Vale Eric Coster

One of the great contributors to Australian table tennis, Eric Coster, passed away this morning, Sunday 12 December 2021, surrounded by his family. After battling illness for many years, Eric is now at peace.

Eric was an iconic Australian coach and in January 2020 became the first coach to be inducted into the TTA Hall of Fame. Eric’s notable achievements as a coach include, but are not limited to:

• Eric was Australian Men's Team Coach from 1975-1979. During this time, the Men's Team World Ranking improved from: 29 in 1973, to 18 in 1975, to 14 in 1977 and to 12 in 1979. The world ranking of 12 is the highest an Australian Team has ever attained.
• In addition, Eric was Coach of the Men's Team which won multiple international medals:

1. Bronze medal at the Asian Championships in 1978.
2. A total of 1 gold medal, 4 silver medals and 4 bronze medals at the Commonwealth Championships from 1975-1979:

1. 1975 (3 silver & 1 bronze).
2. 1977 (1 silver & 1 bronze).
3. 1979 (1 gold & 2 bronze). 

• Eric was also responsible for pioneering training camps for the National Team. 
• Eric played a prominent role as Coach and Mentor for all team members of the generation including Paul Pinkewich, Steve Knapp, Bob Tuckett, Robbie Javor and Neil Ward and played a considerable role in the success of the Men’s Team.

The bond formed between Eric and the 1970’s Men’s Team lasted a lifetime, with catch ups continuously taking place, the last of which was a few months ago. The team supported Eric and Eric supported the team through the good times and the tough times, both on and off the table, over more than 40 years.

Eric will be sadly missed and his contribution to Australian table tennis will never be forgotten.

To view Eric’s TTA Hall of Fame induction ceremony from January 2020, please click here.

Rest in peace Eric.