will team up to coach the girls track and field team this spring. They replace Tim Stoudenmire, who retired from coaching last spring. (Lauren Hill/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Spring athletics headlined by new coaches

Hank Tatum
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
The earliest date for practice — Jan. 27 — is nearing for spring sports. The Oglethorpe County athletic department will look different with three new head coaches.  The boys soccer, girls track and field, and golf teams will be led by new coaches this year.
The OCHS girls wrestling team holds up trophy after winning the area dual tournament on Monday at Harlem. It was the first dual tournament win for the team, which is in its first year as its own program at OCHS. (Submitted Photo)

The OCHS girls wrestling team holds up trophy after winning the area dual tournament on Monday at Harlem. It was the first dual tournament win for the team, which is in its first year as its own program at OCHS. (Submitted Photo)

Girls wrestlers win area dual title in program’s first year

Hank Tatum
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Josh Austin didn’t think there was enough interest in girls wrestling to have its own program at Oglethorpe County until two weeks before the start of this season.  Now, the Patriots are area champions.  “We had set the goal to go shock the world,” said Austin, who coaches the team.
Oglethorpe County wrestlers show off medals and trophies they won at the Westside Christmas Classic on Dec. 21. Seven Patriots won their weight classes to lead OCHS. (Submitted Photo)

Oglethorpe County wrestlers show off medals and trophies they won at the Westside Christmas Classic on Dec. 21. Seven Patriots won their weight classes to lead OCHS. (Submitted Photo)

Prep Roundup: OCHS wrestling teams shine at tournament

News Staff
Monday, December 30, 2024
The Oglethorpe County wrestling team excelled at matches in the week before Christmas. The Patriots defeated Oconee County and Madison County on Senior Night on Dec. 17. They then won the Westside Christmas Classic by 80 points on Dec. 21.
OCHS cheerleading coach Morgan Williams and her team readies itself for competition. The Patriots finished 16th in the state Game Day competition. (Submitted Photo)

OCHS cheerleading coach Morgan Williams and her team readies itself for competition. The Patriots finished 16th in the state Game Day competition. (Submitted Photo)

Game Day cheer squad changes narrative

Hank Tatum
Sunday, December 22, 2024
Morgan Williams stepped in to lead Oglethorpe County High School’s cheer program three years ago, determined to reshape its culture and trajectory by starting a competitive team.
Lourdes Tompkins played two seasons with Emmanuel University, which is in Franklin Springs. She finished her collegiate soccer career at Belmont Abbey College. (Submitted Photo)

Lourdes Tompkins played two seasons with Emmanuel University, which is in Franklin Springs. She finished her collegiate soccer career at Belmont Abbey College. (Submitted Photo)

Three schools later, Tompkins’ soccer journey comes to end

Hank Tatum
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
After five seasons, three different colleges and working on her MBA, former Oglethorpe County girls soccer player Lourdes Tompkins’ collegiate playing career is over.  “I just feel so blessed to have something that was so hard to say goodbye to,” she said.
Oglethorpe County wrestler Keyvon Gresham gains the upper hand on his opponent in a match against Putnam County on Dec. 11. The Patriots defeated both Putnam County and Clarke Central. (Ty Johnston/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Oglethorpe County wrestler Keyvon Gresham gains the upper hand on his opponent in a match against Putnam County on Dec. 11. The Patriots defeated both Putnam County and Clarke Central. (Ty Johnston/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Prep Roundup: Wrestling team wins twice to move to 15-4

News Staff
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
The Oglethorpe County wrestling team pushed its record to 15-4 after defeating Putnam County 69-9 and Clarke Central 71-11 in Lexington on Dec. 11.