As spring sports are just around the corner, the Boys Lacrosse team looks to have a successful season while finishing up some offseason practices and workouts.  Senior captains Griffin Ehlen, Lucian Parece, Harrison Brink, and Michael Kelley look to start off the season with a bang following a season that didn’t have the start that they wanted.  In order to cap off a good start to the season, players need to step up and lead the team to greatness.  “I’m hoping that we don’t start the season 1-8.  We are going to take this season one game at a time, and hopefully we’ll end the season with a win,” senior captain Lucian Parece said.

Parece also mentioned that he wants the atmosphere to be more energetic, not just in the players, but in the fans too.  “I’ve put in a ton of time this year supporting my fellow Red Knights, so I’m really confident that they’ll all bring a ton of energy for us.”

The offseason is always an interesting time when trying to figure out where players fit best and what they can bring to the team.  It can also tell you a lot about the work ethic for the team.  Senior captain Griffin Ehlen explained his team’s improvements.  “I have been working with this team since the past summer and have had captains practices and winter league games for months now.  Our stick work have improved immensely and our chemistry continues to grow.”

Chemistry is always a huge factor in a team’s success.  Filling the empty spots from last year’s leaders is always an obstacle to overcome, but this year’s younger class has talent that will fill those holes.  “One big loss is our face off specialist (Nate Barry), that could be a problem for us this year.  A few new varsity guys have already shown their potential, being midfielders Brian Arnold and Quinn Ehlen, and our new defensemen from Burnsville, junior Carston Swenson,” Ehlen said.

Rebuilding chemistry and leadership isn’t always about the younger guys stepping up, it’s also important to have a central leader of the pack.  “I think Griffin Ehlen is going to have a huge year this year, and really run the offense.  I think he can be a great leader on the field and make the players around him better,” Lucian Parece said.  “Also, last year Harrison Brink had an unreal season at LSM, and we’re confident he will come back and top that season.”

The team is going to need this type of leadership in order to face top opponents this year, but based off offseason training and workouts, the team will be able to be successful when the going gets tough.  “We have one of the hardest schedules in the state again and our biggest games will probably be [against] EP, Mahtomedi, and Blake, hopefully seeing Blake again in the Section tournament,” Ehlen said.