By Donnie A. Lucas

A recap of Albany High’s athletic success during the 2021-2022 school year was given at the annual Athletic Banquet on Tuesday, including the announcement of several special memorial awards.

Coaches for each sport also recognized their teams, along with handing out various sport-specific awards.

A total of 13 senior athletes were presented a total of 12 special awards in memory or honor of local citizens who exemplified special qualities.

The banquet was sponsored by the Albany Athletic Booster Club.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions moved on in the Class 2A baseball playoffs last week with a sweep of their area series against Eldorado.

The Lions won the series opener 3-2 on Thursday, May 12, at Abilene Christian’s Crutcher Scott Field, then completed the sweep with a 12-1 victory on Saturday, May 14, at San Angelo’s Nathan Donsky Field.

By Sam Waller

Albany athletes came home with three medals – one gold, one silver, and one bronze – from the Class 2A state track meet, held Friday, May 13 at Myers Stadium in Austin.

Senior Sarah Cotter won the girls high jump, sophomore Adam Hill was second in the boys 110 hurdles, and sophomore Kiana Roberson was third in the girls shot put.

By Sam Waller

Moran’s Alli Scott will make her second appearance at the Class 1A state track meet and is hopeful the experience gained last year will pay off.

A send-off for Scott, a junior, is scheduled for Friday afternoon at Moran High School.

Scott, who qualified for state in the 100 hurdles as a sophomore, will compete in three events Saturday, May 14 at Myers Stadium in Austin. Based on her regional finals results, Scott is seeded first in the 300 hurdles (47.52), fifth in the 100 hurdles (16.63), and sixth in the high jump (5-0).

By Donnie A. Lucas

Local high school athletes will be honored for their participation and achievements in sports for the 2021-2022 school year at the annual All-Sports Banquet scheduled for Tuesday, May 17 in the main gym at the high school.

The serving lines for the meal will start at 7:00 p.m., according to Albany Athletic Booster Club officer Amanda Tabor.

High school athletes will be recognized, and coaches will announce winners of various awards, including MVP honors and special memorial award winners.

By Sam Waller

Albany finished fifth out of 12 in the team standings in their first appearance since 1994 at the state golf tournament.

The tournament was played Monday-Tuesday, May 9-10 at Lions Golf Course in Austin.

Albany shot a team score of 358-352–710 to move up a spot in the final round. The Lions were among seven teams to improve on their first-round score.

“We shaved six strokes off our team score,” coach Tate Thompson said. “We ended up catching Forsan and beating them by one stroke, but couldn’t quite catch Hamilton for fourth.”

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions took the first step in the Class 2A baseball playoffs last week, sweeping their bi-district series against Winters at Abilene Cooper.

The Lions (15-4) won the series opener 11-4 on Friday, May 6, then completed the sweep with a 12-0 victory in Game 2 on Saturday, May 7.

“We had a great weekend,” coach David Fairchild said. “The boys were focused and played well.”

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions continued their run in the Class 2A softball playoffs by sweeping their area series with Ozona.

On Friday, May 6, Albany won the series opener 12-3 at San Angelo Lake View, then clinched the sweep with a 12-2 victory on Monday, May 9 at Stanton.

Albany advanced to the third round of the playoffs for the first time since reaching the state tournament in 2018.

By Sam Waller

Five Albany athletes will be trying to go faster, higher, and farther Friday, May 13 at the Class 2A state track meet at Myers Stadium in Austin.

For the boys team, Tye Edgar is entered in the pole vault, Cole Chapman in the triple jump, and Adam Hill in the 110 hurdles.

“Any time you go to Austin, your goal is to perform well,” boys coach Rod Britting said. “If you perform well and things work out, and you get on the awards stand, then that’s gravy. If you make it to the top, even better.”

By Sam Waller

Members of the Albany Junior High tennis claimed three division titles and another 10 top four finishes last week at the junior high district tournament at Abilene’s Rose Park Tennis Center.

In the girls competition on Monday, May 2, the Lady Cubs swept the top three spots in seventh grade doubles. Zayne Le­fevre and Amber Miramontes won the title, defeating teammates Charlee Hefner and Hattie Braly in the final, while Tatum Grady and Ashlyn Miller finished third.