Men's Volleyball | 6/19/2026 10:00:00 AM

The York men's volleyball program was well represented at the Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA) Awards Banquet & Hall of Fame induction ceremony held on June 6 at the International Centre in Mississauga. 

Wally Dyba, who spent 40 seasons as the program's head coach from 1976-2016, was inducted into the OVA Hall of Fame as the only Coach in this year's class.

Meanwhile, Bruce Dunning, who played under Dyba for five seasons and was an OUA all-star in 1987-88, earned the Diane Wood Special Achievement Award for his more than four decades of service as a club coach.

And last but not least, Gavin Goodwin, an incoming Lion for the 2026-27 campaign who plays for the KW Predators, earned the Ken Davies Memorial Award for the 2025-26 season. The award is presented to "an athlete who demonstrates the qualities of determination, leadership, athletic ability, sportsmanship and fair play." 

"This year's OVA awards were a great reflection of both the history and future of York men's volleyball," said current Lions head coach Jordan Taylor. "Wally Dyba's Hall of Fame induction recognizes the tremendous impact he had on the York program and volleyball in Ontario, spending over four decades at York. His dedication to volleyball is a standard that continues to influence our program today.  

"At the same time, seeing incoming recruit Gavin Goodwin receive the Ken Davies Memorial Award highlights the exciting future ahead. Standing at seven feet tall, Gavin is one of the top young athletes in the province, and his recognition speaks to the caliber of student-athletes choosing York. Coupled with alumnus Bruce Dunning receiving the Diane Wood Special Achievement Award, it was a proud weekend for the entire York Lions volleyball family."