By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions took the first step in the Class 2A baseball playoffs Friday, May 5, sweeping Miles in a bi-district series played at Sweetwater.The Lions (19-2) will meet Eldorado (15-5) in the area round on Thursday, May 11 (today), at Liberty Hill.

By Sam WallerMoran High School had almost 100 percent turnout Friday, May 5 for its prom at the Moran events center.Seniors Alyssa Allred and Tyler Waddell were crowned prom queen and king.Moran principal Jo Hise said the event had about 50 attendees, more than Moran’s high school enrollment.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Junior High tennis program earned five medals, including three gold, at its district tournament played Thursday-Friday, May 4-5 at Abilene’s Rose Park Tennis Center.“I was proud of the way our kids competed,” coach M.J. Reneau said.

By Sam WallerAfter securing Moran’s first state track gold medal in 50 years last year, Alli Scott is looking to increase the total Saturday, May 13, at the Class 1A state meet.The Class 1A meet will be held in conjunction with the Class 6A meet at Austin’s Mike A. Myers Stadium.

By Sam WallerA co-ed Midnight Slow Pitch Softball Tournament to benefit the Albany Softball Association has been scheduled for Friday-Saturday, June 9-10.Organizer Malarie Sutton said the event will be the organization’s main fundraiser for the year.

By Sam WallerStudents at Nancy Smith Elementary School will have a day to run and jump Tuesday, May 23, at the annual track meet and field day.Principal John Gallagher said the events are being combined into one day this year after being held separately in 2022.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Athletic Booster Club will honor the achievements of Lion and Lady Lion teams Tuesday, May 16 at the annual athletic awards banquet.The school year has seen Albany advance to the postseason in nine sports and state competition in four. And it’s not over yet.

By Sam WallerAlbany will have five entries vying for titles Friday, May 12, at the Class 2A state track and field meet.The competition gets underway at 9:00 a.m. Friday at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin with field events and the 3,200. Other running events will start at 5:00 p.m.

By Donnie A. LucasEducators and staff at Albany ISD will be recognized next week with daily meals and bundles of gifts in appreciation for their efforts to educate the youth of Albany.The week-long celebration is hosted by the Albany PTO, with the help of parents and local businesses.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Study Club is selling raffle tickets for a quilt to raise money for its scholarship fund.Tickets are $5 apiece and may be purchased at the Shackelford County Library.