By Sam Waller

Seven players from the Albany Lions baseball team were recognized for their achievements on the field this season with inclusion on the All-Big Country Preps Baseball Team.

Junior Tyler Chapman was selected as a starting infielder on the first team with senior Coy Lefevre tabbed as a reserve infielder.

On the second team, senior Cole Chapman was named to the starting rotation with junior Cole Read listed in the bullpen and junior Zane Waggoner picked as a starting infielder.

By Sam Waller

Albany’s run in the Division III 7-on-7 State Tournament came to an end Friday, June 23 with a 27-19 loss to Daingerfield in the second round of championship bracket play.

The Lions went 3-2 at the tournament, which was played Thursday-Friday, June 22-23 at College Station’s Veterans Park. It marked the first time that Albany has won a game in the championship bracket.

“I thought we competed really well,” Albany coach Kevin Hill said.

Albany was making its fifth appearance in the state tournament, following trips in 2015-16, 2019, and 2021.

By Sam Waller

A total of 86 campers attended the Albany Volleyball Camp, receiving instruction in the sport from Albany volleyball coach M.J. Reneau and several assistants.

The camp was the third offered by Albany coaches since school let out for the summer, following an all-sports camp and basketball camp.

The final camp on the summer schedule is the Cubs Cheer Camp for age 3 through sixth grade. That camp is scheduled for Monday-Wednesday, July 24-26 at the auxiliary gym.

By Sam Waller

Albany Little League’s season came to an end Tuesday, June 20, as the Majors All-Stars were eliminated from the Little League International Tournament with a 5-4 loss to Abilene Northern at the Wylie complex.

Albany finished 1-2 in the 12-team, double-elimination tournament, having survived the first round of elimination games.

“I’m extremely proud of the kids,” coach Dan Key said. “They played well, but that’s the way it goes in baseball. I truly believe we were one of the better teams there.”

By Sam Waller

Albany’s junior high 7-on-7 team made its first two outings this month, competing in tournaments at Celina and College Station.

The team closed out its short season Monday, June 26 with games against teams from Anson and Hamlin at Anson. Albany beat Anson 21-0 and also defeated Hamlin 14-7.

“This is not like high school 7-on-7,” said Anthony Ceder, who coaches the team with Clint Chapman. “This is more like travel all-star teams from cities.

By Sam Waller

Participation remained strong as Albany Junior/Senior High’s summer conditioning program for prospective athletes entered its second week despite numerous other activities demanding time.

The program is open to all incoming seventh through 12th graders who plan to participate in interscholastic sports.

By Sam Waller

Albany Little League saw one of its all-star teams advance in the 2023 Little League International Tournament as it hosted its final games of the year.

“The season wrapped up really well, and over 160 kids played ball,” Albany Little League organizer Paul Hamilton said. “We got new bathrooms and upgraded other facilities. I want to give a big shout-out to our sign sponsors because we can’t make budget if we don’t have people helping us with signage.”

By Sam Waller

Albany’s summer 7-on-7 program wraps up its short season this week at the Division III State 7-on-7 Tournament.

The 32-team event will be played Thursday, June 22 (today), and Friday, June 23, at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex in College Station.

“The importance of this is the kids get to compete together, get new team components working together,” Albany 7-on-7 coach Kevin Hill said. “This will be the core of the group going in the fall. It helps with guys like Chip Chambers joining us as a quarterback and new teammate.”

By Sam Waller

Albany’s summer 7-on-7 program qualified for the 7-on-7 State Tournament by winning its side of the Abilene State Qualifying Tournament Friday, June 9 at McMurry University.

Albany qualified in Division II, which includes Class 1A (six-man) through Class 3A Division II. Albany qualified for state for the fifth time in its history, following Division II berths in 2015-16 and Division II berths in 2019 and 2021.

By Sam Waller

Albany Lions baseball coach David Fairchild has been recognized by his peers by being selected to coach in this year’s Texas High School Baseball Association All Star Game.

Fairchild will help coach the North team in the Class 2A-4A game, scheduled for noon Saturday, June 17 at Dell Diamond in Round Rock.