Nine Lions named to all-district baseball team

By Melinda L. Lucas

Nine Albany Lions earned all-district recognition following a successful season that saw the team reach the third round of the Class 2A playoffs.

Junior Brody Oliver was named as recipient of one of the district’s superlative awards, highlighting the postseason accolades for the Lions.

Senior Chip Chambers, junior Calhan Fairchild, and freshmen Aiden Vickers and Clay Chapman earned first-team all-district honors.

Second-team selections included juniors Woods Peterson, Mason McCloy and Landon Picquet, as well as sophomore Wesley Gleitz.

“Brody was selected as Catcher of the Year, which is a great honor,” said Albany head coach David Fairchild. “Albany was well represented for finishing in fourth place, which again speaks volumes about the strength of our district. I’m very proud of our kids.” 

All four advancing teams in District 8-2A were still playing in the third round – Stamford and Albany in Division 2, with Hawley and Anson as the D1 representatives. Stamford is advancing to the state semifinal this week against Collinsville.

Seniors and underclassmen alike contributed to Albany’s strong season, and the coach is optimistic about next year’s prospects. 

Albany finished the season 12-7-3 overall after falling to Gruver in a best-of-three regional semifinal series. Gruver was eliminated by Stamford the following week.