By Sam WallerAlbany will have 16 athletes in individual events and two relays competing for trips to state this weekend at the Region II-2A track and field meet at Springtown.The top two finishers in each event at the regional meet automatically qualify for state.

By Sam WallerFor the third year in a row, Albany had a finalist at the Class 2A state tennis tournament as Luke Marshal advanced in boys singles.Marshall played Mason Hatfield of Mason for the championship Wednesday, April 26 at Blossom Tennis Center in San Antonio, losing 4-6, 0-6.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lady Lions dropped their final two softball games of the regular season to Cisco and Eula and will enter the playoffs this weekend.The Lady Lions (15-13-1 overall, 7-4 District 8-2A) will face Hawley in bi-district. Game 1 of the series will be played at 4:30 p.m.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions clinched the District 8-2A baseball championship, extending their winning streak to nine games.The Lions (16-2 overall, 8-1 district) will face either Miles or Coleman, who split their District 7-2A meetings, next week in the bi-district round of the playoffs.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions generated plenty of excitement during their run to the 2022 Class 2A Division II state football championship, picking up hardware each step of the way.

Justin Rodriguez, age 36 of Albany, known to his loved ones as JRod or George, passed away Thursday, April 20, 2023. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 27 at Bethel Assembly. Interment will follow in the Albany Cemetery.

Sam Thomas Burge, Jr., 84, of Albany died Wednesday, April 19, 2023, in an Abilene hospital. A graveside service was held Monday, April 24, 2023, at the Albany Cemetery with Bro. Mike Carr officiating.  Services were under the direction of Bailey Howard Funeral Home of Clyde.

Born Sept. 3, 1958, to Faye Elizabeth (Lee) Gilstrap and Walter Dee Gilstrap Sr. of Lampasas Texas. Drexel Gilstrap passed away April 18, 2023 in El Paso, Texas.Drexel is survived by his wife, Donna Gilstrap; daughter, Tawnya (Gilstrap) Branscum; sons, Drexel Gilstrap, Jr. and Dalton Gilstrap.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions are headed back to the Class 2A state golf tournament after a strong finish at the Region II-2A tournament, played Monday-Tuesday, April 17-18 at Old Brickyard Golf Course in Ferris.

A reception was held at First Baptist Church Albany to recognize Frances Cox’s 90th birthday.Four generations of her family as well as friends, neighbors and her “church family” enjoyed cake and punch while exchanging congratulations.