From 1943 through 1946, Vicéns played in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional league, winning the national championship in the 1944-45 season. In 1944, and again in 1946, he formed part of Puerto Rico's National Basketball Team competing in Cuba. In 1945, he formed part of the first Puerto Rican college basketball team to play in the United States at Madison Square Garden, Buffalo Memorial Auditorium and Philadelphia Palestra, playing against Valparaiso University, Bowling Green State University and Loyola University. In 1946, Vicéns was also champion in the 800 meter intercollegiate games. He also competed in the 400m and the 4 × 400 m races. He competed in track and field, basketball, and volleyball. In 1946, Vicéns moved to Ponce where he would have his final home base and residence. By then he had been nicknamed "El Hombre de Goma’’ for his performance on the basketball court. In that same year he became a basketball player for the Leones de Ponce, playing until 1951, and again in 1953. Vicéns Sastre entered the Puerto Rico National Guard and by 1952 he was an captain with the 296th Infantry Regiment at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico. The 296th Infantry Regiment got orders to the Korean War. Enrique "Coco" Vicéns received a Bronze Star Medal for his actions in that conflict. In 1957, he returned to the Leones de Ponce basketball team for the 1957-58 season. From 1959 to 1962 he owned the Ponce Leones team, seeing them into two national victories in the 1960 and 1961 seasons. During 1960, Vicéns was also responsible for the establishment of the first volleyball franchise in Ponce. From 1964 to 1968 he again owned the Leones de Ponce team, seeing them once again into three national victories in 1964, 1965, and 1966. In 1967, the Leones fought for the winner's crown but was ultimately defeated while vying for the top position.As a physician, he was part of the medical staff that accompanied the Puerto Rico Delegation to the 1970 Central American and Caribbean Games.
Political career
In 1972, Vicéns Sastre ran for electoral office winning a seat in the Puerto Rico State Legislature as senator-at-large from 1973 until 1978. There he served as president of the Senate’s Comision de Juventud y Deportes from 1972 to 1976. Projects developed or completed under Vicens Sastre's watch included Guayama’s indoor basketball court, Manati’s Baseball stadium, and basketball courts in Canovanas and Fajardo. Vicéns served as a Municipal Legislator in Ponce during 2004-2008. "Coco" Vicens was a member of the Popular Democratic Party of Puerto Rico, which opposes Puerto Rican statehood and favors a commonwealth status relationship with the United States.
Last years and death
Vicéns Sastre died on March 6, 2015. He was 88 years old.
