By Sam Waller
Eight graduates from Shackelford County high schools enjoyed one last hurrah as high school athletes last week in the Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes All-Star Festival.
“Everything went very smoothly,” local FCA representative Paul Johnston said. “The kids and coaches had a lot of fun, but it was extremely hot.”
By Sam Waller
Two local children’s sports camps are accepting applications for their events in June and July.
The Albany Volleyball Camp will be Monday-Wednesday, June 27-29.
The Little Cubs Cheer Camp is set for Monday-Wednesday, July 25-27.
Cost for the volleyball camp is $25 per camper and includes a T-shirt.
Sessions will be 8:30-9:30 a.m. for students entering first through third grades, 10:00-11:30 a.m. for fourth through sixth graders and 1:00-3:00 p.m. for seventh through ninth graders.
By Sam Waller
Albany’s 7-on-7 team came up one play short of qualifying for state Friday, June 10 at the Abilene Division III State Qualifying Tournament.
After advancing out of pool play, Albany lost 13-12 to Miles on a failed conversion attempt in one of two games that determined state qualifiers. The State 7-on-7 Tournament is scheduled June 23-25 at College Station.
The Abilene tournament was Albany’s only outing in 7-on-7 this year because of the number of players involved in Albany’s extended baseball playoff run.
By Sam Waller
Albany enjoyed a good turnout this week for the start of its summer conditioning program, which got underway Monday, June 13.
Lions football coach Denney Faith said about 25 athletes attended the first two morning sessions, while Lady Lions basketball coach Tate Thompson reported about 20 girls have been taking part.
“We could always use a few more, but I know there were several who were at different camps or on vacation,” Faith said. “I think we’ll have more show up as we go along.”
Summer workouts are regulated by UIL rules.
By Sam Waller
Albany Little League’s entry in the Big Country Machine Pitch Classic won the Red Bracket on Saturday, June 11, and advanced to the championship bracket on Monday, June 13, before losing to Wylie.
In Saturday’s bracket, which Albany hosted, the team of local 8- and 9-year-olds defeated Cisco 14-11, Clyde 6-0 and Cisco 14-10.
Albany lost 16-8 to Wylie on Monday at Abilene’s Dixie Little League complex.
Albany and Shackelford County had a sizeable contingent this week at the Big Country Fellowship Athletes Leadership Camp at Hardin-Simmons University.
Local FCA representative Paul Johnston had about 200 attendees, 12 of them from Albany.
By Sam Waller
A Shackelford County 4-Her brought home big prizes last week from the Texas 4-H State Roundup in College Station.
Johnnie Hise placed second in the Fashion Show on Tuesday, June 7, while the horse judging team placed ninth overall with team member Faith Fry earning two individual ribbons on Wednesday, June 8.
Hise’s fashion project was a vintage swimsuit ensemble which included a beach robe and wraparound skirt.
“I’m super proud of Johnnie,” Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said. “She did an amazing job. I’m so happy for her.”
By Donnie A. Lucas
A large group of Albany students and sponsors will travel to San Diego later this month to compete in the FCCLA National Leadership Conference.
The group of 12 students will attend the conference on June 29 through July 1 to either compete or present projects.
Seven junior high students will be participating in the parliamentary procedure contest for the Level 1 division, which includes junior high students. The local group took first at the state conference to earn the trip to nationals.
By Sam Waller
The Albany Athletic Booster Club is again seeking volunteers to work its seat-cushion fundraiser during the Fort Griffin Fandangle.
Albany junior high and high school athletes traditionally rent seat cushions for $1 at Fandangle performances and collect them after the show.
All incoming seventh through 12th graders and parents are asked to help with the fundraiser. Volunteers do not have to be involved in Fandangle performances in order to work.
By Donnie A. Lucas
A free concert by the Houston Boychoir is planned for Thursday (tonight) at the Aztec Theater at 7:30 p.m.
The special performance is hosted by Dr. Richard Stasney and the Stasney Cook Ranch.
The stop in Albany is part of the 60-year-old group’s summer tour entitled “On the Road Again.”
According to artistic director Carole Nelson, the program will include a variety of music including classical, spiritual, and even some Texas songs.
The group is making stops in Bastrop, Arlington, Carlsbad, New Mexico, Albany, and Abilene.
