Lou took photos and wrote stories about all kinds of sports in the Tri-Lakes — from baseball to football, soccer to golf, basketball to volleyball. Then there were the non-school sports — Lake Placid Horse Shows, Ironman Lake Placid triathlon, Lake Placid Marathon and Half, mini-triathlons at Mirror Lake, the 2002, 2020 and 2014 Olympic Winter Games, and World Cup bobsled, luge, skeleton and aerials skiing.

He did it all.

But it was at high school games where you could see that mutual respect — between athletes and one very popular local reporter. Lou has a way with people, making them feel important. And that comes from being passionate about sports at all levels as much as it does from being a talented photographer and writer and overall nice guy.

As you move on to another chapter in your life, Lou, we’ll miss the stories, the passion, the award-winning photos, the camaraderie and the banging on your keyboard as you type up the latest game wrap-up or feature. Above all, we’ll miss your friendship, care and compassion.

But don’t just take our word for it. Below are some comments by people who worked with Lou, either as a co-worker or through sports.

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“I cannot think of a more invested, truly local sports reporter than Lou Reuter. His love of community and the role of athletics within it are abundantly clear. Lou consistently highlighted the very best among our youth and their accomplishments. His unwavering commitment to covering our interscholastic events will surely be missed.”

— Eric Bennett, athletic director and head football coach, Saranac Lake Central School District

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“Lou is a master of words and sports imagery (and more!). He has kept us up-to-date on all our important local sports, from school competitions to world-class events and Olympics. He can spin a phrase, make a great image and put it all together on deadline. He loves it, and it shows. Wishing him well in as he moves on with his horticultural activities but expect to see him surface at an event or two just to keep himself in the game. Game on, Lou!”

— Nancie Battaglia, photographer, Lake Placid

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“If I had to use one word to describe Lou, it would be professional. Whether it was covering a high school football game or the Winter Olympic Games, he represented the Adirondack Daily Enterprise and Lake Placid News with the utmost grace and professionalism. His writing and photography was truly world-class, and his rapport with athletes, coaches and the people within the Tri-Lakes area and Olympic Region was second-to-none. Rarely do you find an individual who lives and breathes his work. Lou was the epitome of what an outstanding sports journalist encompasses: knowledge, talent, drive and personality. As a lifelong resident of the area, I have seen a few outstanding sports writers in my time but no one the caliber of Lou. I will always cherish the many hours we worked together in the news room and certainly those spent together in the field. It is truly an end of an era at the ADE/LPN, and I wish him well as he moves into the next stage of what had been a very successful and rewarding career.”

— Bill Johnson, ADE/LPN sports editor 2000-07