Lions receive long-awaited rings
By David H. Waller
On Monday, January 6, 389 days after the Albany Lions captured their second consecutive Texas State Championship, Coach Denney Faith presented players with their long-awaited championship rings.
What was expected to be a routine four-to-six-month turnaround stretched into more than a year, but as Coach Faith said at the start of his speech, “Better late than never.”
The Lions’ remarkable journey began in 2022, when they won their first state championship since 1961. The following year, bolstered by returning players, the Lions set their sights on another title. Ranked No. 1 in the state all season, they overcame a few close games to remain undefeated, ultimately beating Mart in the 2023 State Championship at AT&T Stadium. With a perfect 16-0 season, the 2023 Lions broke Albany’s single-season wins record, which was held by the 1961 team that went 15-0.
“This team won more football games in a single season in Albany’s history,” longtime Head Coach Faith said. “And believe me, everybody knows the tradition and history of Albany football. This team set a bar that may get tied, but will never be beat.”
In early January 2023, representatives from Balfour visited Albany’s campus to size the players for their championship rings, promising delivery by April. However, in March, Coach Faith received news that a factory fire in Mexico had delayed production. The company shifted manufacturing to a plant in Tennessee, estimating a June completion. Summer came and went, and the rings finally arrived in August—only for the excitement to turn to disappointment.
Instead of personalized rings, every ring bore the name “Coach Faith.” The incorrect rings were sent back, and after further delays and apologies, the correct order arrived, bringing the journey full circle this week.
The ring ceremony was a reunion of sorts. Former players, many of whom had graduated and moved on, returned to campus wearing their old football jerseys. The chemistry among teammates and coaches was evident, as they reminisced and celebrated their 2023 title.
Kevin Hill’s highlight video of the 2023 championship game brought memories flooding back. John Tate, the voice of the Albany Lions and emcee for the evening, expressed the sentiment perfectly: “Last year, I thought I’d never announce some of these guys’ names again. It’s my honor to do it one more time tonight.”
In addition to the players, cheerleaders, mascot, and coaches, two individuals received special recognition. High School Principal Ezra Chambers was presented a ring for his unwavering support of the football program.
“If you don’t know how important it is to have your administration behind you,” Faith said, “he never flinched when we asked for something.”
Melinda Lucas, who dedicated years to keeping stats for the Lions, received a championship pendant instead of a ring in appreciation of her contributions.
With the 2023 state champion Lions now officially recognized, a chapter closes on Albany’s historic two-year run. But knowing Coach Faith and his staff, another chapter is sure to open soon, with the possibility of new titles to come.
In the post-game press conference after the 2023 championship, seniors Zane Waggoner and Adam Hill spoke about Coach Faith’s influence. “Coach makes us better men in life,” they said—an impact felt by generations of Albany Lions.
“That’s why I coach. I don’t coach to win football games. I coach to hear guys say that kind of stuff,” Coach Faith said in the 2023 post-game press conference. “That’s what really matters in the big picture. These guys are going to grow up and be great husbands and great fathers. And if I just had a little bit to do with that, that’s the reason I keep doing it. I love state championships, I love rings, I love the metal. But more than that, I love these guys. And that’s what high school football is about.”
