The Club is saddened to learn of the passing of Hans Ebeling Award winner, Bill Stahmer, last week. He was 75 years old.
Bill’s larger-than-life personality and contribution to the Club – with both Sporting Sections and Special Interest Groups – saw him recognised as one of the Club’s great characters and contributors.
Bill’s first association with the MCC was through the Cricket Section as an emerging wicket-keeper and top-order batter training for the Club’s Under 16 Dowling Shield team.
It was, however, on the lacrosse field that Bill excelled. Bill was first elevated to the Victorian lacrosse team at the age of 18, going on to play 15 consecutive years for the state – which included a championship in 1968 and 1970. He was also a member of the Australian Touring Team on multiple occasions – including in 1970, 1976 and 1980 - and coached both Victoria and Australia.
Bill joined the MCC Lacrosse Section in 1982 following a stint at Caulfield, and scored 389 goals across 109 games for the Club. He also served as coach and Chair of the MCC Lacrosse Section.
His dedication and service to the Lacrosse Section saw him awarded the Hans Ebeling Award - one of the Club’s most prestigious awards celebrating outstanding service to the MCC’s Sporting Sections – in 1999.
Bill was also a long-standing member of the XXIX Club Special Interest Group, where he served as Chair from 2008-2009. He also served on the Long Room Wine and Food Society Committee.
Our thoughts are with Bill’s family and friends, as well as members of the Lacrosse and Cricket Sections, and XXIX Club and Long Room Wine and Food Society Special Interest Groups.