Home Local Sports Salesianum School lacrosse earned notice on national level on way to DIAA...

Salesianum School lacrosse earned notice on national level on way to DIAA championship

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Lucas Vahey rises above his Salesianum teammates with the lacrosse state championship trophy on June 1 after a win over Cape Henlopen. Dialog photo/Mike Lang

WILMINGTON — Salesianum was considered the top team in Delaware boys lacrosse long before this season started, and the Sals validated those opinions with their fourth straight state championship, which they finalized with a 16-6 win over Cape Henlopen on June 1 at Delaware Military Academy.

For the past several years, the Sals have been playing some of the top competition regionally and nationally, perhaps more so this season than others, and they have moved into the national conversation. Coach Bob Healy and his staff, who just completed their 18th season at the school, said that rise commenced years ago, and it has taken more than talented lacrosse players.

“It started with the foundation of those guys in 2006-07,” he said. “They really laid that foundation, and these guys continued to build on it. It’s been unbelievable. Outstanding parents’ support. The guys are all in, the admins, Katie Godfrey, Father Beretta, President (Tom) Kardish, they’re the absolute best.”

With the success of the program, teams from surrounding states and beyond have become staples of the Salesianum schedule.

“They know who we are now, and they want to play. Our guys are not backing down. It only prepares us for a day like today,” Healy said of the state championship game.

This season, the Sals hosted St. Mary’s High School, a highly regarded team from Annapolis, Md., and defeated them in overtime. Three days later, they traveled to Long Island for a meeting with Chaminade, which has been ranked in the top 25 nationally all season, and they won by a goal there.

Over a two-week stretch late in the season, the Sals played Radnor (Pa.), a defending Pennsylvania state champion; Lawnrenceville (N.J.), who spent the season ranked first or second in the country; IMG Academy, a Florida sports institution; and Malvern Prep, a highly ranked powerhouse from Chester County, Pa., that won a national tournament this year and is ranked in the top five nationally.

Salesianum defeated Radnor handily and IMG by a goal. They lost to Lawrenceville in overtime and by a goal in regulation at Malvern, their only losses of the season. The Sals were ranked as high as fourth nationally this season and remain in the top 10 depending on which poll one consults.

“We’ve had some great teams, but what these guys did this year is extremely special. For Delaware sports, it’s incredible,” Healy said.

Senior Carson Robins, who scored five goals in the championship game, appreciated the chance to showcase the team’s skills against similarly talented teams.

“Playing the best teams, we compete with them. We are one of the best of the best,” said Robins, who will play collegiately at High Point University.

Rowyn Nurry, a senior who will play a year of prep lacrosse before heading to Cornell University, said the bonds between the teammates were crucial to the Sals’ fortunes.

“We work so hard as a unit,” Nurry said. “All of us pushing each other has led to a great team environment, great team chemistry. When one guy falls behind, we lift him up, and I think that’s been the key to our success this season.”

Healy is hesitant to compare his teams at Sallies, but he praised this year’s edition.

“We’ve had some great teams, but what these guys did this year is extremely special. For Delaware sports, it’s incredible,” he said.

The Sals had 14 seniors on the roster this year, several of whom are playing Division I college lacrosse next year. The coach said the program is in good shape with the caliber of returnees and newcomers arriving next season.

“We’re excited to get back to work.”