Athletes gear up for spring sports

By Sam Waller

The calendar has just ticked over to February, but that qualifies as springtime in Texas high school sports.

The Albany Lions and Lady Lions have begun practicing for baseball and softball, while track, tennis, and golf programs are also gearing up. All spring sports teams are scheduled to be in competition by the end of the month.

Softball will start things off at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14 against Eastland at Webb Park before spending that weekend at the Eastland tournament.

Up next is tennis at 9:00 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 16 against Abilene Christian at Rose Park Tennis Center.

Baseball will start varsity play Thursday, Feb. 23 at the Brady tournament.

Track also starts Thursday, Feb. 23 at the Breckenridge relay meet.

Golf will start Monday, Feb. 27 at Hawley.

Softball/Baseball

The Lady Lions were hit hard by graduation after reaching the third round of the playoffs last year.

Carisa Barrera is the leading returning candidate at pitcher.

Also returning are infielders Haily Cox and Robin Lucas and outfielders Gracie Price and Braylyn Abbate.

The Lions reached the regional finals for the fifth time since 2016 and have some key pieces returning.

Cole Chapman and Cole Read give the Lions a solid 1-2 punch on the mound.

Infielders Zane Waggoner, Coy Lefevre, and Cason Fairchild also return, as does outfielder Tyler Chapman.