Please Don’t Climb!

As I looked across the street this morning, I saw a herd of boys headed to the practice field. Yes, it’s that time...football season.

In 2007, we had an ex-student who wanted to donate something very special for our football stadium. He wanted his gift donated in honor of one of his best friends...Johnny King.

In 1960 and1961, our LIONS won back to back State Championships.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Between team camp, the start of two-a-day practices and a set of scrimmages on Saturday, the Lady Lion volleyball players were more than busy last week.

The action continued on Tuesday with the season opener at Jim Ned on Tuesday. The varsity suffered a 29-31, 19-25, 19-25 loss to the 3A Lady Indians. The JVI lost 22-25, 10-25, while the JVII fell 25-15, 20-25, 11-15. Details of the games will be reported next week.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Over 50 players showed up for the first day of summer football practice on Monday, with a total of 54 expected when the full roster is back for the daily workouts to prepare for the 2019 season.

According to head football coach Denney Faith, numbers for the first day of practice were up by six or seven over last season and over 15 above the 2017 numbers.

The group will be led by an equally large senior class numbering 14, compared to the five seniors who helped guided the 2018 team to the state semifinals.

Auddrena Lee West Larance Smith, 95, passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at Providence Hospital in Waco, Texas. Funeral services were Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019 at Albany Church of Christ in Albany, Texas.

Auddrena was the oldest of six children born to Vallie Corbett and Lorena Bell Freeman West on Sept. 6, 1923 in Lueders, Texas. She grew up in Lueders and graduated from Lueders High School in 1941. 

Perry Duff Simmons, 54, of Azle, passed away on Friday, Aug. 2, 2019 in Weatherford. 

Funeral services cele-brating Perry’s life were held Monday, Aug. 5, 2019, at the Springtown United Methodist Church in Springtown, Texas. Burial followed at the Veal Station Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to his family. 

James Monroe Lawrence, age 85, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2019 at Hendrick Hospice Care in Abilene, Texas. Monroe requested that there not be a funeral service since he donated his body to medical research.

Monroe was born north of Breckenridge, Texas on the Sayles Place on July 10, 1934 to Albert D. Lawrence and Pearl Crudgington Lawrence. He was one of nine children born to his parents.

Monroe attended schools in Albany and Breckenridge, then ultimately graduated high school from Abilene High in 1952.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Children from pre-K age to those who have completed sixth grade are expected to have some “wild” and “Amazing Encounters with Jesus” during next week’s “In the Wild” Community Vacation Bible School.

Representatives from most of the churches in town are already busy with decorations and other plans for the upcoming event, which is set for Sunday through Wednesday, Aug. 4-7.

First Baptist Church is hosting this year’s VBS, which is supported by the Albany Ministerial Alliance and coordinated by Ginger Bumguardner.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Workouts for the 2019 volleyball start Thursday (today), with only a couple of days of practice slated before the local squads hit the court for competition.

New head coach M.J. Reneau is expecting over 35 girls to play this season, providing the numbers to support three teams including a varsity and two JV groups.

“I think we will have 36 girls at this points, so that is plenty for three teams,” the coach said. “That will give the girls more playing opportunities.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Another football season will kick off on Monday with the start of the traditional summer workouts.

Albany’s coaching staff is expecting about 50 players to show up for the first day of practice, which will be an increase over last year’s numbers.

The first session is slated for 8:00 a.m. on Monday, with students needing to hand in the paperwork signed by parents that is required by the school and UIL. 

Equipment will be issued, followed by the first practice of the season for high school players.

Photographs taken of various teams and individuals by The Albany News since the beginning of the local coach pitch, softball and baseball seasons are available for pickup.

Summer baseball and softball packages are priced at $18 plus tax. Many of the packets have already been paid for, and although many have already been picked up, there are dozens still at the News office.

Graduation photos of the 2019 Albany High School seniors are also in, but several members of the class have not yet placed their orders.