Joe Gurtis worked at the College from 1965 to 1989, serving the athletics department in a multitude of ways. In addition to working as the director for men’s sports from 1975 until 1988, he coached men’s lacrosse, wrestling, track and field, football and baseball throughout his 24-year career.
Along with coaching, Gurtis was a professor of physical education in the College of Arts and Sciences and became a tenured faculty member in 1971. Prior to his retirement, he was instrumental in helping form the North Coast Athletic Conference, which just celebrated its 31st year of competition.
As an undergraduate at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, Gurtis was a two-time varsity letterwinner in football and played in both the Cotton Bowl and Sugar Bowl. Joe also earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in physical education from UNC.
Gurtis is the father of four children; Mary Joe, Walter, Bill and John. Joe passed away July 15, 2010, at the age of 84.
