Adolescent/young adult/integrated social studies education major Hometown: Edinburg, Ohio

“My parents told me that when I found the right place, I’d know it,” said Joe Knopick, who will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in education. “My decision to attend The University of Findlay was an easy one. When I first arrived on campus, it fit everything I wanted in a college: a small classroom setting with a personal environment, an outstanding football program and it was within good driving distance from my home” in Edinburg, Ohio.         

Joe Knopick, center, with his parents, Corinne and Mark Knopick

 
Knopick was recruited to play football at UF by Kory Allen, associate head coach, who also had coached Knopick’s brother at another college.

Allen and many other members of the coaching staff became mentors for Knopick, both on and off the field. Kelly Cummings, assistant coach, “taught me … how to be a leader by setting the pace and giving full effort no matter what,” said Knopick. Chad Wagner, strength and conditioning coach, “instilled in me a level of work ethic and discipline that I will carry with me for the reset of my life.” Others were equally influential.            

One of Knopick’s most memorable experiences as a student was when the UF football team won 14-5 over Michigan Tech in October 2009, during what Knopick describes as the worst weather he ever played in.

According to Knopick, the team had struggled during his first three years at UF. The Michigan game signified three years of hard work; it was the team’s sixth win of Knopick’s senior season – which meant Knopick and his teammates would have a winning season regardless of what happened after that game.   

        
Coaching and teaching are a family tradition for Knopick, and he hopes to continue that tradition with his own teaching and coaching job in Ohio following graduation.            

To complete his final semester at UF, Knopick is student teaching at Riverdale High School where he teaches U.S. studies and citizenship in the eighth grade.


“It’s a great experience,” he said. “You learn what kind of teacher you’re going to be and what kind of teacher you want to be … You figure out if you want to be there or not. I love it. I love working with different kids … and I’m learning a lot about my subject area and how to gain classroom knowledge.”            

Knopick refers to the faculty and staff in the College of Education as “an all-star cast of teachers and leaders.” He says they care about each and every student and “have gone out of their way to make sure that I am prepared to step into the classroom.”            

James Taylor, who was Knopick’s student teaching supervisor, especially made an impression on Knopick. “The love he shows for his students and his job is inspiring … Anyone who sits through his classes leaves wanting to be a better person. He is the type of teacher I hope to be someday.”            

As he looks back on his career as a student, Knopick notes that the support he received from God, his family, teammates, friends, coaches and professors made his experience an unforgettable one.