By Sandy Morris

Moran schools put the wraps on their athletic year this past weekend when a local hurdler competed at the state meet.

Moran sophomore athlete Alli Scott finished her track year landing in seventh place in the 100 meter hurdles at the University Interscholastic League Track and Field State Championships held last Saturday in Austin. 

Moran athletic director and track coach John Hughes said he was very proud of Scott’s achievements during the season.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Albany junior high tennis team brough home several medals from last week’s district tournament, including gold in both girls and boys doubles.

There were also several silver medals for local players, who missed out on any other action during the short season because the district meet was earlier than in past.

In addition, the eighth graders didn’t have a season at all last spring due to the COVID shutdown.

By Donnie A. Lucas

A pair of Albany jumpers made their first trip to the Class 2A UIL State Track Meet last Friday, picking up valuable experience if not medals.

Sophomore Cole Chapman competed in the high jump, clearing 6-02 to finish in eighth place. The winning jump this year was made by a Weimar athlete who cleared 6-07.

“Cole barely missed clearing 6-04, hitting the bar with his heel,” coach Rod Britting said. “If he had made it, he would have moved up to fourth place. It just shows you how close the competition was.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Although they waited to score late in both games of the bi-district baseball series against Coleman last week, the Lions earned a two-game sweep to advance to the area round of the playoffs.

Albany will face the Ozona Lions (13-7-1, 7-3) in a best of three series starting Thursday in Hermleigh with a first pitch at 6:00 p.m. Game 2 is set for Friday at 4:00 p.m. in Hermleigh, with a third game immediately following if needed.

By Donnie A. Lucas

A recap of Albany High’s athletic success during the 2020-2021 school year was given at the annual All-Sports 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.

Thirteen senior athletes were presented special awards in memory or honor of local citizens who exemplified special qualities.

The banquet was sponsored by the Athletic Booster Club.

By Sandy Morris

Moran sophomore athlete Alli Scott took home the gold in the 100 meter hurdles at the Region 2 1A track meet at Angelo State University in April and earned a trip to the University Interscholastic League Track and Field State Championships taking place this weekend, May 6 to May 8.

The girls 1A 100 meter hurdles is the third event on Saturday, May 8, in Mike A. Myers Stadium at the University of Texas campus in Austin.

The stadium is located at 707 Clyde Littlefield Drive.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Albany High School tennis team made an impressive showing at the Region 2-2A tennis tournament held April 26-27 in North Richland Hills, with junior Sarah Cotter making her first trip to the state meet in girls singles.

Albany’s other girls singles competitor, freshman Sidney Russell, finished fourth in the region, and the girls double duo of Susie Cormack and Ella Webb fought their way through the tournament to earn third place medals.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lady Lion softball team lost two close games against Anson in the bi-district round of the Class 2A playoffs last week, ending the season for the Albany girls.

Anson won the first game of the series, 2-0, on Thursday in a game that was moved to an all-weather turf field at Hermleigh due to rain.

Anson took the second game 6-5, played at another all-weather field at Stanton on Saturday.

By Sandy Morris

The 2021 All-Sports Banquet, which honors local students for their participation in high school athletic events, has been set for Tuesday, May 11 at the Albany High School gymnasium at 7:00 p.m.

The serving line will begin at 7:00 p.m., according to Athletic Booster Club secretary Tisha Wilkins.

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

By Donnie A. Lucas

Four Albany basketball players have been recognized with selection to the Class 2A All-Big Country Basketball team.

Senior Barrett Beal was unanimously picked for the first team, while sophomore Cole Chapman received the Sixth Man Award for the team.

Both Beal and Chapman also were selected as Honorable Mention for the All-Big Country Super Team, which includes players from all classifications.

Freshman Adam Hill and sophomore Coy ­Lefevre both received Honorable Mention for the Class 2A team.