By Sam WallerEight graduates from Shackelford County high schools enjoyed one last hurrah as high school athletes last week in the Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes All-Star Festival.“Everything went very smoothly,” local FCA representative Paul Johnston said.

By Sam WallerTwo local children’s sports camps are accepting applications for their events in June and July.The Albany Volleyball Camp will be Monday-Wednesday, June 27-29.The Little Cubs Cheer Camp is set for Monday-Wednesday, July 25-27.

By Sam WallerAlbany’s 7-on-7 team came up one play short of qualifying for state Friday, June 10 at the Abilene Division III State Qualifying Tournament.After advancing out of pool play, Albany lost 13-12 to Miles on a failed conversion attempt in one of two games that determined state qualifiers.

By Sam WallerAlbany enjoyed a good turnout this week for the start of its summer conditioning program, which got underway Monday, June 13.

By Sam WallerAlbany Little League’s entry in the Big Country Machine Pitch Classic won the Red Bracket on Saturday, June 11, and advanced to the championship bracket on Monday, June 13, before losing to Wylie.

Albany and Shackelford County had a sizeable contingent this week at the Big Country Fellowship Athletes Leadership Camp at Hardin-Simmons University.Local FCA representative Paul Johnston had about 200 attendees, 12 of them from Albany.

By Sam WallerA Shackelford County 4-Her brought home big prizes last week from the Texas 4-H State Roundup in College Station.

By Donnie A. LucasA large group of Albany students and sponsors will travel to San Diego later this month to compete in the FCCLA National Leadership Conference.The group of 12 students will attend the conference on June 29 through July 1 to either compete or present projects.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Athletic Booster Club is again seeking volunteers to work its seat-cushion fundraiser during the Fort Griffin Fandangle.Albany junior high and high school athletes traditionally rent seat cushions for $1 at Fandangle performances and collect them after the show.

By Donnie A. LucasA free concert by the Houston Boychoir is planned for Thursday (tonight) at the Aztec Theater at 7:30 p.m.The special performance is hosted by Dr. Richard Stasney and the Stasney Cook Ranch.