Vic Lindal (2003)

Known fondly as "Mr. Volleyball", Vic has been a fixture on the sports scene in B.C. for more than four decades. His vision of creating an environment wherein young players can develop a high skill level has helped make B.C. one of the hotbeds for volleyball in the country. His achievements as a coach are impressive and include guiding B.C.-based teams to seven national championships and he coached the national women's team to Canada's first-ever victory over the USA in the early 1970s. Even more memorable, however, are the contributions he has made to the development of the sport in B.C. The list of organizations he is credited with founding or co-founding over his career includes B.C. Volleyball Association, the B.C. Boys & Girls High School Associations and, along with son Mark, the Victoria Volleyball Association. As well, he originated the Pacific Rim championships and spearheaded the creation of a Japan / B.C. volleyball exchange programme. Along with his coaching and administrative accomplishments, Vic also achieved a National level referee status. His knowledge of the game and effervescent personality earned him a spot doing colour commentary on television broadcasts with CBC, CTV and TSN. He has worked at four Olympic Games and regularly handles the Canadian Inter-university Sports championship telecasts. Vic has been recognized for his efforts as a volleyball builder both provincial and nationally by being made a member of the Volleyball Canada Hall of Fame in 2000 and the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame in 2001.