With a new school year and athletic season just around the corner, the Albany Athletic Booster Club is launching several initiatives to build support for student-athletes and coaches.

For the first time, fans can officially become members of the Booster Club, with multiple membership levels ranging from $25 to $500. Each level offers increasing benefits like recognition in the football program, booster yard signs, decals, flags, and even T-shirts. All memberships and sponsorships apply to the 2025–2026 school year and are now available at albanyathleticboosterclub.com.

The Shackelford County Youth & Livestock Association’s annual 3-Person Golf Scramble brought in another $40,000 this past weekend, matching last year’s total. The tournament was held Saturday and Sunday, July 19–20, at Albany Golf Club, with proceeds supporting local youth exhibitors in the Shackelford County Stock Show.

A group of young athletes from Albany will represent their town on the national stage this weekend as members of the Twisted Sisters, a regional team competing in the USA Softball National Championship in Wichita Falls.

The team includes six girls from Albany: Kynlee Milligan, Mackenzee Roysdon, Avery Gleitz, Hailey Gleitz, Sawyer Shoaf, and Tinley Hefner. They’ll be joined by four additional players from Cisco, Hawley, Breckenridge, and Abilene to complete the 10-player roster. Tim Milligan is coaching the team.

With summer conditioning wrapping up, Albany High School athletes are gearing up for the start of football and volleyball practices in early August, as both programs report strong numbers and solid participation this summer.

Football: Numbers Look Good

Head football coach Denney Faith is currently on vacation, but athletic director Ryder Peacock said coaches are optimistic about the upcoming season.

With tournament weekend just ahead, organizers of the Shackelford County Youth & Livestock Association’s annual 3-Person Golf Scramble are encouraging teams to grab the last few open spots.

The tournament will be held Saturday and Sunday, July 20–21, at Albany Golf Club. While the afternoon flight is full, limited space remains in the 8:30 a.m. morning slot. Entry is $125 per player.

The Albany Athletic Booster Club has begun preparations for the 2025-26 school year with new leadership and upcoming events to engage the community.

Kristie Smith will serve as the club’s president this year. Supporting her in leadership roles are vice presidents Stephanie Gleitz, Claire Ware, and Lindsey Edgar. Chelsea Parsons will serve as secretary and oversee the Spirit Shop, while Brandi Green will handle treasurer duties.

With about 55 campers already signed up, Albany High School cheerleaders are preparing for their annual Mini Cheer Camp, set for July 28–30 at the AHS gym. 

Incoming Pre-K through sixth grade students can still register, but organizers are encouraging sign-up as soon as possible so that participants can get a camp T-shirt.

“We’re excited to have more than 50 kids signed up,” said cheer sponsor Lauren Peacock. “If they haven’t signed up yet, cheer campers need to register as soon as possible to ensure they get a T-shirt.”

Albany’s 7-on-7 football team advanced to the quarterfinals at the Division III State Tournament in College Station June 26-27, finishing among the top eight teams in the state.

The Lions went 3-0 in pool play Thursday, securing the No. 1 seed in their bracket with a last-second win over Tidehaven. Albany opened with a 24-12 win over Hico, followed by a 32-28 victory over Tidehaven and a 14-7 win against Wolfe City.

The Shackelford County Youth & Livestock Association will host its annual 3-Person Golf Scramble at Albany Golf Club on Friday and Saturday, July 19–20, with proceeds benefiting local students who participate in the county stock show.

The tournament is limited to 40 teams, and while the afternoon flight is already full, a few morning spots remain for the 8:30 a.m. tee time. Entry is $125 per player.

In addition to the tournament, a meal will be provided Saturday evening followed by a Calcutta and live music by Matt Stapp.

Albany Junior/Senior High athletes are heading into the final stretch of their summer conditioning programs, with coaches and players preparing for the start of preseason football and volleyball practices in early August.

Local boys can still work out in conditioning sessions led by coaches at 7:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday through July 17, but can continue to work out on their own after that.