By Melinda L. Lucas

Students at Nancy Smith Elementary School will showcase their athletic talents and enjoy a morning of fun during the school’s annual track and field day on Friday, May 16, at the Albany High School track.

The event, part of Health and Wellness Week at the elementary campus, is set to begin around 9 a.m. and wrap up by noon. A pizza lunch will be served to students as part of the festivities.

“This will be a fun-filled day, and we invite you to join us,” said NSES principal Jenci Chambers.

The Albany junior high tennis program wrapped up its season in dominant fashion, with both the 7th and 8th grade girls teams winning district championships and the 8th grade boys doubles team earning a second-place finish.

“It was a great season — lots of hard work, fun and learning,” said head coach M.J. Reneau. “I’m very proud to have so many be part of the program.”

Players from Abilene Christian, Hawley, Stamford and Albany were entered in the junior high tournament.

By Melinda L. Lucas

With a regular season loss to Hawley on April 22, the Albany Lions are going into the baseball playoffs with an 8-6-3 overall record. 

Albany will face De Leon this week in a best-of-three series for the bi-district title, with the first game set for 4:00 p.m. Thursday, May 1 in Clyde. Game 2 will be at Graford, also at 4:00 p.m., with a third game to follow if needed.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany will have nine athletes in five entries vying for state berths Friday and Saturday, May 9-10 at the Region II-2A tennis tournament at Richland Tennis Center in North Richland Hills.

The top two finishers in each draw qualify for the Class 2A state tournament, scheduled for Thursday-Friday, May 15-16 at Blossom Tennis Center in San Antonio. 

The 2025 tournament season at the Albany Golf Club tees off this weekend with the second annual Christmas for Kids Tournament, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 3–4.

The two-day tournament is a three-person scramble format, with a $125 entry fee per player. Around 42 teams are expected to compete. A Calcutta will take place following Saturday’s afternoon round.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Albany tennis program claimed the boys team  at the District 10-2A tournament and qualified nine entries for regional competition.

Albany ended Monday’s play with the top mixed doubles team, the top girls doubles, first place boy singles and second place boys doubles. Added on day two was a runner up mixed doubles title.

By David H. Waller

The Albany High School boys golf team turned in two of their best rounds of the season at last week’s regional tournament but fell just short of advancing to state, finishing sixth in a highly competitive field.

The team posted rounds of 327 and 323 over the two-day tournament—scores that in most years would have been enough to move on. But this year’s Region II competition was stacked with strong teams, including two that shot below 310 both days and 14 that finished under 320.

Albany’s boys and girls track teams competed in the Region I-2A track meet last weekend in Springtown, facing one of the most competitive fields in recent memory. Though no athletes advanced to the state meet this year, coaches said the experience will be a motivator going forward.

By Melinda L. Lucas

After taking a long weekend off for the Easter holiday, the Albany Lions returned to the field for the last game of the regular baseball season on Tuesday against Hawley. Results were not available at press time and will be reported next week.

The Lions defeated Abilene TLCA by a big margin of 23-2 last Monday, April 14, one day earlier than originally planned because of a conflict. No games were scheduled on Good Friday. 

By David H. Waller

Albany’s track and field athletes are preparing for a major test this weekend as they head into the regional meet in Springtown. Following strong performances at the area level, both the Lions and Lady Lions will be represented in multiple events during the two-day competition, with prelims set for Friday and finals scheduled for Saturday.

For the boys’ team, head coach Rod Britting said nearly every athlete or relay that competed at the area meet advanced to regionals.