Joe Chorba

From 1941 to 1943, Joe Chorba played guard at the University of Alabama including Cotton and Orange Bowl games. Army Captain Joe Chorba suffered a German bullet hole in his chest and later was thrown from a Jeep resulting in a broken neck. He was awarded the Bronze Star following the war. He went back to Alabama on the G.I. Bill, because his war injuries had ended his football playing career. Chorba received his B.S and Masters degree from Alabama. Coach Chorba accepted the head coaching position at Marshall County High School. From 1948 to 1960, he compiled a record of 100 wins, 23 losses and six ties. Chorba retired as the winningest coach in Guntersville history. In 1955, Guntersville went undefeated with a perfect 10-0 record. Many of the newspapers in the state, including the Birmingham Post-Herald, declared Guntersville the State Champions. Only two of his teams lost more than two games in any season. After arriving in the fall of 1948, Guntersville was the only coaching job he ever held. After retiring from the field, he taught science, biology and physics for three more years before retiring from teaching. He spent the remainder of his life in the construction business. Guntersville named the stadium in his honor and Coach Chorba is a member of the Marshall County Hall of Fame. Coach Chorba passed away August 15, 1998 at the age of 76.