Soccer: Loch Raven Coach Takes Helm at CCBC Essex

Joe Fiedler knows what it takes to lead a championship team.

Fiedler led the boys soccer team to the 2009 Class 1A state title along with appearances in finals in 2006-2007 and trips to the state semifinals in 2003, 2004 and 2008 while at the helm from 1997-2011.

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But, Fiedler said at some point you need to seek out new challenges, which is what he did after being named the new CCBC Essex men’s soccer coach. He takes over for Rich Zinkand, who stepped down in December to take over a similar post at Calvert Hall.

"It was a very tough decision to make as the Loch Raven community, from the students to the teachers to the parents have embraced me," Fiedler said. "But this was an intriguing opportunity and I’m ready to test myself at the next level."

Fiedler moves from one winning program to another with CCBC Essex.

Zinkand compiled a 97-47-11 record at CCBC Essex, which included  and two NJCAA Division I men’s soccer national tournament appearances.

This past season, CCBC Essex went 12-3-2 and advanced to the Region XX tournament. The Knights were also nationally ranked for much of the year.

Fiedler said he believes his ties to the Maryland soccer community along with relationship with many of the area’s top public and private school coaches will allow him to continue to the winning tradition at CCBC Essex.

"Baltimore and Maryland as a whole is a hotbed for soccer," Fiedler said. "There are a lot of great players locally, including in Baltimore County. It’s going to be a challenge to follow Rich Zinkand, but I believe the relationships I have built over the last 15 years will allow me to bring in top players and help CCBC Essex continue to compete at a top level."

CCBC Essex athletics director Mark Ershler said he expects the soccer team will continue to succeed with Fiedler at the helm.

"We are very excited to have a coach of Joe’s caliber join the Knight’s coaching staff," Ershler said. "His experiences  and success at the high school level coupled with his ties to the soccer community should assist him in transitioning to this new role."

Is Baltimore underrated as a hotbed for soccer? Let us know in the comments section below.