Cool morning temperatures gave Albany football players a welcome surprise as the first official week of practice got underway. Head Coach Denney Faith said the early conditions allowed for crisp, focused workouts to start the season.

“It’s been really cooperative weather-wise,” Faith said. “We’ve had a good start.”

The Lions opened the week under UIL acclimation rules, beginning with two days in shorts before adding shoulder pads on Wednesday. Full-contact practice was expected to begin Friday.

The Albany Lady Lions officially opened the 2025 volleyball season Friday, August 1, with a full weekend of workouts, community service, and team-building activities aimed at setting the tone for a strong year.

Head Coach MJ Reneau said 20 players are out for the team this season, ensuring full JV and varsity rosters with depth. While the program has had a third team in past years, Reneau said she hopes to see continued growth to bring that back in the future.

With the return of August comes the return of football in Albany, as the Lions are set to begin their first official practice Monday morning, August 4. Head Coach Denney Faith said the team expects close to 50 players this season, slightly above average for recent years, with a varsity squad projected to number between 25 and 30.

The Lions will have experience on their side, returning seven offensive and nine defensive starters from last year’s squad. But many key positions, including quarterback, remain unsettled heading into the first week of practice.

The Albany Lady Lions volleyball team is ready to take the court for the 2025 season, with practice beginning tomorrow, Friday, August 1. Head coach MJ Reneau said she expects around 20 girls in the program this fall, with both varsity and junior varsity teams in place. In addition to the first practice, the team will volunteer at Closet Angels Friday afternoon. 

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.