The Eastern Metropolitan Volleyball Association Inc. or the “EMVA” as it is widely known was called the Rusden Volleyball Association until the late 1970s. At one point we were the largest Volleyball Association in Victoria, and possibly Australia, with player registrations exceeding the 1300 mark. In fact over 25% of all registered players in Victoria were registered with the EMVA. Up to 3 Season’s were run each year- the Shield (March – August), the Cup (August – November) and the Christmas Carnival (November – March). The number of teams competing in the EMVA peaked at 341 teams in 1991. EMVA competitions were held at Rusden, Glen Waverley, Syndal, Moorabbin Tech, St Leonards College, Lum Road High School and Box Hill TAFE.
Wolfgang Gollong
Wolfgang was a driving force in Victorian Volleyball from the 1960’s until the mid-1980’s. Wolfgang was the Founder and first President of the EMVA. It was largely through his vision and energy that this Association grew to the 1990 levels. Sadly, Wolfgang passed away in late 1989. His contribution to Volleyball is now honoured through the presentation of the Wolfgang Gollong Cup to the winners of the July – November Season.
Bill Glasson
Bill was a founding member of the EMVA and succeeded Wolfgang as President, a position he held until a few years ago. After retiring as President, he remained as an active member of the committee to provide ongoing guidance and advice until he passed away in early 2010. He was devoted to coaching junior women’s volleyball and several generations of young women have been coached by him in the EMVA competitions. He established, then played a lead role in the Victorian Coaches Commission and for several decades he coached teams at both the state and national levels. Bill’s contribution to Volleyball is now honoured through the presentation of the Bill Glasson Shield to the winners of the February – June Season.
Tracy Cassy (Bennett)
Tracy was the EMVA president for many years and was instrumental in developing and advancing the EMVA logo and digital image. Her volleyball career began as a player with Waverley SISU and as a junior representative for Victoria. Tracy joined Wolfpack Volleyball Club in November 1990 at the Shepparton Tournament and quickly became part of Wolfpack’s highest-ranked women’s team. She soon became involved with the club attending most social activities and tournaments plus providing wonderful support to the committee whenever required. Tracy was a loyal and outstanding club member and would eventually go on to hold a wide variety of positions such as match selection committee, committee member, secretary and, finally, president. She was also twice voted club member of the year. 2013 marked the end of an era when Wolfpack’s last remaining team took to the volleyball court for the final time. Despite suffering from poor health, it was not surprising that Tracy remained a part of that team – some 24 years after she first appeared for the club. Aside from being heavily involved with volleyball, Tracy had many other interests such as water skiing and her much loved V8 Holden. She was a wonderful club member and friend and was extremely well liked by all. Her cheerful nature will be sadly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Historical Records