By Sam Waller
Albany Little League concluded its regular season last week and now turns its attention to postseason play.
“It was a wonderful season, and we still have some games ahead of us in district tournaments and all-stars,” league organizer Paul Hamilton said.
The Indians won the local Majors title, going 6-0. The Oilers finished 2-4 and the Reds went 1-5. The local teams also played several games against teams from area towns.
By Sam Waller
The entire Albany Lady Lions starting lineup earned spots on the All-District 8-2A softball team after making their deepest playoff run since 2018.
Ana Balliew received Albany’s lone superlative honor as Pitcher of the Year. Shortstop Robin Lucas, catcher Haily Cox, and third baseman Sara Smith were named to the first-team infield, with Ansleigh Garcia and Gracie Price chosen for the first-team outfield.
By Sam Waller
The Albany Lions passed their toughest test of the postseason so far, overcoming an eight-run deficit in Game 2 to complete a sweep of their Class 2A regional quarterfinal baseball series against Coleman at McMurry’s Walt Driggers Field.
The Lions (19-4) pulled away to win Game 1, played Friday, May 20 with a score of 7-1 after being tied 1-1 in the fourth inning. In Game 2, played Saturday, May 21, Albany won 14-12 in eight innings after trailing 11-3 in the third inning.
By Sam Waller
Alli Scott claimed the second state gold medal in Moran history Saturday, May 14 at the Class 1A state track meet.
Scott won the 100-meter hurdles at Myers Stadium in Austin, claiming Moran’s first track state title since Amy Moore won the 440-yard dash in 1972, which was the first year the UIL held a state meet for girls.
Scott narrowly missed adding another top spot, finishing second in the 300 hurdles.
By Donnie A. Lucas
A recap of Albany High’s athletic success during the 2021-2022 school year was given at the annual Athletic 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.
A total of 13 senior athletes were presented a total of 12 special awards in memory or honor of local citizens who exemplified special qualities.
The banquet was sponsored by the Albany Athletic Booster Club.
By Sam Waller
The Albany Lions moved on in the Class 2A baseball playoffs last week with a sweep of their area series against Eldorado.
The Lions won the series opener 3-2 on Thursday, May 12, at Abilene Christian’s Crutcher Scott Field, then completed the sweep with a 12-1 victory on Saturday, May 14, at San Angelo’s Nathan Donsky Field.
By Sam Waller
Albany athletes came home with three medals – one gold, one silver, and one bronze – from the Class 2A state track meet, held Friday, May 13 at Myers Stadium in Austin.
Senior Sarah Cotter won the girls high jump, sophomore Adam Hill was second in the boys 110 hurdles, and sophomore Kiana Roberson was third in the girls shot put.
By Sam Waller
Moran’s Alli Scott will make her second appearance at the Class 1A state track meet and is hopeful the experience gained last year will pay off.
A send-off for Scott, a junior, is scheduled for Friday afternoon at Moran High School.
Scott, who qualified for state in the 100 hurdles as a sophomore, will compete in three events Saturday, May 14 at Myers Stadium in Austin. Based on her regional finals results, Scott is seeded first in the 300 hurdles (47.52), fifth in the 100 hurdles (16.63), and sixth in the high jump (5-0).
By Donnie A. Lucas
Local high school athletes will be honored for their participation and achievements in sports for the 2021-2022 school year at the annual All-Sports Banquet scheduled for Tuesday, May 17 in the main gym at the high school.
The serving lines for the meal will start at 7:00 p.m., according to Albany Athletic Booster Club officer Amanda Tabor.
High school athletes will be recognized, and coaches will announce winners of various awards, including MVP honors and special memorial award winners.
By Sam Waller
Albany finished fifth out of 12 in the team standings in their first appearance since 1994 at the state golf tournament.
The tournament was played Monday-Tuesday, May 9-10 at Lions Golf Course in Austin.
Albany shot a team score of 358-352–710 to move up a spot in the final round. The Lions were among seven teams to improve on their first-round score.
“We shaved six strokes off our team score,” coach Tate Thompson said. “We ended up catching Forsan and beating them by one stroke, but couldn’t quite catch Hamilton for fourth.”
