Lexus Saltou attempts to get to the quarterback during a powder puff football game on Jim Gustafson Field as a part of Albert Lea’s Homecoming Week in September. - Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune

Albert Lea junior JJ Mucha-Owens drives between Mankato West defenders during a December game. - Tyler Julson/Albert Lea Tribune

United South Central’s Blake Legred wrestles during the state high school tournament in March at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. - Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune

Members of the Bayside Waterski Team perform in July on Edgewater Bay in Albert Lea. - Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune

Children gathered on Fountain Lake in November after two rinks were built to allow players to get in some extra practice before hockey season. - Tyler Julson/Albert Lea Tribune

Albert Lea’s Zach Glazier hugs his father and Albert Lea assistant coach Dan Glazier after winning the 170-pound Class AAA championship in March at Xcel Energy Center. - Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune

Albert Lea sophomore Lucy Sherman chases down a loose ball in a September game against Northfield. - Tyler Julson/Albert Lea Tribune

Albert Lea junior JJ Mucha-Owens runs the ball early in an October game against Belle-Plaine. Mucha-Owens rushed for three touchdowns in the first half of the 47-6 win. The win was the varsity football program’s first in two years. - Tyler Julson/Albert Lea Tribune