2 named to state academic team

By Sam Waller

Two senior players from the 2023 Albany Lions baseball team have been recognized for their work in the classroom.

Recent graduates Cole Chapman and Keatin Russell were named to the Texas High School Association’s academic all-state baseball team. Chapman, who played shortstop and pitcher, was named to the second team. Russell, a designated hitter and outfielder, received honorable mention.

“It’s a good honor for them,” Lions baseball coach David Fairchild said.

The team, sponsored by Texas Army National Guard, honored more than 1,500 seniors from all UIL classifications.

The THSCA academic all-state teams recognize high school athletes who excel in the following categories: GPA, class rank and ACT/SAT score. The students are recognized as a team member based on their scores in these categories. To be nominated for Academic All-State, a student must be an athlete, student trainer, or manager in good standing with the team; of good moral character; a senior, and have an overall grade point average of 92 or above (including courses from grades 9-11 and courses completed from grade 12).

Chapman and Russell also performed well on the field, helping Albany reach the fourth round of the Class 2A playoffs.

Chapman was named Pitcher of the Year in District 8-2A, going 9-0 with a save and a 2.02 ERA. Over 41.2 innings, he gave up 12 earned runs on 24 hits with 41 walks and 64 strikeouts. At the plate, he batted .302 (26 for 86) with six doubles, two triples, three home runs, and 30 RBIs.

Russell, a second-team all-district selection, batted .203 (13 for 64) with a double, a triple and 15 RBIs.

Long Ball Update

Fairchild said efforts continue to find a workable date for the annual Long Ball fundraiser.

“We can’t get more than six or seven kids at a time,” he said. “We just keep pushing it back.”

Proceeds from the event will go toward buying new uniforms, field upkeep and other expenses incurred by the baseball program.