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Inductee
KOPCHA, DR. JOSEPH E.
KOPCHA, DR. JOSEPH E.
Born on December 23, 1905
Whiting, IN
August 3, 1986.
Inducted On
June 28, 1977
Location Inducted
Bloomington, IN
Region Number
1
Whiting
Player
Whiting
1924
Lettered in football, basketball, track, swimming, and baseball.
University of Chattanooga, TN 1929; Rush Medical College 1934
1934
All-Southern Tackle 3 years; All-American Honorable Mention 3 years; Blue Key; Templeton Trophy 1929 for best all-around athlete; Most Valuable Player Award 1929 S.I.A.A.; received 3 letters each in football, track, and basketball.
Awarded the Most Distinguished Alumnus of University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 1973; honored at University of Chattanooga with the Outstanding Alumnus Award 1969; member of F.A.C.S., F.I.C.S., Fellows Sports Medicine; served 4 years as Lt. Colonel in Air Force in South Pacific; coached football in Brisbane, Australia, 1944; served as a physician and surgeon in Hobart, IN; enjoyed theater and had roles in productions by the Theater Art Guild and Gary Players.
Wife, Bernardine; children, Maryel, Joseph, Jr., Michelle, and Edward.
Professional Athletic Background: Played professional football with Chicago Bears 1929-1935; played one year with Detroit Lions.

Professional Athletic Honors: All-Pro Guard 4 years in 1930’s; inducted into Chicago Bears Hall of Fame.