By Donnie A. Lucas

Workouts for the 2020 volleyball season start Monday, with scrimmages set for Saturday, Aug. 8 in Breckenridge.

Details for the season were in limbo much of the summer before the University Interscholastic League announced last week that Class 1A through 4A schools could start workouts as originally planned on Aug. 3. The two larger 5A and 6A divisions will be delayed until September.

Head coach M.J. Reneau is expecting around 38 girls to play this season, which will provide enough players for three teams.

By Donnie A. Lucas

A meeting is set Monday 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, as well discuss the season.

The coach said he doesn’t know how many runners to expect.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Two Albany Little League teams were still playing in the district tournament at press time on Tuesday, with the third group eliminated after their first game on Saturday.

League president Paul Hamilton explained that he and other coaches weren’t notified that there would be a district tournament until a few weeks ago. 

The regular season was shortened and didn’t start until until the second week of June.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany students ages six to 11 are invited to participate in a golf camp Monday through Wednesday, Aug. 10-12, 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Albany golf course.

PGA golf professionals from the Abilene Country Club will be in Albany to give instruction during the three-day event.

The camp will be held at the driving range located behind the #8 green and #9 tee box at the course.

By Lynsi Musselman

While there are no back to school events planned, Moran Independent School athletes are gearing up for two-a-days to start Monday, Aug. 3 to 7.

Tuesday, Aug. 4 will be a late practice time starting at 6:00 p.m. to accommodate a staff training day for MISD employees.

Members of Moran First Baptist Church will serve lunch to the volleyball and football players during their lunch break at noon at the church.

Organizer Jo Hise said FBC will serve breakfast burritos, chef salad, super burritos, baked ziti, and pizza.

By Donnie A. Lucas

There is a lot more up in the air right now concerning high sports than footballs and volleyballs.

The fate of the fall sports seasons was in limbo awaiting an announcement from the University Scholastic League this week.

The UIL issued new guidelines for the 2020-2021 school year on Tuesday, with Class 1A-4A districts keeping the original schedule of  how and when high school sports will be allowed to proceed due to concerns over the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Local conditioning and sport specific training will resume for the last week of workouts prior to two-a-days for local athletes entering grades 7-12.

The final week of summer conditioning for both boys and girls will start Monday, July 27.

Sessions for the boys are scheduled for 7:00 until 8:30 a.m. on Monday through Thursday.

High school age students wanting to participate in football (sport specific) drills will meet from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Local athletes entering grades 7-12 got a break from summer conditioning and sport specific training last week but were back working this week.

Both the boys and girls sessions will be on hold again next week due to the boys coaches attending coaching school, along with UIL setting some blackout dates next week.

“At this point, nothing is planned for next week,” athletic director Ryder Peacock said. “If that changes, I’ll send out a notice.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Yard Goats, a local baseball 14U travel team, won the championship at the Nokona Iron Jacket VII Baseball Festival for the 14 & under age group.

The tournament was held in Nocona, Texas and sponsored by the famous Nokona baseball glove manufacturer located there.

Each member of the Yard Goats received a gold ring and a Nokona glove, while the team was awarded the championship plaque.

“The boys all played great through the whole tournament,” coach Justin Read said. “Everyone  did more than their fair share to win.”

By Lynsi Musselman

The Albany Athletic Booster Club met July 1 to elect new officers and begin making plans for the annual Hamburger Supper and other fall events.

Officers elected at the meeting are Shawnee Tischler – president, Stephen Kayga – vice president, and Tisha Wilkins – secretary. The position of treasurer will be announced later. 

Logan Neve will head up the “Tunnel Crew” again this year. Volunteers are always needed to help hold the inflatable “A,” as well as with the horn and flags.