Culture

Soccer executive used to excel in handball.

Wolfgang Schwenke (54), who has accomplished numerous victories in sports, is likely experiencing one of his greatest triumphs with his promotion to managing director of Holstein Kiel's move to the Bundesliga.

SymClub

May 13, 2024

2 min read

News, Dyn Handball, DHB, THW Kiel, Regio Sport Hamburg, Handball, Holtby Lewis, HBL, Sport - Lighthouse Hamburg, no-sport-app, Hofmann Kurt, Szilagyi Viktor, Jicha Filip

Wolfgang Schwenke played extremely successfully at left back for THW Kiel

Kiel extends congratulations to Kiel. - Soccer executive used to excel in handball.

### Soccer Boss: Five-Time Handball Champ

This past weekend, Holstein Kiel clinched a spot in the Bundesliga with a 1:1 draw against Fortuna Düsseldorf. The same evening, their neighbor from the Liqui Moly Handball Bundesliga, THW Kiel, sent congratulations their way.

Viktor Szilagyi, Managing Director of THW, stated, "Today is a great day for sports in Kiel. We now boast top-class teams in the two most popular sports in Germany." Schwenke, who has been Holstein's managing director since August 2009, played a significant role in the club's remarkable journey. When Holstein was still in the 3rd division, he joined them, and they spent the next three seasons in the Oberliga.

Schwenke, a former handball player, has a history of success in the sport. While playing for THW Kiel, he helped them win five German championships (1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000), three cup victories (1998, 1999, 2000), and one EHF Cup (1998). He played as a right-handed left back and represented Germany in 53 international games, even competing in the 1992 Olympics.

In his praise for Holstein Kiel's achievement, Szilagyi said, "They've earned this promotion with their calm approach, unwavering dedication, and focused effort. The team remained unfazed by setbacks and delivered consistently - kudos to them for this winning performance."

Kiel's handball and soccer teams have raised the city's profile to new heights in the world of professional sports. Szilagyi envisions a harmonious relationship between the two clubs: "Both teams will prosper from this connection."

In addition to his managerial roles, Schwenke had a successful stint as a handball coach. From 2001 to 2008, he coached TSV Altenholz, a third-division club. During the 2008/09 season, he oversaw Rhein-Neckar Löwen and led them to third place in the Bundesliga and the semi-finals of the Champions League.