St. Albert Sets a Practical Course for Fall Sports Under Activities Director Tim Cannon

St. Albert High School enters the fall season with a clear plan across football, volleyball, cross country, and girls tennis. Activities Director Tim Cannon described the period as a reset point for the school year, with returning seniors stepping into leadership and freshmen taking their first steps in high school competition. The goal is to keep schedules tight, communication steady, and expectations consistent from the first day of practice through postseason play.

Football remains a key driver of school spirit. St. Albert will play home varsity games at Iowa Western this fall while continuing to use its home field for practice, junior varsity games, and middle school contests. Cannon said the shift balances player safety, venue quality, and reliability for game operations. "Iowa Western has been accessible and supportive, and it is a strong venue for our teams and fans," Cannon said. He added that the on-campus field remains part of the program’s routine and that upgrades are a long-term goal.

Cannon linked the football program’s current direction to the school’s long history of success. He cited a consistent theme of work, organization, and standards, and he credited head coach Donnie Woods for regular communication with players and parents. "Our staff stresses clear expectations and safety, and we set the weekly plan so families know what is ahead," Cannon said. He noted that the aim is to keep practices focused and to make game day execution efficient.

Girls tennis moves to the fall this year, and St. Albert expects a larger roster as students take advantage of better weather and fewer spring conflicts. Head coach Matt Madsen returns with support from assistants Lindsey Daley, Justin Peckney, and Joan Armey. Cannon said the transition has been orderly and has opened the door for first-time tennis participants who compete in other sports. "The move helps with scheduling and allows more athletes to try the sport," Cannon said.

Volleyball again faces a demanding conference schedule against larger schools. Head coach Angie Lantz brings back experience from last season along with key players returning from injury. Cannon said the staff added assistant coach L Scarborough, a Glenwood graduate who played in college. The approach is simple: play a strong regular season to prepare for the bracket. "The conference tests us every week, and it puts our players in match situations that mirror postseason pressure," Cannon said.

Cross country returns with a mix of experienced runners and multi sport athletes who split time in the fall. The program has managed dual sport schedules by coordinating training and competition windows, a common practice at smaller schools. Cannon pointed to examples from last year where athletes competed in cross country while contributing in other sports on the same day. "We expect athletes to communicate and we work with coaches to make the plan feasible," Cannon said.

The school relies on steady summer work to make the fall go smoothly. Cannon said weight room attendance and sport specific sessions help athletes manage the jump from middle school to high school and from junior varsity to varsity. The staff emphasizes routine, on time reporting, and role clarity. "We keep the message consistent and set standards early so there are no surprises when the season starts," Cannon said.

St. Albert’s tie to Iowa Western supports that framework. The college’s facilities provide a reliable site for high attendance games and a useful model for event operations. Cannon described the relationship as practical and long standing for multiple sports, including soccer. "The partnership is good for the school and good for the community," Cannon said. He said that working with the college has sped up logistics and improved the experience for teams and spectators.

The school’s alumni base and parent support remain visible at home events and fundraisers. Cannon said a consistent part of St. Albert’s culture is that graduates and families return as volunteers, donors, and regulars in the stands. That support, he said, helps maintain practical needs such as concession operations, game day staffing, and small facility improvements. "There is strong pride in the school and it shows up at events and in day to day help," Cannon said.

The plan for this fall is straightforward. Football will manage the venue change while maintaining daily work on campus. Volleyball will take on a rigorous schedule to enter the postseason prepared. Girls tennis will use the new fall slot to broaden participation. Cross country will continue to balance training with dual sport schedules where needed. Cannon’s focus is on repeatable routines and clear expectations. "We keep it simple, communicate often, and give our athletes structure," Cannon said. He added that the aim is durable progress across programs rather than short spikes that fade by midseason.