By Sam Waller

The Albany Junior High Cubs and Lady Cubs opened their track and field seasons Monday, Feb. 28, with a meet at Anson.

In the girls competition, Albany athletes had 11 first places – nine in seventh grade events and two in eighth grade.

“The girls did very well,” coach Missy Dutchover said. “It was a ribbon meet, so they received ribbons for whatever place they finished in their heats.”

In the boys competition, Albany won three events in the eighth grade division and two in the seventh grade division.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions and Lady Lions track and field teams had the start of their season delayed last week because of winter weather, but will hit the ground running Thursday, March 3 (today) at Anson.

The Albany boys return two state qualifiers in senior Luke Ivy and junior Cole Chapman.

“We have a pretty good unit coming back from last year,” boys coach Rod Britting said. “We feel like we’ll be competitive in several events.”

By Sam Waller

The Albany Little Dribblers league completed its third week of games Saturday, Feb. 26 at the Albany gyms.

The league will conclude its season Saturday, March 5 with 10 games. The schedule for Week 4 follows.

Boys – Black vs. Blue, 9:00 a.m.; Red vs. Gray, 10:00 a.m.; Gray vs. Black, 11:00 a.m.; Blue vs. Red, noon.

Girls – Turquoise vs. Purple, 9:00 a.m.; Red vs. Grey, 10:00 a.m.; Pink vs. Green, 11:00 a.m.; Turquoise vs Grey, noon; Purple vs. Green, 1:00 p.m.; Pink vs. Red, 2:00 p.m.

Results from last week’s games are listed below.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions baseball team will be at full strength this weekend when it plays its first varsity games.

The Lions will play at the Eastland tournament on Thursday, March 3 (today), and Friday, March 4.

The Lions played Class 3A opponents Jim Ned and Eastland on Thursday and Class 4A Pampa on Friday.

“We’re going to get a real test right off the bat playing those schools,” coach David Fairchild said.

By Sam Waller

After seeing last week’s tournament wiped out by the weather, the Albany Lions tennis team doubled up with two events this week.

On Wednesday, March 2, an Albany meet pitted players from Albany, Breckenridge, Bronte, Highland, Stamford, and Winters in round robin competition.

Albany’s entries were Cason Fairchild in boys singles, Luke Ivy and Cooper Fairchild in boys doubles, Chelsy Parsons in girls singles, and the girls doubles pairs of Leddie Leech/Robyn Trail and Brooklyn Abbate/Cambree Clegg.

By Sam Waller

Little League tryouts have been rescheduled for this weekend following last week’s winter storm.

League organizer Paul Hamilton said tryouts for players ages 8-12 will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 5 at the Little League complex on Griffin Road. Those unable to attend Saturday may try out at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 6.

Hamilton said tryouts are only for players who have not participated in Albany Little League before.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions golf team restarted its season Wednesday, March 2, at Hawley after an abortive attempt last week.

The Lions were scheduled to open last week at Haskell. Even with the event moved up two days to Tuesday, Feb. 22 in anticipation of winter weather, conditions forced golfers to abandon play after just one hole.

Albany returns four of five players from last year’s district champions, including district medalist Lute Wheeler. Also back are Ayden Balliew, Houston Heatly, and Koy Cauble.

By Sam Waller

Four members of the Moran Lady Bulldogs were recognized for their achievement with inclusion on the All-District 13-1A girls basketball team.

Senior Johnnie Hise was named to the first team with junior Hannah Noble earning a spot on the second team. Senior Hannah Rogers and junior Alli Scott received honorable mention.

“Congratulations to these ladies on this accomplishment,” Lady Bulldogs coach John Hughes said.

By Sam Waller

Four Moran students earned individual honors Monday, Feb. 28, at the District 13-1A One-Act Play contest at Eula.

Hannah Rogers earned a spot on the All-Star Cast, while Harmony Slaughter was named Outstanding Crew. Alli Scott and Emily Murk received honorable mention on the All-Star Cast.

Moran performed “The Girl in the Mirror” by Bruce Jacoby under the direction of teacher Bryce Hughes. Moran was not among the three schools to advance.

By Donnie A. Lucas

In a little over a week, local residents are invited to a cultural family festival at the Old Jail Center, this time to experience Helidonismata, a Greek celebration of spring to be held on Saturday, March 12.

The event is set from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. and is open without charge to all residents.

The festival will include cultural games and crafts, as well as foods associated with the celebration that literally means “return of the swallows” in Greek. One of the crafts will include making colorful bird puppets.