Sports

Prep Roundup: Patriots, Lady Pats play for region titles

Javaun Pittard scored 17 points and had nine rebounds to lead Oglethorpe County to a 53-42 victory over Prince Avenue on Tuesday to advance to the final of the Region 5-A Division I tournament at Jasper County.   The Patriots (19-6), the No.
Tanner Mask won his weight class at the traditional sectionals and is one of seven male and two  female wrestlers heading to the state meet this week. (Submitted Photo)

Tanner Mask won his weight class at the traditional sectionals and is one of seven male and two female wrestlers heading to the state meet this week. (Submitted Photo)

Nine wrestlers headed to traditional state

Nine Oglethorpe County wrestlers qualified for the Class A Traditional Championships that start Thursday.   Seven of the 14 boys qualified for the state tournament, which is in Macon. Meanwhile, both girls who competed — seniors Chelsea Durie (145 pounds) and Zy Edwards (235) — qualified.

Sports Roundup: Turner commits to Berry

Jake Turner committed to play football at Berry over the weekend.   “The campus was beautiful when I went on my visit,” he said. “They have a very good football program and I know, if I go there, I’ll be competing for DIII conference and national championships.
Emily Forschler lines up for a penalty kick during Oglethorpe Counties girls soccer team's practice on Thursday, Feb. 1. Forschler, alongside her sister Madeline, will be coached by their father for the first time of their high school careers. (Photo/Owen Warden)

Emily Forschler lines up for a penalty kick during Oglethorpe Counties girls soccer team's practice on Thursday, Feb. 1. Forschler, alongside her sister Madeline, will be coached by their father for the first time of their high school careers. (Photo/Owen Warden)

Forschler takes on expanded role by coaching girls team

Oglethorpe County girls soccer is under new management, but for juniors Madeline and Emily Forschler, it’s a familiar face.   Boys coach Erich Forschler, the father of Madeline and Emily, also will coach the girls team, as he pulls double duty.   “It’s been good,” Forschler said.
OCHS soccer coach Erich Forschler participates in a drill at practice last week. The Patriots will look to build on last season, when they advanced to the second round of the tournament. (Samuel Higgs/The Oglethorpe Echo)

OCHS soccer coach Erich Forschler participates in a drill at practice last week. The Patriots will look to build on last season, when they advanced to the second round of the tournament. (Samuel Higgs/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Boys soccer revamps atmosphere this spring

Elevated coaching style, new rotation of players and exciting gameday culture are focal points for the Oglethorpe County boys soccer team this season.    The environment surrounding the Patriots is something that coach Erich Forschler is passionate about.

Prep Roundup: Lady Pats move to 18-2

Denim Goddard scored 19 points and had eight steals to lead the Oglethorpe County girls to a 60-43 victory at Social Circle on Tuesday.   Kenzie Henderson had 15 points and 15 rebounds for the Lady Patriots (18-2, 3-0 in Region 5-A Division I), who are fifth in the GHSA Class A Division I ranking.
 [Photo by Micahya Costen]  Montana Barner (from left), her sister Carolyn Barner and Tina White volunteered at the Great Spring Sport Equipment Swap last Saturday. White said she plans to hold other swaps in various sports seasons.

[Photo by Micahya Costen] Montana Barner (from left), her sister Carolyn Barner and Tina White volunteered at the Great Spring Sport Equipment Swap last Saturday. White said she plans to hold other swaps in various sports seasons.

Sports gear swap helps parents save

Children outgrow things quickly, from clothes to sports equipment.    Tina White knows this, so she created an event called The Great Spring Sport Equipment Swap, which was held at the Oglethorpe County Recreation Department last Saturday.
Head baseball coach Mike Campbell speaks with a player during a recent practice. Campbell is in his first season as head coach at Oglethorpe County. (Photo/Owen Warden)

Head baseball coach Mike Campbell speaks with a player during a recent practice. Campbell is in his first season as head coach at Oglethorpe County. (Photo/Owen Warden)

New baseball coach works to create a culture of winning

The Oglethorpe County High School baseball team had a rough go last season, finishing 12-19 overall and third in the Region 5-A Division I.   However, first-year head coach Mike Campbell expects the 2024 season to feature a new-look team, with a winning culture and exciting brand of baseball.

Prep Roundup: Wrestlers finish sixth at state duals

  The Oglethorpe County wrestling team finished sixth at the Class A State meet last weekend at Heard County. The Patriots defeated McIntosh County Academy in the first round, but lost to Mount Pisgah 41-33 to drop to the consolation bracket.
Several junior AAU track athletes pose for a photo (Submitted photo)

Several junior AAU track athletes pose for a photo (Submitted photo)

Rec department starts track and field program

Craig Huling has undertaken another coaching opportunity.   Huling, the former track and field head coach at Oglethorpe County, has partnered with the recreation department to start a youth track and field program.