Contact information for Coach Nussbaum
Office phone: 419-358-3010
E-mail: nussbaumr@bluffton.edu
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Patrick (Rick) Nussbaum, assistant men’s and women’s soccer coach at Bluffton University since 2005, has been named head coach of the two teams, Bluffton Athletics Director Phill Talavinia announced Thursday.
“As an assistant coach for five seasons, Rick developed strong relationships with our student athletes and recruits. He believes in the mission of Bluffton University and he wants to be part of moving our athletics program to a new level,” said Phill Talavinia, athletics director.
“It is a pleasure to announce Rick’s appointment as head coach. In his interim role, Rick’s leadership this past season yielded positive results both on and off the field,” Talavinia said. “We are excited for Rick to draw from his past head coaching successes as he develops strong soccer programs at Bluffton.” In his only season as interim head coach, Nussbaum led the women’s team to its best-ever record in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (4-4-1) and a 7-9-2 mark overall. The men’s team posted a 2-7 record in the conference and was 4-13 overall in 2010.
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Nussbaum, who holds a master of business administration degree from the university, replaces Steve Smucker, who resigned after seven seasons as head men’s and women’s coach.
Nussbaum has previous head coaching experience as the men’s coach at Hesston College from 2000-01 and as boys’ coach at Elkhart (Ind.) Memorial High School, where his teams compiled a 77-50-11 record from 1992-2000.
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Currently, Nussbaum is youth boys director of coaching and board member for the Findlay (Ohio) Soccer Club.
A licensed soccer official, he has also been athletic director at Dayton Christian High School (2001-05); head coach of the Dayton Galaxies, a U-18 boys’ soccer team (2003-04); and manager of the Elkhart Soccer Arena (1994-95). Nussbaum holds an Advanced National License from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America as well as a Level II Goalkeeping Certificate. He currently resides in Bluffton with his wife Aphaphanh and his two children, Logan and Sydney. |
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 Coach Nussbaum. “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.”
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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 fourth year as a women's assistant coach in 2010. 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 33 years, Becki. They are the parents of 29-year old Sarah, who lives in Columbus, and 25-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. |
