POSTHUMOUS

Joe Walters

YEAR INDUCTED
2016
HIGH SCHOOL
Non Mercer County
ROLE
Coaching
SPORT
Tennis
COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY
Grove City College

Joe Walters was not from Mercer County originally, but made major contributions in this area as a long-time coach at Grove City College.

A major part of the GCC sports programs, he served as head men's tennis coach for 40 years and spent 24 seasons as defensive coordinator of football. His men's tennis teams won President's Athletic Conference championships 23 times, including 22 consecutive crowns from 1991-2012. He was named the PAC Men's Tennis Coach of the Year 22 times. He led the tennis team to the NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament in 2011 and 2012, advancing to the regional semifinals both times. Joe served as interim women's tennis coach in 2004 and led the team to an 11-1 record and a conference title.He became permanent women's coach from 2008-2012 when the team posted a 53-20 overall mark. The team won 4 straight PAC titles and advanced to the NCAA Div. III tourney all 4 years and reached the regional semis two of the four seasons. He was PAC Women's Coach of the Year in 2010 and 2011. The winningest tennis coach in GCC history, his teams compiled 422 victories.

A full professor of physical education and exercise science, he was listed in the Who's Who Among America's Teachers. He served on several NCAA or PAC committees and was director of NCAA compliance at Grove City College.

His athletic career began at Chief Logan High School, Lewistown, Pa., where he excelled in football, wrestling, track and baseball. He was part of the state-record winning streak of 38 games in football. He was an All-Star in baseball and District Invitational discus champion. Joe played football at Slippery Rock State College from 1964-68 and was MVP his senior year, later served as a grad assistant. He played both ways, punted and snapped for extra points and field goals. He was inducted into both the GCC and SRU Halls of Fame.

Among his many community contributions in Grove City, he coached and umpired Little League baseball and coached American Legion baseball while giving tennis lessons and clinics.