For three decades, fans entering Robert Nail Memorial Stadium have been greeted by a familiar voice. This fall marked the final season for longtime public announcer John Tate, who retired after 30 years behind the microphone at Albany Lions home games.
What happens to us when we die? Surely, most people have entertained this question at some point.
I have two things on my mind this week — one good, and one… profoundly annoying. And because I prefer to ease into disappointment rather than dive straight into it, we’re going to start with the good. The annoying one will require a little emotional preparation and a deep breath.
PART I:
WRECK ’EM!!!
The Albany Lions opened their basketball season last week with a dominant road win over Eastland, posting a 73-point performance and setting an early tone for the year. Head coach Ryder Peacock said the defensive effort led the way in the 73–14 victory, noting that the team created turnovers, rebounded well, and turned stops into scoring chances.
“It was our overall defensive effort,” Peacock said. “We really got after it, rebounded well, and created a lot of scoring opportunities.”
Gayala Fields Askew, of Albany, Texas, passed to eternal life on Monday, December 8, 2025 at 71 years old. Gayala was born to Jewel Princeton Fields and Lois Odel Piltcher Fields on July 29, 1954 in DeLeon, Texas. She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Lorene Fields, Judy Hardy, and Fredda Owens, and her grandson, Boone Askew.
Juan Rodriguez
Juan Rodriguez, 71, of Albany, TX passed away on December 2, 2025. He was surrounded by his loving family and entered the Kingdom of Heaven peacefully. A visitation with the family was held at Heartland Funeral Home in Early at 2:00 PM, Rosary at 3:00 PM, Sunday, December 7th, 2025 and Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church, Brownwood, Texas 10:00 AM, Monday, December 8th, 2025 with interment following at Eastland Memorial Park.
Hundreds of people lined Main Street on Nov. 29 as the Albany Chamber of Commerce hosted this year’s Lighted Christmas Parade. The Grinch served as grand marshal and led a long line of floats, classic cars, ATVs, and community groups through town. Santa made his appearance near the end of the parade, waving to children gathered along the route.
The Albany Lions’ season came to an end Friday, November 28, in a 28–7 loss to defending state champion Muenster in the regional semifinal round in Graham. The matchup continued what has become one of the most familiar postseason pairings in Class 2A Division II.
The Albany Lions were well represented on this year’s all-district football teams, with four players earning superlative awards and nineteen total receiving first and second-team recognition across both sides of the ball.
Luke 24:15
15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them.”
Life changes when Jesus goes with us.
1. There is a new level of fellowship. Taking Jesus with us through the day in our prayers, in our conversations, and in our everyday activities brings a closeness to Him in our spirit.
1 John 1:7
