Chapman, Hoel commit to colleges

Two more Albany senior student-athletes made their college choices recently with Tyler Chapman signing to play baseball at Tyler Junior College, while Jaxson Hoel committed to play football at McMurry.

The decisions bring the total of Albany student athletes continuing their athletic careers at the college level to seven

Chapman, who has also played infield for the Lions, was recruited as a relief pitcher.

“It’s a tremendous feeling,” Chapman said. “I’ve had so many people help me get to this level where I can go continue my career. I think it will be a tremendous opportunity to grow as a person and as a player.”

Hoel,wholedtheLions in tackles as a linebacker during a 16-0 state championship season, was recruited as a defensive back.

It’s a great feeling,” Hoel said. “Being able to go and play with my brother (Jess) is a tremendous goal that I’ve had. Actually being able to do it is awesome.”

The Hoel brothers played one varsity season together in 2021 at Abernathy.

“Jess was a senior when I was a sophomore,” Hoel said. “We got to experience that together. Now, I want some more of it.”

In going the junior college route, Chapman joins a program in which freshmen have a greater opportunity to contribute right away.

“I was advised to do this by some of the college coaches,” he said. “I’m not quite where I want to be, but they said JuCo is excellent. I can go there and develop, get some innings under my belt. I’ll have a tremendous coaching staff at TJC.”

Chapman feels that playing in college offers life lessons that will help him after his playing days, teaching him to fight hard.

After playing linebacker in his one season at Albany, Hoel will change positions at McMurry, but he’s not worried.

“You just have to go put your head in the middle of somebody’s chest and let it take care of itself,” he said.