05/18/2007
Thiemke Promoted to Full-Time Rowing Coach

WORCESTER, MASS. 5/18/07 – After serving in a part-time capacity the past four years, Erick Thiemke has been promoted to the first full-time men’s and women’s rowing head coach in the Clark University Athletic Department. “I am thrilled to have been elevated to full-time status at Clark,” said Thiemke. “I have spent the last four years developing the program and improving its competitiveness throughout the region. It’s exciting to continue the work on a constant and consistent level.” Thiemke has led the Cougars to a pair of consecutive ECAC Championship (2004-05) appearances, where the women's varsity four qualified for the finals and finished sixth overall in 2004. “Erick has worked tirelessly throughout his tenure and his efforts have steadily improved Clark rowing,” said Athletic Director Linda Moulton. “He deserves the opportunity to continue building the program. Additionally, he will also bring several skills to the department that will be very beneficial.” Originally from Mendon, Mass., Thiemke competed two seasons on the club rowing team at WPI, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology. He was also a one-year participant on the Worcester State College squad before obtaining a second Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Prior to joining the athletic staff full-time, Thiemke was the Coordinator for the Clark One Card Services in the University’s business office. He also served as the head club coach at Worcester State College (2000-02) and as an assistant at Amherst College (2002-03). Thiemke hopes to make a direct impact in both Cougar programs, striving to finish in the top half of the NEWMAC in the women’s varsity eight and to place top-six in the men’s varsity four at the New England Championships. “I’m looking forward to more one-on-one time with my student-athletes,” Thiemke said. “Now that I am full-time, I’m hopeful that my accessibility will lead to better retention and more motivation to succeed.”