By Sam Waller

The Albany Junior High Lady Cubs’ volleyball team had their busiest day of the season Saturday as each played three matches at the Hawley tournament.

On Tuesday, the seventh grade played at Woodson and the eighth grade played at Ranger. Both teams will play Abilene TLC next Tuesday

Eighth Grade

The eighth grade team got the week started on Sept. 21 by defeating Rising Star 25-6, 25-13.

“The kids continue to show improvement,” coach Missy Dutchover said. “They did a good job serving.”

By Sam Waller

The Albany Chamber of Commerce has postponed the Home of the Hereford Cookoff and Cornhole Tournament scheduled for this weekend until the weekend of Oct. 23, Chamber manager Mary Beth Jones announced on Tuesday.

Jones said the decision was made because of the threat of rain in the forecast for the weekend.

“I think people have been watching the weather, and we have not had that many enter,” Jones said. “They were waiting until this week to see what the weather was going to do, and the weather is telling us it’s not going to happen.”

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions found themselves in an unusual situation Saturday, having to come from behind to defeat Strawn in District 6-2A volleyball action at Strawn.

The Lady Lions rallied to defeat the Lady Greyhounds in four sets to improve to 22-3 overall. 

“We are now officially halfway through district,” Lady Lions coach M.J. Reneau said. “We finished the first half undefeated, and that’s the goal for the second half.”

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions maintained their momentum last Friday, defeating the Anson Tigers 48-2 at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.

The Lions get one last tuneup before the start of District 8-2A Division II play when they host the Olney Cubs at 7:00 p.m. this Friday for homecoming.

Against Anson, Albany quarterback Cole Chapman passed for four touchdowns. Two of the scores went to London Fuentes, who also scored on a 65-yard punt return.

By Sam Waller

The 14th annual John Rose & Jim Law Memorial Albany Kiwanis Charity Golf Tournament and Fajita Fiesta has been postponed until Friday,  Oct. 15.

Kiwanian Zach Maberry said the decision was made to push the event back two weeks because of  a forecast calling for a 50+ percent chance of rain on Friday.

The event raises funds for the Albany K Charity Scholarship Fund as well as a number of other projects.

Maberry said that entries are still being accepted. As of Monday, there were 11 teams entered.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Junior High Cubs split their games at Anson last Thursday with the eighth grade winning 20-8, while the seventh grade suffered its first loss 16-8.

Both teams return to action Thursday (today) at Olney. The seventh grade will play at 4:00 p.m., followed by the eighth grade and junior varsity.

Eighth Grade

Calhan Fairchild had touchdowns passing, receiving, and on an interception return to lead the Cubs (4-0).

“I was very pleased with our effort on both sides of the ball,” coach David Fairchild said.

By Sam Waller

Jonathan Coody finished 11th in the varsity boys race at the Hamlin Cross Country Meet on Sept. 22 to lead Albany’s contingent.

Six runners competed for Albany, including three in the junior high girls race.

The meet was Albany’s first since running Sept. 8 at Eula.

“I believe that the week of not running in a meet helped us to rest and refreshed us,” coach Tate Thompson said. “The kids came out and ran well.”

Albany’s next meet will be Wednesday, Oct. 6 at Anson.

By Sam Waller

Albany’s Sue Breeden brought home a blue ribbon from the West Texas Fair and Rodeo for the third year in a row, winning Class 6 of the Pinterest Division with her artwork “Apache Peace.”

The work displays a peace pipe, pipe bag, dream catcher, and protective cover for the pipe bowl arranged in a frame.

Breeden said she spent about 150 hours on the project, half of it on hand-beading the pipe bag.

By Sam Waller

Ashton Bailey returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, and the Albany Lions junior varsity football team rolled to a 41-0 victory last Thursday at Anson.

Bailey finished with three touchdowns, and Cason Fairchild scored two, while Albany (5-0) forced five turnovers.

“I thought we dominated on both sides of the ball,” coach David Fairchild said. “I was very pleased with our effort as a team. The defense played with some aggression, and the offense operated smoothly.”

First Christian Church will celebrate a Blessing of the Animals service on Saturday, Oct. 2 at 10:00 a.m. at the church. 

“Everyone is welcome to bring their furry friends or a photo for a word of blessing at this short and meaningful service,” said pastor Brad McBee.

Because St. Francis is considered the patron saint of animals, many churches offer animal blessing services on or around Oct. 4, the time of the Feast of St. Francis.