Editor’s note: This letter arrived Friday.

I am writing this letter to both the Albert Lea Tribune and the Fairmont Sentinel. I have followed the Albert Lea Grizzlies since they began and before that when they were the Owatonna Indians. It is great to see all the teams and players who share the love of football and continue playing after high school.

It didn’t take long at the Lake Benton Wildcats-Grizzlies game Saturday night to remember how upset the visiting teams get every time they play there. The officials are so unfair it’s amazing. The cheap shots, rule changing and uncalled-for penalties for visiting teams is unbelievable. This needs to stop. All of the football teams in the league should be able to play the games with officials being fair and calling the shots they way they are, not to benefit the home team to make sure they win.

This weekend they play the Hawgs, who are based out of Fairmont, for the championship. I have checked into this and was told everyone who has been at a Wildcats game in Lake Benton and has seen the wrong officiating should write a letter. Turn it into your coach and he will give it to the referee board. I know the Hawgs players and fans feel the same way the Grizzlies do, and I would guess there are other teams as well. I really think the referee board would be amazed if they were to watch a video of these games.

All of the football teams work hard and put a lot of effort into the games they play. It’s time that the Lake Benton referees are turned in for the terrible officiating they do.

Albert Lea Grizzlies, you had a great year and we are very proud of you and proud to have you as a team in the community. Although I have gone to several Grizzlies-Hawgs games, I never thought I would say this but: Go Hawgs this Saturday. May you win the championship, and I’m very happy that you are playing on your home turf!

You may also email letters to algrizzlies@gmail.com.

 

Rella Loyd

Albert Lea