May 20, 2011
STANFORD, Calif.-- Long-time Stanford Assistant Ted Knapp was one of the three inaugural winners for National Assistant Coach of the Year, presented by collegeswimming.com.
He joins Clemson's Derek Perkins, who was named a rising star in the assistant ranks, while Knapp and and the late Joe Hendee of Tennessee, were named for their overall achievement.
All schools were asked to submit a letter from its head coach and swimmer. In Stanford's case, All-American David Mosko wrote an essay, in part saying, “as a recruit he took interest in me as a person as well as a swimmer” and then continued “he challenges us with new ideas about training and technique... and generally helps us with our transition to college life.” Mosko concludes, “(he) has helped me to develop as a swimmer, a student and a person”
The full essay is here: http://www.collegeswimming.com/news/2011/may/20/lifetimecareer-assistant-coach-year-ted-knapp/
Knapp, as first an All-American freestyler for coach Skip Kenney and now in his 27th year as an assistant, the Menlo Park native has been a part of seven NCAA titles as well the last 27-straight Pac-10 conference titles.
According to collegeswimming.com, “Nearly every member of the selection committee named both men on their ballot and it was acknowledged that both men served as perfect compliments to their longtime colleague, friend, and “boss.”
Knapp has coached 19 Olympians and 10 different swimmers who have set 20 world records. He was also the head mens' manager for the 2008 U.S. Olympic team.
Kenney in part said of Knapp, “Though our relationship has changed from coach to friend, his dedication to Stanford has never wavered... He's had opportunities to lead his own program... I am not the lucky one for his decision, our swimmers are. They could not do the things they do without him.”