Some of the younger participants in the recent cheer camp (at left) await their turn to perform at Monday night’s traditional Ice Cream Supper sponsored by the Albany Athletic Booster Club. Varsity athletes were introduced, the band played (below), and ice cream was given away (below left) during the evening. As is also traditional, a good crowd  attended despite the heat, and the hamburger meals were just as popular as always. The varsity cheer squad showed off some of their routines, and the band played music from the fall show.

By Sam Waller

Freshman year is a big adjustment for new college students.

Albany graduate Luke Ivy added to the level of difficulty during his first year at Rice University by expanding his athletic pursuits even more.

Ivy, who competed in football, basketball, baseball, tennis, and track in high school, signed with Rice for track. Then he took up the decathlon.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions wrap up their second week of preseason football practice with their first look at outside competition.

The Lions will scrimmage the Coleman Bluecats Friday, Aug. 11 at Coleman. The junior varsity portion will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the varsity to follow.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions wrapped up the first week of volleyball practice with a pair of scrimmages over the weekend.

Albany opened its regular season Tuesday, Aug. 8 at Breckenridge, losing in three tough sets, 21-25, 14-25, 23-25.

The Lady Lions host their annual Albany Summer Slam tournament Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 10-12.

Lady Lions head coach M.J. Reneau said the team is ready to get the new season underway.

By Sam Waller

Moran High School athletes began preseason workouts for football, volleyball, and cross country this week.

Football began Monday morning before shifting to afternoon practices the rest of the week.

Bulldogs coach John Hughes had expected 10 or more players at the start, but those hopes were dashed.

“I thought we weren’t going to have to deal with the numbers issue, but right now we are,” Hughes said. “On Monday and Tuesday, I had seven out here.”

By Sam Waller

The Albany cross country program officially began workouts with more than a half dozen runners taking part Monday, July 31.

“We had a really good first morning,” coach Donnie Hart said. “We had six girls who are going to compete in meets and a couple more who are doing workouts to determine how that’s going to fit in with other sports.”

Those expected to be on the team are seniors Callan Edgar, Makki Hart, and Sidney Russell, junior Avery Everitt, and freshmen Ashlyn Miller and Zayne Lefevre. The group began training with a 30-minute run.

By Sam Waller

Albany Lady Lions volleyball coach M.J. Reneau greeted 21 players for the team’s opening workout Monday, July 31 to begin preparations for the upcoming season.

The Lady Lions conducted four days of two-a-day practices before hosting Benjamin for a scrimmage at 11:00 a.m. Friday, Aug. 4.

With a wealth of returning experience, Reneau said the Lady Lions were able to quickly get into the swing of things during the first workout.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions officially began life as defending state champions Monday, July 31 with the first practice of the 2023 football season.

Head coach Denney Faith had 39 players on hand for the first workout with a couple more expected to report later in the week.

“I think some of them came in pretty good shape, and some of them are going to have to get better,” Faith said on Monday afternoon. “For the most part, I thought the first session was pretty productive.”

By Sam Waller

The Shackelford Youth and Livestock Association exceeded its fundraising goal with its three-person golf scramble, held Saturday-Sunday, July 22-23, at Albany Golf Course.

The team of Owen, Carson, and Membrilay shot 115 over 36 holes to win the championship flight by three strokes over Kitchens, Barrett, and Walker.

Organizer Reggy Spencer said more than $15,000 was raised to help with the renovation of the Shackelford County livestock barn.

By Sam Waller

Two senior players from the 2023 Albany Lions baseball team have been recognized for their work in the classroom.

Recent graduates Cole Chapman and Keatin Russell were named to the Texas High School Association’s academic all-state baseball team. Chapman, who played shortstop and pitcher, was named to the second team. Russell, a designated hitter and outfielder, received honorable mention.

“It’s a good honor for them,” Lions baseball coach David Fairchild said.