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Sports

Woodbury Lacrosse Gears Up for Season Opener

The Royals boys lacrosse team was 11-2 last season and expect to be a contender again this year.

It was only seven years ago that Woodbury began its lacrosse program.

There wasn’t much the Royals had. A bag full of balls, some sticks and 13 players without a lot of experience.

Things have changed. Not only have the Royals grown into one of the stronger teams, but they field a full squad that features one of the state’s most prolific scorers in Benjamin Alberts, who tallied 35 goals in his junior season.

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“When we first got this thing going, there wasn’t much than a bag that just had balls,” coach Rich Limpert said. “That is what it was seven years ago, so to be where we are at now is exciting, because the program has come a long way.”

Last season the Royals were 11-2, with losses to Stillwater in the regular season and Totino-Grace in the first round of the playoffs.

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The go-to guy for the Royals was Alberts, who compiled 35 goals and 30 assists for 65 points. He had a game-high five goals against Rochester Century. His senior leadership and talent should make up for the loss of Mike Koprucki, who graduated last year after putting in 45 goals and 26 assists in his senior season.

Alberts is also expected to eclipse the state scoring record this season.

“If it happens that will be great,” Alberts said. “Hopefully that means my teammates get some chances, too, and our team is winning more games.”

Alberts, modest about his own game, reflected on his early years in the Royals lacrosse program. He jumped on board when he was in eighth grade, the early stages when funds were not as prevalent as they are now.

“We’ve come a long way,” Alberts said. “When I came in we barely had enough guys, now we have plenty. There was not a lot we had, but that has all changed now and I think we are one of the better teams out there.”

Decisions will have to be made in the near future for Alberts, who is considering going to Minnesota-Duluth or Denver for his college choices.

“I’ve talked to a few coaches, but I think I might stay with an in-state school or go down to Denver,” Alberts said. “Those are the ones I am looking at right now.”

Before hits college, Alberts will continue be one of the leaders on a Woodbury team that is expected to start where it left off. There will be minimal roster turnover from a year ago, plus some additions from junior varsity players and juniors and seniors who are new to the game.

“We kind of did some recruiting within the school,” Limpert said. “In a short period of time, those guys have caught on fast. Some can catch and shoot with both hands already and I think will get some big playing time this season. We are just excited to get out and see what our team can do.”

Limpert expressed excitement about the attacking front line his team will have this season. Alberts leads it coming from the right, Blake Bergherr centers and Matt Wardell will come from the left.

“It’s the first time that I can remember that we will have a guy with a big shot come from the left,” Limpert said. “Matt is a kid we expect will do well from that position.”

Experience at midfield will also benefit Woodbury this season. Aggressive and tough are the assets that occupy the middle when the Royals take the field, led by Christian Turner.

“Christian is a kid that is one of the more underrated players around,” Limpert said. “He is not going to get the numbers, because he does not score a lot, but does so much for us in getting the offense set up. He’s a great player and helps our team so much.”

Impressive on the field, the Royals have also done so off. When Limpert got the program up and running, the team grade-point average was 1.80. That is now 3.25.

“That is one thing that I am proud of,” Limpert said. “The guys really do well in the classroom and deserve a lot of credit for that. To be close to 3.3 from where it started because it not only represents our lacrosse team, but Woodbury High School in a positive light.”

Whether it be high school lacrosse or club teams, Woodbury has more than 50 years of coaching experience, Limpert said. He does not take all the credit for the Royals success in the past few seasons.

“I just do a lot of the paperwork, so I get the label of head coach,” Limpert said. “There are guys on this staff that know what they are doing and have helped get this team where it is at.”

One member he credits more in particular is assistant Pat Donaghy, who comes from New York.

“Lacrosse is big on the East coast and he brings so much passion and knowledge to our team," Limpert said. "The players really take in what he says and will only be better from doing so.”

Woodbury still has time to get the rust out, which might still be there as the prolonged winter put spring sports on hold from starting on time.

The season opens 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 20 at Roseville High School.

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