Knute Rockne: Win One For The Gipper

‘Win One for the Gipper’
Knute Rockne On March 4th, 1888, Knute Rockne was born in Voss, Norway. Little did we know he would go on to be an amazing athlete, and even better coach. Rockne was one of the most successful coaches in the history of Norte Dame Football. He coached the Fighting Irish football team in the 1920’s, which is known as their “Golden Era”. During his time coaching, Rockne won three national championships – transforming this diamond in the rough team to the most popular team in the United States. Knute’s family moved to the United States from Norway when he was only five years old. Once they had settled in Chicago, Knute took to playing football in the Sandlots. Along with football, Knute was a track and field star. Unfortunately, he couldn’t afford to go to college as soon as he graduated so he became a mailman to save money for college. By the time he was twenty-two Rockne could afford college, he enrolled at Notre Dame. By 1913, Rockne playing tight-end became the teams’ captain. That year they defeated a powerhouse team 35-13. …show more content…
He took large risks by scheduling games against larger, better teams. The most legendary person Rockne coached was George Gipp. Gipp could do many things like run, punt, pass, kick, and was a very good defensive player. George got sick from strep throat, his dying wish to Rockne was to give the team a pep talk, which inspired Win one for the Gipper. Knute Rockne died on March 31, 1931, when the airplane he was traveling in crashed in Chase County, Kansas. While he was coaching he won 105 games, lost 12, and had 5 ties. He had the highest winning percentage in the history of college or professional