From 1952 until 1972 Polish field hockey player Witold Ziaja represented HKS Siemianowiczanka in midfield. During this time Ziaja also represented the Polish national team on 79 occasions, often as the captain of the side. Early in his international career he was selected as an alternate for the 1960 Olympics in Roma, but did not play in any matches. Twelve years later he finally got to compete at the Olympics, playing in six matches at the 1972 München Games.
After his retirement as a player Ziaja became a coach, working with multiple international teams. He first managed the Austrian women’s team in 1973, followed by a stint with the Polish men’s team from 1974 to 1980, including leading them to fourth place at the Moskva Olympics. Ziaja then coached the Swiss men’s team from 1981 to 1983, before spending the next 16 years as the head coach of the German under-21 national team, living in Hamburg. His uncle Ernest played ice hockey for Poland at the 1948 St. Moritz Olympics.
Poland