By Sam Waller
Eight graduates from Shackelford County high schools enjoyed one last hurrah as high school athletes last week in the Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes All-Star Festival.
“Everything went very smoothly,” local FCA representative Paul Johnston said. “The kids and coaches had a lot of fun, but it was extremely hot.”
By Sam Waller
Two local children’s sports camps are accepting applications for their events in June and July.
The Albany Volleyball Camp will be Monday-Wednesday, June 27-29.
The Little Cubs Cheer Camp is set for Monday-Wednesday, July 25-27.
Cost for the volleyball camp is $25 per camper and includes a T-shirt.
Sessions will be 8:30-9:30 a.m. for students entering first through third grades, 10:00-11:30 a.m. for fourth through sixth graders and 1:00-3:00 p.m. for seventh through ninth graders.
By Sam Waller
Albany’s 7-on-7 team came up one play short of qualifying for state Friday, June 10 at the Abilene Division III State Qualifying Tournament.
After advancing out of pool play, Albany lost 13-12 to Miles on a failed conversion attempt in one of two games that determined state qualifiers. The State 7-on-7 Tournament is scheduled June 23-25 at College Station.
The Abilene tournament was Albany’s only outing in 7-on-7 this year because of the number of players involved in Albany’s extended baseball playoff run.
By Sam Waller
Albany enjoyed a good turnout this week for the start of its summer conditioning program, which got underway Monday, June 13.
Lions football coach Denney Faith said about 25 athletes attended the first two morning sessions, while Lady Lions basketball coach Tate Thompson reported about 20 girls have been taking part.
“We could always use a few more, but I know there were several who were at different camps or on vacation,” Faith said. “I think we’ll have more show up as we go along.”
Summer workouts are regulated by UIL rules.
By Sam Waller
Albany Little League’s entry in the Big Country Machine Pitch Classic won the Red Bracket on Saturday, June 11, and advanced to the championship bracket on Monday, June 13, before losing to Wylie.
In Saturday’s bracket, which Albany hosted, the team of local 8- and 9-year-olds defeated Cisco 14-11, Clyde 6-0 and Cisco 14-10.
Albany lost 16-8 to Wylie on Monday at Abilene’s Dixie Little League complex.
By Sam Waller
Albany Little League will host one of three brackets for the Big Country Machine Pitch Classic on Saturday, June 11 at the Little League complex.
Albany will play Cisco at 9:00 a.m., with Clyde and Haskell meeting in the other first-round game. The double-elimination event for 8- and 9-year-olds will conclude Saturday afternoon.
Other brackets are being played at Tuscola and Abilene. The three bracket winners and a wild card qualifier advance to a championship tournament on Monday, June 13 at Abilene’s Dixie Little League complex.
By Sam Waller
Another summer sports camp offered by Albany coaches wrapped up this week, but more are on the horizon.
The Albany Lions & Lady Lions All-Sports Camp completed a three-day run. Coach David Fairchild said approximately 40 campers attended the Monday session, with about the same number expected on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Next up are camps for cheerleading and volleyball.
Albany varsity cheerleaders will hold a home camp Monday-Wednesday, June 20-22 with the National Cheerleaders Association in preparation for the upcoming school year.
By Sam Waller
Entries are still being accepted for the Albany Golf Club’s annual Father’s Day Golf Tournament.
The three-person scramble is scheduled for Saturday-Sunday, June 18-19 at Albany Golf Course.
Albany Golf Club president Randy Walker said seven spots are still available for the Saturday morning session and one for the afternoon. Entries will be accepted until the field is full, and a waiting list will be started for additional teams.
Entry fee is $300 per team and includes one mulligan per person each day.
By Sam Waller
The Albany Lions had almost their entire starting lineup earn recognition on the All-District 8-2A baseball team after a season that ended in the regional finals.
Nine Albany players received honors, including six superlative or first-team selections.
“We had four on the first team,” Lions coach David Fairchild said. “I think we were well represented in our district.”
The Lions finished 21-6 overall and 10-2 in district, placing second behind Anson.
By Sam Waller
The Albany Lions saw their run in the Class 2A baseball playoffs come to a disappointing end last week with a loss to the New Home Leopards in the regional finals series.
Albany lost 5-3 in Game 1 on Thursday, June 2, at Snyder’s Moffett Field. The series was forced to move to Coahoma on Friday, June 3 because of rain, and New Home pulled away late to close out the series with a 15-5 victory in Game 2.
Albany finished the season 21-6 and ranked No. 10 in the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association Class 2A poll.
