A leading figure in the development of volleyball in Richmond for many years is being recognized by the sport’s provincial governing body.
Eric Ens will be officially inducted into the Volleyball B.C. Hall of Fame in February as a builder. He is one eight members of the Class of 2016.
Ens helped transformed the sport to another level in Richmond back in 1989 when he founded the Air Attack Volleyball Club. It was part of his vision of building the volleyball community and city-wide promotion of the sport.
The lifelong Richmond resident also was the founding member of the Junior Girls Provincial Invitational Championships and subsequently worked to ensure the event would be hosted in communities around the province.
His decorated high school coaching career includes guiding host the host Cambie Crusaders to the 2002 senior girls provincial AAA championship. The memorable run featured a semi-final win over cross-town rival McRoberts — reflecting the talent depth in Richmond.
The success for many city schools would continue over the years, with a number typically qualifying for provincials. This past season saw five Richmond teams participate at various tier championships.
Air Attack has grown to be one of the largest volleyball clubs in B.C. with 20 competitive teams, a house league and a mini-volleyball program, featuring 400 male and female athletes.
The Class of 2016 will be inducted Feb. 6 at the Volleyball B.C. Hall of Fame and Excellence Awards Banquet Feb. 6 in Burnaby.
