EIVA Hall of Fame Inductee: Ivan Marquez
In the weeks leading up to the EIVA Championship match,
EIVAvolleyball.com will feature each of the six inductees into the
league’s inaugural Hall of Fame Class. The EIVA is in its
40th year as the leading men’s volleyball
conference in the east after being founded as the Eastern
Collegiate Volleyball League (ECVL) in 1971 and changing its name
in 1985.
Named the first Executive Director of the EIVA in 2003, Ivan
Marquez has been involved in the EIVA’s administration since
1996 and has been instrumental in its development and advancement.
His contributions have shaped the modern-day EIVA, but he remains
modest.
"Although I believe the committee should have their heads examined,
I am deeply humbled to be thought of on the same amazing level as
these great volleyball men,” stated Marquez. “As the
EIVA continues to prove to be at the forefront of NCAA Conferences,
it has been my privilege to be part of this great league. As
Commissioner, I would like to proudly salute each and every
student-athlete who has worn an EIVA jersey at all of our schools
for the past 40 years.”
Previously the head men’s volleyball coach and now current
Athletic Director at Concordia (NY) College, Marquez led a
fledgling program to the elite of the EIVA and national recognition
prior to its discontinuation after the 2003 season. During his time
coaching the Clippers, his teams often traveled to take on the
powerhouse West Coast teams, including UCLA and his close friend,
legendary head coach Al Scates.
“First of all, [Ivan] can be inducted as either a coach or an
administrator,” said Scates. “He was an outstanding
coach at Concordia. He would bring his teams to the West Coast and
challenge all of the teams out here. And we visited him at
Concordia and he had the gym packed and we were looking for
innovative scoring systems and so we played the first game to 100
by quarters, which was pretty exciting.
“He’s just a great personal friend to
me,” continued Scates. “I’m sorry he’s so
far away and I miss his trips out here to the Coast because my wife
and I have considered him as one of our very best friends.
It’s great that he’s going into the Hall of Fame.
He’s such a competent administrator. He’s probably the
finest administrator for volleyball that we’ve ever had
– he has done such a great job for the EIVA. I’ve
followed his career since he took over that position and he’s
come with a lot of innovations that have helped the sport back
there. I think it’s a great choice to bring him into the
Hall.”
A native of Condado, Puerto Rico, and graduate of SUNY-Brockport,
Marquez also previously held a graduate assistant position with the
Southern California women’s volleyball team prior to his
involvement with Concordia.
Said Marquez: “There is a special place in my heart for
Uvaldo as he, along with Pav, Larsen, Shayka, Restrepo, Bonilla,
DeNure, Nelson, Treibitch, DeCurtis, Ball, Hansen, McGown, and
Scates, welcomed and inspired me to be the best. The genuine
fellowship among men's volleyball coaches, officials, and
administrators is second to none and a true joy to devote a
lifetime with; I am extremely fortunate and sincerely
grateful."
Perhaps Scates sums it up the best: “His word is his bond.
I’m not sure we ever had any contracts when we brought our
team out there, we just shook hands on it. He’s a man that
when he says something, you believe him and you trust him. With
Ivan I was very comfortable with him the first time I met him.
He’s someone you can trust, bottom line.”
Story Courtesy of Jen Armson-Dyer
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