Thissen Named Head Men's Soccer Coach At Fitchburg State

Thissen becomes 11th head coach in program history

FITCHBURG, Mass. (March 5, 2010) - Fitchburg State College has named Werner Thissen as the 11th head coach in the history of the men's soccer program this afternoon. The announcement was made by Sue Lauder, Director of Athletics and Recreation at the College.

WERNER THISSEN

"I am very pleased to name Werner Thissen as the new head men's soccer coach at Fitchburg State College," said Lauder. "Werner's credentials speak for themselves. Being a member of the Fitchburg community, Werner understands the tradition and what it means to wear a Fitchburg State uniform. I believe he will provide the program with the experience and positive direction it needs."

"I feel honored and privileged in being named the head men's soccer coach at Fitchburg State College," said Thissen. "I look forward to putting my stamp on the program and building it back to a winning tradition. Although there will be challenges, I am excited to bring a positive magnet to the athletic department and Fitchburg community. Again, I am proud to be part of the Fitchburg State men's soccer program and am excited for a bright and promising future."

Thissen, comes to Fitchburg State after spending the past two seasons as the Head Varsity Boy Coach at Fitchburg High School. Over the last two seasons, the Red Raiders competed highly in the Division I Mid-Wachusett A league, facing powerhouse schools such as Algonquin High, Wachusett Regional, and Leominster High. At Fitchburg, Thissen was responsible for all facets of coaching, including training and preparation, pre-season strength and conditioning, scouting and recruitment.

Prior to joining Fitchburg High, Thissen spent one year as the Goalkeeper Coach of the Olympic Development program in Lancaster, Mass., and five seasons as the Youth Development Coach at Club GSV Geldern in Geldern, Germany.  He was also the Head Coach of the Boys Junior Varsity team at Fitchburg High School from 2007-08.

Thissen is a 1990 graduate of Wirichs GMBH & Co in Krenfeld, Germany, earning his Associate's Degree in Management and Distribution Trade. He was a two-year member of the German Military soccer team, earning starting goalkeeping duties for the State of NRW. Regarded as one of the top goalkeepers in his region, Thissen was a four-year member of Club Tus Gelria 09 (semi-pro), serving as the starting keeper in the fourth division.

A product of the Club GW Vernum youth system, Thissen is also a 1994 graduate of the Institute of Management in Muennerstadt, Germany, an elite Private Management Academy. A native of Germany, Thissen earned his USSF D License here in the states in 2009, while also obtaining his NSCAA Regional Goalkeeping diploma.

"Overall, I am confident to be part of a College where the men's soccer program is on the up rise," said Thissen. "I feel this is a great opportunity in my coaching career and I cannot wait to get started to make the program successful."