Brian Chapman wins signed football

By Sam Waller

Brian Chapman won the raffle conducted by the Albany Athletic Booster Club’s raffle for a custom football signed by members of the Albany Lions 2022 state championship.

Chapman is an uncle of Cole Chapman, quarterback of the championship team and one of the signatories.

Booster Club officer Amanda Tabor said the raffle raised almost $2,000, which goes to the fund to purchase monuments honoring Albany’s three state championships. The 6-foot by 6-foot granite monuments will be erected near the entrance to Robert Nail Memorial Stadium. Albany also won state titles in 1960 and 1961.

The fundraising goal is $50,000, which will cover the cost of the three monuments – $15,000 each – along with foundation and installation. As of Thursday, June 22, $34,207 had been raised.

Tabor said no other fundraising projects are planned for this summer, but the Booster Club will continue accepting donations.

The ball was signed by varsity players (seniors signed in red), coaches and cheerleaders.

The Albany Lions defeated Mart 41-21 in the championship game played Dec. 14 at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium.

Lions head coach Denney Faith donated the signed ball to the Booster Club at the athletic awards banquet in May.

The drawing was held Wednesday, June 21 at a Booster Club meeting.