By Sam Waller

Golfers will have six resodded greens to putt on this year at the Albany Golf Club’s annual Labor Day tournament, scheduled for Sept. 4-5.

Golf Club board member James Waters said the greens, which were damaged by February’s hard freeze, have been resodded with TifEagle Bermuda and are in good condition.

“We were going to do all nine of them, but we couldn’t get the grass,” he said. “The three we didn’t get to are rebounding, and by the time we have the tournament, they’ll be in good condition.”

By Sam Waller

It’s said that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

After a season of dealing with the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the Albany Lions began preseason practices Monday under cool, cloudy conditions.

Head coach Denney Faith and his staff welcomed 46 players for the initial practice at the high school practice field.

By Donnie A. Lucas

A meeting is scheduled Monday, Aug. 2 for high school runners interested in taking part in cross country track this fall.

The meeting is set for 8:00 a.m. Monday in the foyer of the main gym.

Coach Tate Thompson said he will hand out the required forms for runners to have signed by a parent, with the first actual workout following on Tuesday at 8:00 a.m.

Thompson will set up a workout schedule for runners, as well as discuss the season.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Two-a-day workouts for high school volleyball start Monday, Aug. 2 at 7:00 a.m. at the high school competition gym.

Coach M.J. Reneau is expecting about 40 girls in grades 9-12 to participate this season, with seven seniors off last year’s state semifinal team returning.

“We lost eight seniors from last year, but I have another big group of seniors coming up,” Reneau said. “I am expecting another good year for the Lady Lions with a solid group of returning players.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Summer football workouts for the Albany Lions are slated to start Monday, Aug. 2 at the field house.

All the uncertainty of last August due to the coronavirus has cleared into a “regular” start for the program, including typical August weather.

“After having a fairly mild summer, the forecast calls for 100-degree temperatures next week,” head coach Denney Faith said. “We need the guys to be hydrating well this week in preparation, continuing when workouts start.”

The Albany Athletic Booster Club met on July 12 to discuss plans for the annual Hamburger Supper and other fall events.

The annual event will be held at the Bank Park on Aug. 9 at 6:00 p.m.

The meal includes a hamburger, drink, chips, and ice cream for $8.

Cheerleaders will provide ice cream for the event.

All athletic supporters are encouraged to attend the supper.

The Booster Club still needs volunteers to grill burgers.

By Donnie A. Lucas

High school athletes planning to participate in football, volleyball and cross country have only 10 days of summer left before the start of two-a-day workouts on Monday, Aug. 2.

Summer conditioning programs ended this week for the boys, while the girls will continue to meet through July 29.

Prospective athletes for both volleyball and football were sent letters last week outlining two-a-day practices, along with several forms that must be filled out and signed by both students and parents by the opening day of practices.

By Sidney Bartee

A group of parents met last week on Monday, June 28 to elect new officers for the Albany Athletic Booster Club (AABC) and begin making plans for fall events.

Officers elected at the meeting include Ginny Ivy – president, Amanda Tabor – vice president, Sara Birkla – treasurer, and Christi Chapman and Cari Heatly – co-secretaries.

Jennifer Bowman will head up food organization for the football concession stand.

Club officers are looking for one other person to help Bowman and help organize worker sign-ups.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Local male athletes entering grades 7-12 have the chance to take part in  summer conditioning and sport specific training next week, while the girls’ program will continue on break until July 19.

The girls’ conditioning and sport specific training is on a two-week break but will pick up again on July 19 for two final weeks prior to volleyball two-a-days.

The boys worked out this week and will continue through July 22.

By Jillian Lucas

Albany cheerleaders spent three days together recently in a “home” cheer camp, with several earning All-American honors, and they are now getting ready for an upcoming event for younger girls.

Elementary-age cheerleaders who want to receive a t-shirt for the July 26-28 Cubs Cheer Camp must be pre-registered by next Monday, July 12, according to cheer sponsor Nickie Leveridge.

AHS Home Camp

Albany High School junior varsity and varsity cheerleaders participated in a home cheer camp a few weeks ago at the high school gym.