New Zealand stalwart and volleyball legend John Hutt dies
The Volleyball New Zealand has recently disclosed the news that volleyball legend John Hutt passed away at his family home in Lower Hutt on Tuesday, November 15. Volleyball star of the yesteryears performed his duties as key player in New Zealand’s team
for 12 year in the 70’s. He played in the representative teams of New Zealand and also fulfilled different administrative roles with the Federation of Clubs. He was known as treasurer, committee member and also committee chairman for quite some time.
After serving in the team as player, he proved his visionary skills at coaching as well. He remained attached with the men’s national volleyball team of New Zealand as head coach from 1984 to 1989. He did an amazing job at preparing the young crop of players
in the national team. He also put in great effort to create awareness about the challenging sport of volleyball in New Zealand. He strongly believed that development must continue at all levels.
Now that the legendary player has passed away, it is difficult to describe his contribution to volleyball in words. There is a sheer risk of gross understatement, while illustrating his development work and his services for the sport of volleyball. He was
literally involved in everything since the inception of volleyball in New Zealand.
In recent times, Volleyball New Zealand took a lot of pleasure to present John with Life Membership in August 2011. He was noble in his commitment, driven by one objective of sharing his knowledge and time to all who wish to be involved in the game he so
loved. Volleyball has been his life. He deserves to be called a true volleyball legend.
Graeme Steel has been quoted as saying, “We are deeply indebted to John Hall as his continuous involvements with the Men’s team, as a player and coach are unparalleled, his contribution to volleyball inestimable (and we hope not yet complete)”. Gladly this
involvement continued through to this day.
The Federation International Volleyball (FIVB) and extended family of volleyball across the globe extends its sincere condolence to late John Hutt’s family and friends.
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