Madison, WI – October 27, 2008. The Madison Mallards are excited to announce that Manager C.J. Thieleke will return for a fifth season to coach the team in 2009. Thieleke, the Mallards winningest manager with a career record of 157-127, guided the Mallards to a First-Half South Division Championship and appearance in the Northwoods League Championship Series a year ago. He has made the playoffs three times (’05, ’06, ’08) during his tenure in Madison. Thieleke needs seven more regular season victories to pass former Waterloo Bucks Manager Eric Snider for the fourth most wins in Northwoods League managerial history.

Prior to being promoted to manager, Thieleke was an assistant coach with the Mallards for two seasons, including the 2004 Championship season. He is also an assistant coach at MATC in Madison. Thieleke was the 1994 Big Ten Freshman of the Year and played at the University of Iowa for three seasons before spending two seasons in the Minnesota Twins organization.

“I’m obviously thrilled to have the opportunity to return for another season and I can’t wait to take the field and try to bring a Northwoods League Championship back to the great city of Madison,” said Thieleke.

“It’s always a pleasure in sharpening these young athletes’ skills both on-and-off the field and seeing how each individual piece of the puzzle fits in trying to accomplish the ultimate team goal–winning a championship.”

Mallards General Manager Vern Stenman believes Thieleke’s diligent work in recruiting players each year has paved the way for the team’s success over the past four seasons.

“In terms of recruiting, the reputation that C.J. has built in Madison continues to put us in a position to sign the most talented players in the country,” said Stenman.

“I echo C.J.’s statement in that we can’t wait to get the 2009 season underway because we feel like next year’s team is the most talented young group of athletes we’ve ever had coming to Madison.”