Hall of Fame
Eddie Giersbrook came to Chowan in 1990 as a highly touted place kicker from Boca Raton, Florida recruited by then-coach Jim Garrison. Giersbrook came to Chowan not only as one of the nation’s top place kickers out of high school, but also battling almost a decade worth of surgeries and obstacles stemming from a boating accident in his home state when he was just 10 years old.
Having the support of family, friends, and coaches, Giersbrook came to battle at Chowan where he continued his prowess on the field. He served as a captain in his sophomore season and earned All Region IX honors as a kicker after kicking three game-winning field goals. In both his freshman and sophomore seasons he was named to the NJCAA National All-Star Football team.
In 1992 Giersbrook left Chowan to continue his playing career at West Virginia University. However, Eddie’s support system was still at Chowan. After a year he transferred back to Chowan, now a four-year institution, to finish out his playing career.
Giersbrook spent his final two seasons with the then-Braves, closing out what was a record-setting career as a place kicker. He kicked 147 out of 148 career point after attempts and made 15 of 18 career field goals.
Coach Garrison once said about him in an interview with a Boca Raton newspaper, “Eddie’s in a place where people have cared about him, pushed him. There is not a solitary soul on this campus who doesn’t know Eddie Giersbrook. Knowing what he’s gone through and how far he has come, I’m really proud of him. He’s just like a son to me. I love that little guy.”
Overcoming adversity in his life has been part of Eddie’s life story. In fact Garrison ensured that his name would linger on in Chowan football history after naming an award after him, the “Eddie Giersbrook Perseverance Award”. This award was given out to Chowan football players who showed endurance and perseverance in the face of adversity.
After graduating from Chowan, Giersbrook returned to his home state of Florida. He was hired by Palm Beach County to teach physical education. He is working on this 20th year in education in Boca Raton. In 2007 he returned to his former high school as the head football coach. In that same year he was named Palm Beach County Coach of the Year. He has also been named a Dwyer Award Finalist, an award that recognizes the top teacher in Palm Beach County.
Giersbrook’s greatest love is son Peyton, who also resides in Boca Raton, Florida.
