Walberg Retires From Fitchburg State Coaching Post

All-time winningest coach retires from seven-year head coaching position

FITCHBURG, Mass. (November 16, 2011) – Fitchburg State’s, Bruce Walberg has recently announced that he will be retiring from his post as the Head Coach of the Fitchburg State women’s soccer team following the Falcons 2011 campaign.

“Coaching at Fitchburg State University was like a dream come true,” said Walberg. “It has been a privilege and honor to be associated with such an outstanding University.”

Walberg, a seven-year member of the Fitchburg State athletics staff, retires as the women’s soccer program’s all-time winningest coach, compiling an overall record of 67-49-8 (.573 pct). Throughout his tenure, Walberg has coached 30 MASCAC All-Conference players, including nine first-team selections, 21 second-team honorees and one Rookie of the Year. During the 2011 campaign, the Falcons named five players to the All-Conference squad, boasting an overall record of 10-6-2 and qualifying for the MASCAC tournament semifinals.

“Bruce has run an impressive soccer program here for the past seven years,” said Director of Athletics, Sue Lauder. “His teams have been successful on the field and in the classroom. We will miss his enthusiasm for the sport; his student athletes and Fitchburg State University wish him well.”

In his first four seasons at the helm of the Falcons, Walberg has made an immediate impact, advancing to the MASCAC Playoffs, four consecutive times. During the 2008 campaign, Walberg witnessed one of his best season as the Falcons posted a program best 13 victories and a coveted ECAC Tournament berth. Fitchburg State named six players to the MASCAC All-Conference team during the season, including the 2008 Women's Soccer Rookie of the Year.

Walberg came to Fitchburg State in 2005, after a four-year stint as head coach at Blackstone Valley Regional Technical High School. He helped lead the Beavers to consecutive berths in the Central Massachusetts district tournament and Voc Tech state tournament. For his efforts, Walberg was named Colonial Athletic League Coach of the Year in 2004.

“I will truly miss working with such dedicated coaches, supportive administrative staff, and most of all outstanding student athletes,” remarked Walberg. “I would like to express my most sincere appreciation to President Antonucci and Athletic Director Sue Lauder for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my dream.”

For more information regarding Fitchburg State athletics, please contact Associate Director of Athletics at 978-665-3343 or via email at kbrouil3@fitchburgstate.edu