Joe Gembis
Gembis from 1929 Michiganensian
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| Sport(s) | Football |
|---|---|
| Biographical details | |
| Born |
September 29, 1907 Vicksburg, Michigan |
| Died | July 5, 1969 (aged 61) Mayfield, Michigan |
| Playing career | |
| 1926–1929 | Michigan |
| 1930 | Ironton Tanks |
| Position(s) | Fullback, placekicker |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1931 | Chesapeake HS (OH) |
| 1932–1945 | Wayne State (MI) |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 42–51–8 (college) 6–4–1 (high school) |
Joseph George Gembis (September 29, 1907 – July 5, 1969), sometimes known by the nickname "Dynamite Joe", was an American football player and coach. He played college football at the University of Michigan from 1926 to 1929 and professional football for the Ironton Tanks in 1930. He later served as the head football coach at Wayne State University for 14 years from 1932 to 1945.
Gembis was born in Vicksburg, Michigan, in 1907. He attended Vicksburg High School.
Gembis played college football at the University of Michigan from 1927 to 1929 as a fullback and placekicker. Highlights of Gembis' playing career at Michigan included the following:
The Detroit Free Press in November 1929 noted: "Gembis' presence in the blue line up has been invaluable. His place kicking has been an indispensable factor in the Wolverine attack. Without the service of his productive toe, it is extremely doubtful if Michigan's record would be studded with any major victories." Gembis received his bachelor of arts degree from Michigan in 1930.
In 1930, Gembis played semi-professional football as a fullback and placekicker for the Ironton Tanks in Ironton, Ohio.The Cincinnati Enquirer in November 1930 wrote: "Dynamite Joe Gembis, Tank fullback, is without a doubt the finest line-smasher to ever show at Redland Field."
Gembis spent one year as a football coach at Chesapeake High School in Ohio. His 1931 Chesapeake team compiled a 6–4–1 record.
In July 1932, he was hired as the head coach at College of the City of Detroit (later renamed Wayne State University). He remained in that position for 14 years. His 1934 team compiled a 7–1 record, and from 1934 to 1937 his teams went 23–7. However, the program declined after 1937, winning only six games from 1941 to 1945. He was fired in April 1946. Gembis compiled a career record of 42–51–8 (.455) at Wayne State.
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