Area fans and coaches will see a new face on the sidelines taking photos and talking to athletes and coaches for the Albert Lea Tribune.

Drew Claussen, a 2009 graduate of Albert Lea High School was hired as the Tribune’s part-time sports writer.

“I took the sophomore newspaper class in high school, and I’ve always liked sports,” Claussen said.

He continued his education at Minnesota State University in Mankato, where he covered the arts and entertainment beat along with wrestling and track and field.

After two years at MSU, he transferred to the University of Minnesota where he covered soccer, wrestling, golf, cross country, softball and his favorite sport, hockey. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies.

Claussen has two older sisters: Anna, 25, and Erin, 27. His father is Dan, and his mother is Therese.

In his free time he likes to play golf, run and watch sports.

Claussen’s first sports assignment is to cover the Central Springs at Lake Mills football game tonight at 7 p.m.