OCHS

Coach Tanner Nation puts his team through free-throw practice at the Oglethorpe County Recreation Department. They have to make a set number of shots to cut down on their running after practice. (MAGGIE RULAND/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Coach Tanner Nation puts his team through free-throw practice at the Oglethorpe County Recreation Department. They have to make a set number of shots to cut down on their running after practice. (MAGGIE RULAND/THE OGLETHORPE ECHO)

Athletes coaching athletes

Maggie Ruland and De Turner
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
When Michael White became director of the Oglethorpe County Recreation Department in 2017, he was only starting to see growth in youth sports.   “When I (came) here five years ago,” he said, “I think we had 19 basketball teams. From then to now, I’ve got 31 teams.

OCHS wrestling is seeking redemption with young roster

The OCHS wrestling team is looking to bounce back this season with a roster of young talent. The young roster looks to fill the roles of the 13 graduates that left the program last season. 

Story by De Turner. Video by Bobby Andrews.

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Oglethorpe County’s Tania Latimore is fired up in the third set of the area title match last Thursday. The Patriots captured their first area title with a 3-0 win over Aquinas. (Photo/Maggie Ruland)

Oglethorpe County’s Tania Latimore is fired up in the third set of the area title match last Thursday. The Patriots captured their first area title with a 3-0 win over Aquinas. (Photo/Maggie Ruland)

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Patriots capture first area championship

Maggie Ruland
Thursday, October 13, 2022
The Oglethorpe County volleyball team had a heated final set against Aquinas. On the verge of heading into a fourth set, the Lady Patriots trailed 25-24.   The Lady Patriots called a timeout in an effort to take a breath and remain calm.
As a track star, Michael Fleming won the Class AA state title in the 110-meter hurdles last spring after recovering from a torn meniscus. (Photo/Kyle Soto)

As a track star, Michael Fleming won the Class AA state title in the 110-meter hurdles last spring after recovering from a torn meniscus. (Photo/Kyle Soto)

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Fleming achieves new heights after meniscus recovery

Kyle Soto
Thursday, October 13, 2022
Michael Fleming has an impressive athletic resume.    The wide receiver and defensive back is flourishing his senior season with three picks and two blocked field goals. He also returned a kickoff for a touchdown — for the first time since middle school — in last week’s loss to Athens Christian.
Oglethorpe County’s Jake Turner brushes off Lake Oconee Academy’s Cameron Kelley on his way to rushing for 113 yards on only 13 carries in the Patriots’ 42-0 victory earlier this month. (Alyssa Ginn/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Oglethorpe County’s Jake Turner brushes off Lake Oconee Academy’s Cameron Kelley on his way to rushing for 113 yards on only 13 carries in the Patriots’ 42-0 victory earlier this month. (Alyssa Ginn/The Oglethorpe Echo)

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Rushing ahead: Turner turns carries into yards

Maggie Ruland
Friday, September 30, 2022
Oglethorpe County junior running back Jake Turner began his football career in eighth grade, looking up to the University of Georgia’s Sony Michel and hoping to have the same kind of success.   Turner is on his way in his second year as a starter.
Jake Turner scores one of his three touchdowns in the 34-33 victory over Greene County. (Donny Faust, The Oglethorpe Echo)

Jake Turner scores one of his three touchdowns in the 34-33 victory over Greene County. (Donny Faust, The Oglethorpe Echo)

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Patriots stun Greene to improve to 3-1

News Staff
Friday, September 23, 2022
Mike Holland was still pumped up over Oglethorpe County’s 34-33 victory over Greene County on Monday.   “Holy cow! That was wild, man,” he said three days after the win. “I’m so proud of our guys.”
Weslynn Thurmond (left) and Madi Kelley warm up before their game against Lake Oconee Academy on September 15. (Photo/De Turner)

Weslynn Thurmond (left) and Madi Kelley warm up before their game against Lake Oconee Academy on September 15. (Photo/De Turner)

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Second-year success

De Turner
Thursday, September 22, 2022
From state titles in track and wrestling, to top region finishes by the cross county and softball teams, Oglethorpe County High School sports is on the rise.    The volleyball team looks to earn hardware of its own.
Tristan Anderson snags a pass during football practice this week as the Patriots prepare for their first game on Aug. 19. (Photo/Jack Casey)

Tristan Anderson snags a pass during football practice this week as the Patriots prepare for their first game on Aug. 19. (Photo/Jack Casey)

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Patriots put on pads in preparation for season

Thomas Ehlers
Thursday, August 4, 2022
Monday marked the first day of preplanning for Oglethorpe County teachers. The football team’s preparation for the 2022 season had its own “first.”   Oglethorpe County’s football team put on pads for the first time this season at practice on Monday.
OCHS grad Ella Stoudenmire, front, ran against SEC and other Division I schools during her freshman year at the University of North Georgia. (Submitted Photo)

OCHS grad Ella Stoudenmire, front, ran against SEC and other Division I schools during her freshman year at the University of North Georgia. (Submitted Photo)

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On the run: Stoudenmire finds success at UNG

Thomas Ehlers
Thursday, June 23, 2022
Chris England uses several words to describe Oglethorpe County grad Ella Stoudenmire. They include “kind,” “respectful,” “a great student” and “incredible young lady.”    “She is very quiet,” said England, head coach of the University of North Georgia’s track and field and cross country teams.
Brady Allgood (23), a junior, and Henry Johnson (18), a senior, hug after Oglethorpe County's season-ending loss to Westside-Augusta. Oglethorpe County honored the seniors on the fall sports teams, cheerleaders and band, before and after the game. (Photo/Sarah White)

Brady Allgood (23), a junior, and Henry Johnson (18), a senior, hug after Oglethorpe County's season-ending loss to Westside-Augusta. Oglethorpe County honored the seniors on the fall sports teams, cheerleaders and band, before and after the game. (Photo/Sarah White)

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Senior Night: One Last Game

Sarah White
Tuesday, January 4, 2022