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Pittelkau is now replacing the mobility from his younger years – here against Leverkusen in 1999 – with experience. Photo: Jens Wolf
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In recent years, Heiko Pittelkau has been an important mentor for the Guards offensive, also for Lennart Lüttgau (No. 7). Photo: Popova
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As in 2012 in the second division game against Rostock Griffins, Heiko Pittelkau has already “read” numerous defensive players during his long career and …
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He himself played his last season for Wernigerode in 1995, the year the Virgin Guards were founded, while coaching the Magdeburg Guard, which played their first games in the club’s history in the Aufbauliga.
Successful entry
The foundation stone for a true success story was laid. Started in the lowest division in 1996, after three ascents in a row, the guard was already scratching the second highest division, the GFL 2. Football boom in Magdeburg experienced: “It was a great time to see how our sport moves the masses.”
Well over 1000 spectators were not uncommon in the Heinrich-Germer-Stadion at that time. A friendly game against the US college team from Concordia University in 1997 attracted 8,000 onlookers. “That was one of those games that you never forget,” says Pittelkau, but immediately refers to other highlights: “Even with promotion games, the hut was always full and the atmosphere was always great.”
The number 20 has stayed
While not only the teammates at his side, but also the American coaches on the sidelines changed frequently, the quarterback with the shirt number 20 remained one of the few constants with the Virgin Guards. In the strict regulations of American football players, this number is not intended for the playmaker position, but for defensive players. “That comes from my early days”, explains Pittelkau about this curiosity. “In Wernigerode, I initially played as safety, so basically as the last man on the defensive. I changed position and club, but kept the number. “
Pittelkau still has its trunk number on its chest, although the frequency of its use has been limited in recent years. In view of the lurking offspring in the quarterback position, the 50-year-old can with a clear conscience consider a gradual end to his career. “I definitely want to play again this year. What comes after that depends on how my body reacts, ”he explains.
Pittelkau hands over to the next generation
In the last few seasons Pittelkau shared the position of playmaker in the guard with Lennart Lüttgau and finally handed this over to his successor. For the new season, among others, Friedemann Schlicht, who has moved up from the younger generation, will be ready. “When Lennart had to leave because of his studies, I had a queasy feeling because he was the first to whom I entrusted this offensive after all these years,” says Pittelkau. Youngster Schlicht has long enjoyed this trust. “My concerns were quickly gone, because Friedemann has enormous talent, is already very well trained and is extremely committed.”
However, Pittelkau does not want to miss a joint season as “opponent and mentor at the same time”. “A healthy, sporty pressure is important for a young player,” he explains on the one hand. On the other hand, the passion that drove him to start playing football and bring it to the Elbe is still burning.
“Probably the best decision”
“That was probably the best decision ever,” he says looking back. “The sport and the Virgin Guards have given me so much. Be it the countless hours together, the experiences from great successes and bitter defeats, dealing with so many different characters, striving for a great, common goal. “
Pittelkau wouldn’t want to miss any of this even at the age of 50. That is why he particularly hopes to return to regular training and match operations as soon as possible: “It would be an extreme shame if Corona prevented two years.” If permission were given from politics, Pittelkau would be – as in 1995 – one of the first on the field .
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