Hall of Fame
Joe Gro came from Springfield, Pa. to play football for Chowan under legendary Coach Jim Garrison. Gro was a NJCAA football All-American for the Chowan Braves in 1972. The 6-2, 220-pound Gro was named Chowan’s permanent defensive captain by his teammates at the end of the season, which produced a 6-4 mark. Gro’s selection as All-American added to Chowan’s tradition as the home of All-American players. Grow was the third consecutive Brave to be honored as a First Team All-American since 1970. Gro was among the team leaders in tackles in each of the Braves’ games. Part of this is a tribute to his pursuit since the opposition often elected to avoid a direct challenge of the big end. Garrison characterized Gro as a "tenacious” player who responds to a challenge.
Gro obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Elon and then returned to his native Pennsylvania where he began his teaching and coaching career as defensive line coach at Glen Mills School before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 1987.
Gro later accepted the defensive coordinator position at Chetenham High School in Wyncote, Pa., and served in that capacity until being named as the school's head football coach one year later.
He was Montgomery County's Coach of the Year in 1989 and has served as a coach in the Montgomery County All-Star game on three occasions.
