Head Men's Soccer Coach Dieter Ficken Announces His Retirement
1/5/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Columbia head men's soccer coach Dieter Ficken, who led the Lions to the NCAA Tournament 11 times and the NCAA Final Four twice, has announced his retirement after 27 years as the Lions' coach.
Ficken, the 1983 National Coach of the Year, compiled a record of 252-139-53 (.627) at Columbia. His teams recorded 10-or-more victories 13 times in his 27 seasons, including four of the last seven years.
"This is something I have been considering carefully since the end of the season," said Ficken. "It was an extremely difficult decision to make. Columbia has been a wonderful experience. I have worked with many outstanding young men and seen some magnificent soccer, but it is time for me to move on to a new phase of my life and enjoy more time with my family."
"We wish Dieter nothing but the best," said Dr. M. Dianne Murphy, director of intercollegiate athletics and physical education at Columbia. "He has provided excellent service to Columbia in 27 years at the University and his program has achieved success on a league, regional and national level. We are so grateful for his loyalty and dedication."
Under Ficken's guidance, the Lions won eight Ivy League championships. In 1983, the team was undefeated through the regular season and into the NCAA Tournament. Columbia won its first 18 games that season to reach the NCAA Championship game before falling to Indiana, 1-0, in double overtime.
Ficken coached many of the top players in Ivy League history. During his tenure, the Lions had 17 All-Americans, 45 All-New York Region honorees and 58 first-team All-Ivy honorees. Ten of Ficken's student-athletes earned Ivy League Player of the Year and Rikki Dadason '95 holds the league records for career goals (26) and points (59) in Ivy League games.
Kevin Anderson, Columbia's assistant coach for the past two seasons, will serve as acting head coach until a replacement is named. A national search to find a replacement is underway.
