Coach William Henry Knopf, III
In 2010 Coach brought a great deal of success to the school’s Athletic program with a career 200th victory as seen in multiple press releases, an impact on the community through the third year of going barefoot and being selected as the Barefoot Coach of The Year where he was recognized at the NCAA Final Four for his contributions to the sport (2010 Barefoot Coach Celebration) and coach shared a few thoughts on why for more than 16 years he has poured his efforts into the students at Glenforest School.
General Perception of Starting an Athletic Program at Glenforest in 1994: I knew I wanted to be involved with children and to foster an opportunity where they the students would be a part of something special, it would be a place to grow and a place to thrive.
First Impressions: Children that are labeled as LD can do just as much as those who are not labeled, and I wanted to help these children. I realized a key in the process would be a matter of breaking down individual parts to make the whole. It is about being patient and showing support, you would not believe the simplest things that show support.
School’s First Coach: It’s almost like starting a family. You just started something that will continue to grow over the years with ups and downs. My first player on the sports team is now one of my top coaches in the athletic program, this is my legacy. Many lessons would be taught and learned throughout the process, I am always learning new things too. It’s an opportunity to stay true to your values and not leave when the road is rocky. Perseverance, Character, Discipline, a Champion’s mentality, Integrity, Leadership, Work Ethic, and Attitude all come to mind. I’ve taught these, I’ve tried to be a role model in these areas, and I won’t let anyone out work me.
Greatest Challenge: Being able to understand the individual’s needs and trying to help each student-athlete overcome their weakness in order to be successful. In the real world regardless of what team you are on, at work or play, a group of individuals must work together to achieve a common goal. I’ve lived this out with families in their homes, in the community, and I am always trying to instill this in my kids.
Coach Knopf celebrates 200 Wins In SCISA Basketball with family and founder, Dr. Glenda Sternberg
Special: The students and staff have made the past 16 years very special. I realize that each day I have the platform to make someone feel great. I can say everyone of the kids I call on their birthday, because each one of them should know they are special. I can recall telling my boy’s teams the same things hundreds of times, I can recall pulling 1 student aside reminding them they can learn this. What’s special is seeing where my kids came from, and where they are today. I really love what I do.
Background:
High School Graduate: Great Falls High School 1989
College Graduate: Newberry College
1994 Degree: BS Physical Education-Parks, Recreation, & Tourism with Minor in Coaching
1995 Completed Certification in Physical Education Teaching Tract with Special Education hours
Finally, do you know what it means to Be a B.U.L.L.D.O.G!? Coach shares this with all of his students:
B – build CHARACTER
U – UNCONDITIONAL love
L – LEADERSHIP in the classroom
L – LOYALTY to Each Other
D – DETERMINATION to succeed
O – OVERCOME obstacles
G – always show GRATITUDE to those who help you
© 2010 Copyright