Summer workouts for football, volleyball to start July 31
By Sam Waller
Preseason practice for Albany High School football and volleyball programs will begin Monday, July 31.
Prospective athletes for both sports have been provided letters outlining two-a-day practices, as well as forms that must be filled out and signed by both students and parents by the opening day of practices.
“I sent letters out this week, and the players should have them,” football coach Denney Faith said. “They need to bring back all their paperwork when they come pick their stuff up. If they didn’t get a physical in the spring, they’ll need to make sure they have a physical form ready.”
Football equipment distribution will be at 9:00 a.m. Monday-Thursday, July 24-27, at the fieldhouse. Seniors will be given gear that Monday, followed by juniors, sophomores, and freshmen on the ensuing days. Faith said players unable to make their assigned day should contact him at the fieldhouse.
Volleyball coach M.J. Reneaus said volleyball paperwork is available from her with players checking their names off the list when they pick up their packets.
Forms required by the school and UIL include acknowledgement of rules, concussion protocol acknowledgement, and steroid restrictions and testing.
In addition, all students must have a physical exam form completed and returned with the other forms.
Students had the opportunity to have free physical exams conducted at school in May. Anyone who did not undergo an exam must obtain one from their doctor or a local clinic. The clinics require an appointment and a fee will be charged.
Appointments for physicals may be made at Shackelford County Health Clinic at 325-762-3661 or ResourceCare at 325-762-2447. Students must take a copy of the required form with them to the appointment.
Any prospective athlete who has not received paperwork may obtain the necessary forms by contacting Faith or Reneau through the school.
Volleyball will scrimmage Benjamin on Friday, Aug. 4 at home, then visit Breckenridge on Saturday, Aug. 5. The first match will be Tuesday, Aug. 8 at Breckenridge before the Lady Lions host their Albany Summer Slam tournament Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 10-12.
Football will scrimmage at Early and at Coleman the weeks of Aug. 11 and 18, but Faith said exact dates are still being worked out. The Lions open defense of their Class 2A Division II state championship on Friday, Aug. 25, at Lubbock Trinity Christian.
