The only time Wes Learned didn’t know football was when there was no Wes Learned.

For the 70-year-old Powell native, winning football game-picking contests is a matter of when, not if. That’s something the Powell Tribune knows all too well.

“When football is being played, I’m in hog heaven,” Learned said. “Entering the Powell Tribune Football Contest has always been sort of a family thing, and I’ve played for as long as I can remember.”

And for as long as he can remember, Learned has won.

“Part of it is pure luck,” Learned said. “Well, maybe all of it is luck.”

If six decades of success say anything, it appears Learned’s luck is endless. He first claimed victory in the Tribune’s Football Contest during its inaugural year. A then 11-year-old Learned picked 13-of-16 games correctly to win in October 1955. Since then, Learned has found at least one win in every decade. Learned found victory after picking 23-of-24 games correctly for the week of Sept. 1. Learned also won that week’s online contest for a $50 payout. And a week later, it appeared Learned’s football knowledge rubbed off on his wife, as Linda Learned won both the print and online contests. Wes Learned’s success continued with another victory for the week of Oct. 6.

“I spend all of my free time studying football,” Learned said. “So maybe she’s picked up on a few things over the years.”

Learned’s passion for football is rooted in Powell. He’s a former center for the Powell High School football team, and loves his Denver Broncos, as do droves of Wyoming residents. He has a room dedicated to his sports fanaticism in his home, decorated with various sports memorabilia and photographs.

On Monday, after nostalgically looking over a collage his wife compiled of Tribune articles detailing his previous victories over the years, Learned said that as long as he’s still around, his name will be in the Football Contest bucket located at the Powell Tribune.

“I love the challenge of trying to beat the odds each week,” Learned said. “As long as the contest is around, I’ll keep playing.”

And sooner or later, he’ll probably win.