Albany, Moran athletes head to FCA games

By Melinda L. Lucas

A trio of senior athletes – two from Albany and one from Moran – will represent their two schools at the 2025 Big Country FCA All-Star Festival taking place this week in Abilene and Brownwood.

Albany’s Abi Hale is slated to take the court in the Bev Ball All-Star Volleyball Classic, which begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 5, at Moody Coliseum on the Abilene Christian University campus. 

Her classmate Myleigh Leveridge has been chosen as a member of the FCA all-star cheerleading team and will cheer at the volleyball game, both basketball games, and on the sidelines of the 26th annual Myrle Greathouse All-Star Football Classic, scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, June 7, at Shotwell Stadium in Abilene.

Ellis Hise, a senior from Moran, will suit up for the boys’ all-star basketball matchup at 7 p.m. Friday, June 6, also at Moody Coliseum. The girls’ game will precede it at 5 p.m.

Though selected for the festival, three additional Albany athletes will not be participating. Landon Balliew had earned a spot on the football team, while Chip Chambers was named to the all-star baseball. Caroline Holson was picked for the girls’ basketball game.

The Big Country FCA All-Star Festival brings together outstanding senior athletes from across the region to compete in a range of sports — including football, volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball, and cheerleading. The events are free to attend and focus on both athletic talent and the values of Christian fellowship and sportsmanship.