Bomgren back after all

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After initially departing after last season, Woodbury volleyball coach Wally Bomgren did an about-face last week and will now be back on the Royals’ bench this fall.

“I’m certainly excited about being back,” he said. “I feel so much a part of Woodbury High School and coaching is something I would have missed.”

Bomgren had originally told outgoing WHS Activities Director John Soma he would have to vacate his post following the 2008 season due to conflicts and concerns regarding his full-time job in the financial industry.

“With all the economic turmoil, I had to focus on my career,” Bomgren said. “It was a very fearful time.”

In March, Royals assistant coach R.T. Luczak was named to take over as head coach starting in July.

However, according to Soma, Luczak was unable to clear up conflicts between club and varsity volleyball and had to step down from his would-be post as the Royals’ leader.

“We re-posted the position and fortunately, coach Bomgren’s circumstances had changed and we were able to be re-hire him,” Soma said.

Bomgren was previously named coach in Feb. 2006 and compiled a 69-26 record in his three seasons at the helm before stepping down in February.

Woodbury advanced to the 2007 State Class AAA Tournament under Bomgren’s leadership and defeated St. Michael-Albertville in tourney play.

“Woodbury is very fortunate to have him back,” Soma said.

Two of Bomgren’s assistants, who have maintained the program in the off-season, Johnna Wangensteen and Liz Kopacek, will return this fall with the former moving up to coach the junior varsity squad and the latter taking the B-squad helm.

“They have worked hard to make sure everything is in order,” Bomgren said. “Our booster club also did a great job staying on top of things.”

The returning coach added, “There’s a lot of momentum and I’m looking forward to getting started again.”

Tags: sports, woodbury, volleyball, coach, bomgren