Rick Vogelesang has stepped down from his post as Malta Tenpin Bowling Federation (MTBA) coach after agreeing to take over as head coach of the Switzerland national team.
The Dutchman had been employed by the MTBA since 2008, leading the Maltese to several honours most remarkably 11 gold medals at the Mediterranean Challenge Cup.
Vogelesang has put pen to paper on a two-year contract with the Swiss bowling federation.
“I’m really honoured to have been given this chance to take charge of the Swiss team,” Vogelesang told The Sunday Times of Malta.
“In my career I always looked for new challenges and after six years in Malta I felt that it was the right time for me to change jobs. I have just returned from my first session with the Swiss team’s bowlers and the first indications look positive. I’m looking forward to start my new work and hopefully help the Swiss federation reach its objectives.”
Vogelesang said that despite his new appointment, he has no plans of turning his back on Maltese bowling completely.
“My relationship with the MTBA is by no means finished,” he said.
“I have an agreement with my new employers that I will continue to lead the Maltese national team in tournaments where Switzerland do not take part, such as the Mediterranean Challenge Cup.
“This means that I will continue to follow the progress of the Maltese elite bowlers.”
Besides his role as national team coach in Malta, Vogelesang also mentored the country’s leading prospects, including Sara Xuereb and Matthew Magro at the National School of Sports, a commitment he is set to retain despite his new role.
“I have been following Sara and Matthew’s progress for a long time and I will continue my coaching role with them.
“They are two of the most talented bowlers within the MTBA fold and I am fully committed to help them maximise their potential.”
Yannick Gass, president of the Switzerland Bowling Federation, said that his organisation had stepped up its interest to recruit Vogelesang after analysing his recent experience with the Maltese tenpin bowlers.
“The appointment of Rick Vogelesang forms part of our new strategy of trying to assemble a competitive squad, one to rely on in future,” Gass said.
“We were impressed by his achievements as Malta coach. He is a well-known figure among several players in our federation. He is mentioned for his success with a few players, namely Sue Abela and Neill Sullivan.
“But, most of all, his innovative training methods and the dedication he shows in his job as coach of the academy convinced us to offer him a contract. There were other qualified coaches in our shortlist but we finally opted for Rick.”
Gass said Vogelesang has already met with the national team players.
“Rick travelled to Switzerland earlier this month for our national team trials in Rumikon,” Gass said.
“The early feedback we got from our players was very encouraging and they all felt that Rick is the perfect coach even though he will not reside in Switzerland.
“However, I don’t think we will have problems with that as these days there are so many ways through which we can communicate and keep ourselves informed of all developments.
“We are still planning to have Rick with us for at least six training camps next year during which he will be able to work more closely with our national team players.”