Fall is right around the corner, which means hunting season, picturesque trees, pumpkin carving and apple picking.

It also means the start to a new school year and another sports season.

Many of our high school athletic teams have kicked off a new year, while the Austin High School football team opens play Thursday night at home against Red Wing.

Sports aren’t for everyone, but attending a Packer football game, a Lyle/Pacelli volleyball game, or a Blooming Prairie cross county meet is a way to be active in the community and support our young athletes.

These students face the tough challenge of balancing athletics with a full school load, and it’d be nice if we could pack the stands for them.

Attending high school events is also inexpensive, which is the right price in a weak economy.

The fall sports season has kicked off.

We hope to see you at a game, a match or a meet.