By David H. Waller

The Albany High School boys golf team turned in two of their best rounds of the season at last week’s regional tournament but fell just short of advancing to state, finishing sixth in a highly competitive field.

The team posted rounds of 327 and 323 over the two-day tournament—scores that in most years would have been enough to move on. But this year’s Region II competition was stacked with strong teams, including two that shot below 310 both days and 14 that finished under 320.

Albany’s boys and girls track teams competed in the Region I-2A track meet last weekend in Springtown, facing one of the most competitive fields in recent memory. Though no athletes advanced to the state meet this year, coaches said the experience will be a motivator going forward.

By Melinda L. Lucas

After taking a long weekend off for the Easter holiday, the Albany Lions returned to the field for the last game of the regular baseball season on Tuesday against Hawley. Results were not available at press time and will be reported next week.

The Lions defeated Abilene TLCA by a big margin of 23-2 last Monday, April 14, one day earlier than originally planned because of a conflict. No games were scheduled on Good Friday. 

By David H. Waller

Albany’s track and field athletes are preparing for a major test this weekend as they head into the regional meet in Springtown. Following strong performances at the area level, both the Lions and Lady Lions will be represented in multiple events during the two-day competition, with prelims set for Friday and finals scheduled for Saturday.

For the boys’ team, head coach Rod Britting said nearly every athlete or relay that competed at the area meet advanced to regionals.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Albany Lions are in position to advance into the baseball playoffs as the Division II number two seed behind the district-leading Stamford Bulldogs.

After playing Abilene TLCA one day early on Monday night, Albany was 8-5-3 overall, 6-3 in district, with one regular season game left that won’t make a difference in the district standings.

By David H. Waller

The Albany Lions golf team is set to compete in the regional tournament this week at Old Brickyard Golf Club in Ferris, with tee times beginning Wednesday morning.

Head coach Tate Thompson said the team has spent recent weeks focusing on individual preparation, as many players are balancing multiple commitments. “We’ve just tried to get them to focus on the areas they need to work on—whether it’s  hitting more fairways, improving putting, or getting greens in regulation,” Thompson said.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Lady Lions ended another rocky softball season last week with losses to Anson and district winner Stamford, both of whom are advancing to the playoffs.

The mostly young Albany players finished with 2-7 district record.

Veteran team members Carisa Barrera and Gabby Lopez were recognized during a Senior Night celebration at the last home game on April 8.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Albany High School tennis team got its final tune-up prior to the district tournament with a partial lineup involved in practice games Monday, April 14 against Abilene High School JV players.

The local athletes will report next Monday and Tuesday, April 21-22 for the district tournament at Abilene’s Rose Park Tennis Center.

Coach M.J. Reneau said scores were not recorded at Monday’s matches, nor at the Vernon quad meet on April 8.

By David H. Waller

We have a winner. After weeks of games and hours of pretending to understand college basketball, The Albany News Bracket Challenge has officially crowned a champion: Shelby Coffee.

Shelby came out swinging with a strong bracket—boldly picking three of the four No. 1 seeds to reach the Final Four. A true visionary. Of course, it just so happens that this was the first time since 2008 that all four No. 1 seeds actually did make it to the Final Four, but we’re not here to nitpick. Luck? Strategy? 

By David H. Waller

The Albany Lions and Lady Lions battled through tough fields at last week’s district track meet in Cisco, with a strong amount of athletes advancing to the area meet set for this Thursday (today) in Graham.

Lady Lions head coach Lauren Peacock said her small but determined group showed up strong. “I took three girls over there that competed at the varsity division, and all three of them made finals in all of their events,” Peacock said. “Two of them advanced to area. So overall, it was a really good day for them.”