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The face of Long Beach State men’s volleyball for the last 10 years will receive one of the top honors from the 49ers athletics department.
The Long Beach State athletics department announced Thursday that former All-American and 49ers coach Alan Knipe will be inducted into the Long Beach State Hall of Fame as part of the 2011 class.
Knipe was a two-time All-American during his three-year college career and helped lead the 49ers to the 1991 NCAA championship — the only national championship in program history. He was also one of 10 players inducted into the inaugural class of the 49ers Men’s Volleyball Wall of Fame in 2006.
In addition, Knipe almost 20 years since playing for the 49ers remains in the program’s top 10 for career attack percentage.
After his college career, Knipe spent five years as assistant coach with the 49ers before he succeeded Ray Ratelle as the Long Beach State head coach in 2001. Knipe in nine years as the 49ers head coach compiled a 155-89 career record and was named the National Coach of the Year in 2004 and 2008.
Knipe is entering the final year of a three-year absence from Long Beach State to coach the U.S. Men’s National Team at the 2012 Olympics in London.
Eight former Long Beach State players were chosen to be inducted into the hall of fame in 2011. Among the other former 49ers selected includes current Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitcher Jered Weaver and women’s volleyball player Cheryl Weaver.
The inductees will be formally enshrined into the Long Beach State Hall of Fame at a ceremony Nov. 9 at the Hilton Long Beach Hotel & Executive Meeting Center.