Lions bring home ‘gold’ for Albany

By Donnie L. Lucas

The Albany community received an early Christmas present last week in the form of a state championship football title for Class 2A Div. 2, thanks to the Albany Lions.

While the honor was earned by the team and the coaching staff, it will be enjoyed by the entire community, joining two other such pinnacles  of sports excellence – the 1960 and 1961 state titles.

The slogan for the team this season was “Be Remembered.”

The Albany community embraced the team and their quest to make it all the way to the big game and bring home the gold.

“Albany is a special place for many reasons,” Albany ISD superintendent Jonathan Scott said after the victory. “The level of support from the community is unparalleled to any other I have seen.”

Scott reported that early figures indicate about 6,500 paid seats were purchased for the game, with another 3,500 in attendance with passes or other students who participated such as the bands, other football teams also playing in the finals, the media, and both UIL and AT&T Stadium officials.

“We had a great crowd at the game,” head coach Denney Faith said. “Our side seemed a lot bigger and louder, which really helps the players when they are the field. They play harder when they hear the support.”

First National Bank president Randall Palmore said he had never seen the community as excited as they have been since the win.

“Everyone is just so proud of those guys,” he said. “The school and the community are so intertwined, and the school is vital to the town.

“I can’t think of anything more fun than these last few weeks following the team to state,” Palmore said. “I’ll bet everyone is ready to do it again.”

Scott said that the support the town gave the team, the cheerleaders, the band, and others really made the difference.

“On behalf of the ISD, I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to all the businesses in town, the community members that came out to support the students and staff during pep rallies and games, the parent organizations, the team moms and dads, and the various other volunteers who contributed throughout this season,” Scott said. “ The district is truly blessed to have such support.”

He also offered his appreciation to the athletes, coaches, band, directors, and cheerleaders for their efforts to make this a season that will “Be Remembered.”