Contact information for Coach Smucker
Office phone: 419-358-3010
E-mail: smuckers@bluffton.edu
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Head coach Steve Smucker returns for his seventh season at Bluffton University where he will continue to build as talented freshmen classes look to bolster the soccer program in 2009. The men finished the 2008 campaign with an 8-8-1 record, including their first-ever victory over Transylvania, while the women went 6-10-1 a year ago. |
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Prior to coaching at Bluffton, Smucker taught physical education and coached boys soccer at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School, located in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. In 2002, he led Dock to its first ever state soccer title, earning five separate Coach of the Year honors in the process, including recognition from the Pennsylvania State Soccer Coaches Association, the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and the Philadelphia Inquirer. During his tenure as the head coach at Christopher Dock, Smucker also led his team to six district titles in eight years, including the school’s first district title in 1996, accruing a record of 118 wins, 67 losses and 12 ties. An Ohio native and graduate of Central Christian High School, Kidron, OH, Smucker went on to earn all-conference honors as a player both at Hesston and Goshen. Smucker’s education includes degrees from Hesston College (KS), Goshen College (IN), and Temple University (PA). |
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| He is also a fully licensed coach with the United States Soccer Federation and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. Smucker has extensive soccer clinician experience and is also very involved in his church and community. He recently completed and passed the 50-hour Premier Soccer Course presented by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. The Premier License is the pinnacle of the NSCAA’s residential Academy offerings and deals with coaching at the senior level (collegiate and professional).
Smucker resides in rural Pandora with his wife, Judy, and children, Tristan and Sophia. |
Contact info for Coach Ahmed
Office phone: 419-358-3237
E-mail: ahmedm@bluffton.edu
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Mustaq Ahmed returns to the Bluffton University soccer program for his third year as a women's assistant coach in 2009. He is also the buildings and grounds supervisor at Bluffton University. Ahmed played soccer for Bluffton from 1974 through 1977 after arriving in the United States as a foreign student through MCC from Dhaka, Bangladesh, so he is very familiar with the University and the community of Bluffton. |
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From 1983-93, Ahmed coached youth soccer for Bluffton Family Recreation in the Black Swamp Soccer League (BSSL) during both the spring and fall seasons, developing his love for teaching the game to young players. He started the Under-14 travel teams for boys and girls in Bluffton, directing squads in the Northwest Ohio Youth Soccer League. (NYOSL) His first girls' team took home the Spring Championship trophy in 1993. In 1996, Ahmed started the girls' high school program at Bluffton and he led the team until 2002. While coaching at Bluffton High School, he was named the Division II Coach of the Year by the Ohio High School Athletic Association for District 4. Four times his squads competed in the district championship game and the Pirates were a regional finalist once during his tenure at Bluffton. |
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Recently, Ahmed led the Under-14 travel team for the West Central United based in Lima from 2004-07. Ahmed resides near Bluffton with his wife of 32 years, Becki. They are the parents of 28-year old Sarah, who lives in Columbus, and 24-year old Sabrina, who was a two-time all-state selection from the Bluffton High School girl's soccer team and now lives in Findlay. |
Contact info for Coach Kolb
Office phone: 419-358-3488
E-mail: kolbs@bluffton.edu
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Bluffton University proudly welcomes Sue Kolb to the soccer coaching staff. A recent graduate of Davis and Elkins College with honors in elementary education, Sue comes with a great deal of energy and passion for the game. |
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Coach Kolb began her college career as a goalkeeper but due to an injury was forced to take another role with her team. She responded by working her way onto the field as a forward. This commitment to her team enabled her to become a key contributor as a field player in her senior year. Kolb concluded her Division II soccer career with all-conference recognition and as the second leading scorer on her team.
“I’m excited to have Sue on board with us. She brings a great deal of experience and a positive spirit,” remarked Head Coach Smucker. “Sue’s presence will be a valuable addition to our women’s staff. Her ability to deal with adversity will serve as an excellent example to our athletes.”
Sue will join Coach Mustaq Ahmed as an assistant coach at Bluffton with the women’s program. |
