For Ogletrees' dad, ‘Never a dull moment’

By Al Ogletree

For the AJC

Newnan High School football players Alec and Alexander Ogletree are arguably the state’s most famous twins. Alec is considered one of the nation’s top prospects and has committed to Georgia over more than 50 scholarship offers, while Alexander‚ nicknamed “Zander,” is still going through the recruiting process.

This season, AJC reporter Michael Carvell and photographer Jason Getz are following the twins as they deal with the pressures of recruiting, new-found stardom and attempting to lead Newnan to the Class AAAAA state championship. Al Ogletree is father of the twins.

When the doctor said my wife was having twins, I was stunned but happy about it. I saw two little dots on the sonogram and thought it was heartbeats. I had no idea it was two different babies.

The doc said “I’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is that you’ve got twins on the way.” He didn’t say anything else, so I asked him, “What’s the bad news?” He turned to me with a smile and said, “You’ve have double trouble. You’re stuck with them for the next 18 years.” Doc was cracking a joke. It’s one thing to handle one baby, but two at one time ... there has never been a dull moment in 18 years.

Alexander is two minutes older than Alec, but Alec was scheduled to be born first. They were fighting in the womb or something, and they had to do a C-section. These days, when the boys get into an argument, Zander will sometimes say “Don’t forget I’m two minutes older than you.”

We named Alec after me, and we always liked the name Alexander. My nickname for Alec is “Stun Gun.” He has been a hard hitter ever since he began playing football, even back in youth leagues. This was an instinct Alec had, to make the kinds of hits on kids that would put them on stretchers.

Zander used to be “The Hammer” but we switched it to “The Big Swole.” He’s a very emotional player, and gets really hyped up. When the game gets instense.

I’ve been driving a truck for 28 years and haven’t missed a game yet. My boss man is real good to me, let’s me drive from Sunday to Thursday so I can see the boys play.

I wear a shirt to the Newnan games that says “Double Trouble” and it has a picture of both. It’s a great feeling to watch those two knuckleheads play sports. My mom said they learned how to play sports before they could walk because I used to take them in their crib with me to gym when I shot basketball.

They’ve been playing sports together their whole lives, and we’re hoping it works out where they can stay together in college. I know Zander hasn’t gotten as many looks because of his height, but he has really turned in some strong games during the playoffs, so maybe doors will open.

I asked one college scout, “If you have two diamonds in your hand, why would you give one away?” But we realize it may not work out for both of them to go to the same college, and we’re OK with that. We feel blessed with all the opportunities we’ve already been offered. No complaints here.

It won’t be as easy to watch both of them if they go to different schools, but we’ll make it happen. If they both have games far away, then my wife will go watch one, and I’ll go to see the other. We’re going to be there for our kids.