Leading Off

COLOR PHOTO: PHOTOGRAPH BY DOUG WELLS/THE DES MOINES REGISTER Groin Pains Mike Winklepleck of Heelan High in Sioux City can't avoid the tag by pitcher Zach Smith of Waverly-Shell Rock Highwhile trying to score in the Iowa Class 3-A playoffs. Heelan went on to win the state title.

COLOR PHOTO: PHOTOGRAPH BY NANCIE BATTAGLIA Making His Bones Blitz, a 4-year-old border collie, is just doing his job as he tears through the slalom portion of the dog agility competition at the Great Outdoor Games in Lake Placid, N.Y.

COLOR PHOTO: PHOTOGRAPH BY BILL FRAKES Dirty Bond Camaraderie on the Mississippi State football team was cemented in mud after the Bulldogs completed an obstacle course together in July (page 74).