An era is coming to an end. After six years in the 2nd Bundesliga, the ESV Ingolstadt judoka will no longer compete in the lower house next season. As head coach Sebastian Zimmermann confirmed, the club and department management made the decision on Wednesday evening to withdraw the team due to personnel and financial problems.
“Everyone can imagine that the decision was very difficult for us. The whole development really makes me very sad,” Zimmermann explained the day after in a thoughtful voice. Zimmermann had started the “Project Coyotes” 13 years ago (including with his brother Lucky) at ESV, was promoted from the regional league to the 2nd Bundesliga, and at times even fought for promotion to the first league. At the same time, however, he had to realize that “unfortunately hardly anyone in Ingolstadt is interested in this,” as he explains with disappointment.
Sponsors give the cold shoulder
Of course, as is so often the case, it’s also about money. The ESV has been trying to find sponsors for years, but “even in an industrial city like Ingolstadt, no one is willing to help us,” says Zimmermann in dismay. It is obvious that the former Romanian selection fighter and long-time driver at ESV is frustrated. Especially when you hear what comparatively small amounts are involved. Even with a sponsorship contribution of 3,000 to 4,000 euros, those responsible for ESV might have made a different decision, he says. And this despite the fact that it is clear that the previous earmarked club subsidy in the mid-four-digit range will no longer be available next season. But apparently such a sponsorship sum could not be found.
In addition to the financial bottleneck, the “Coyotes”, who finished sixth in the league last season, currently no longer have a competitive squad. The reasons for this are cancellations due to injuries, but also changes of club. The newcomers Bad Aibling and Großhadern have added further competitors in Upper Bavaria who have already poached athletes. “The fighters all have costs too. If, strictly speaking, we can’t offer anything at all, we have practically no chance of fighting for the fighters,” says Zimermann, explaining the dilemma.
Focus on the youth and the women’s team
This means that the ESV will no longer register a men’s judo team next year. With the remaining fighters – the veterans Matthias Werner, Christopher Sommer, Georgios Aslanidis and Nikos Moulatze have completely taken part in the promotion – Zimmermann wants to concentrate on individual championships (e.g. the Veteran DM) instead in the future. The department also wants to promote youth work and the development of a women’s team.
Zimmermann himself will be stepping down from his position as deputy department head, but can imagine continuing to be involved – especially since his daughter is fighting in the department. “That is definitely a motivation for me to continue as a coach,” he says, although not immediately. “I ask for your understanding, but at the moment I need some distance. At the moment, this withdrawal is just too depressing for me.”
DK
