Basketball Australia would like to extend its condolences to the family and friends of former Australian Roller Len Ettridge who passed away after a long battle with illness and then a short stay in hospital.
Len Ettridge was a pioneer of wheelchair basketball in Perth and represented the Australian Rollers in the 1980 Paralympics held in Arnhem, Netherlands. He excelled in wheelchair basketball and athletics and represented WA in multiple State teams in both sports. He also represented Australia in the 1977 FESPIC games in both sports.
After his playing days, he moved into coaching and worked with Patrick Hunt at the AIS to develop his coaching expertise. He coached many basketball teams including ten years with the WA Country U18 men's team, WA Metro U20 women, Wanneroo Wolves U20 and Division 1 champions, Willetton Tigers U20 Champions, SBL Assistant Coach Cockburn Cougars, Willetton Tigers and Mandurah Magic, Head Coach Perth Hornets NWBL (now the Perth Wheelcats), Head Coach Cockburn Cougars Men’s SBL team 1994.
He introduced his son Ben Ettridge to coaching wheelchair teams and assisted him with the Perth Wheelcats from 2004 through to 2009 winning 4 National Championships and a World Cup gold medal.
He played with two of the greats of wheelchair basketball – Kevin Coombs and Frank Ponta and remained great friends with them over many years.
The life of Len Ettridge will be celebrated on Monday 11 December in Perth from 2.30 pm and will be live streamed here.
