FCA’s All-Star Festival cancelled

By Donnie A. Lucas

Eight local senior athletes who were chosen earlier in the year to compete in the 2020 Big Country FCA All-Star Festival set for June received the news last week that the event has been cancelled due to due to ongoing concerns with the Coronavirus -COVID-19 pandemic.

The 21st annual FCA Festival was scheduled for June 7-13 at various locations around the Big Country, including Abilene, Brownwood, Eastland, and San Angelo.

The Festival is a collection of all-star games for a variety of sports including basketball, baseball, softball, football, volleyball, and golf.

“Contemplating the latest information, we feel cancelling the festival is the best decision to protect the health and well-being of our 323 selected student-athletes, and the 36 coaches chosen to lead them,” a spokesman for the Big Country FCA chapter said in a press release.

Seniors from Albany selected for the all-star teams include Ben West, Blaine Kayga, and Tyler Beard for football, along with Alayna Koemel for cheerleading and Taylor Scott for volleyball. Jaleigh Morales was picked for the girls basketball bout, while Aubrey Moon was named for softball.

B.J. Morris was selected for baseball, along with his coach David Fairchild as head of the North All-Star team.

Members of the team were nominated by their head coaches for selection for the all-star teams, which represents athletes from 71 area schools in the 37-county area serviced by the Big Country FCA Chapter.

“We are grateful for the loyal support of the numerous businesses and individuals across our region that help Big Country FCA carry out the vision to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes,” the press release stated. “We look forward to partnering together in this endeavor again soon.”

Other FCA activities scheduled during the month of June, including youth camps, are also cancelled.