By Tyler Waldrep Almost two years ago, Clay Holstad watched his older brother, Hunter Holstad, represent Oak Mountain in the North-South All-Star boys’ soccer game. As a fan of the sport, Clay Holstad admired the talent on display; as his brother’s biggest fan, he cheered; and as a player, he added another goal to his list. “It was always something I strove for,” Clay … [Read more...]
Spain Reign: Hawkins, Widra, Tedder Lead All-OTM Team
By Lee Davis Spain Park may have fallen short of its goal to win the Class 7A softball championship, but in every other way, 2017 was the year of the Jaguars. Coach C.J. Hawkins’ team compiled a 48-9 record, won its region and spent much of the season in the top three of Class 7A ranking. Spain Park also earned recognition as one of the nation’s best high school … [Read more...]
Golden Age: Champion Bucs And Rebels Lead All-OTM Team
By Lee Davis By any measure, 2017 was a golden season for Over the Mountain baseball. Briarwood, Homewood and Oak Mountain produced outstanding seasons. Vestavia Hills had a strong April-May push that nearly put it in the Class 7A championship finals, and Hoover brought home the big blue trophy, emblematic of the 2017 state title. As a result, the 2017 All-Over the Mountain … [Read more...]
The Island of the Blue Trophies: Area Teams Dominated Sports in 2016-17
By Lee Davis This story has been written so many times that it’s almost become a cliché, and here it is again: Over the Mountain schools dominated statewide athletic competition in the 2016-17 academic year. But that’s just the hometown sportswriter building up the hometown teams, isn’t it? Actually, it’s just the fact. Area schools earned championships in 2016-17 in sports … [Read more...]
Championship Runs: Eagles Claim Third Soccer Title, Lady Rebels Lose, Lions Split, ISS Takes Crown
By Lee Davis The Over the Mountain area once again showed its strength on the soccer field this past weekend as no fewer than three teams won state titles and two others were runners-up in the Alabama High School Athletic Association Championships, played at John Hunt Park in Huntsville. Oak Mountain claimed its third consecutive Class 7A crown with a pressure-packed 2-1 … [Read more...]