Scott Knapp is the current athletic director of Center Grove High School. He’s worked and been around in the district for many years before taking over longtime AD John Zwitt. Knapp is currently in his first year as AD but has been around the program as an assistant AD previously and has been able to learn prior to starting his new position.
What do you consider your greatest virtue?
In this profession you have to care, so, caring and seeing kids develop from the time they’re a freshman to the time they’re seniors and seeing them grow and I think that’s rewarding and it’s one of the joys of this profession.
What do you like most about living in Johnson County?
The closeness and the community feel. We’re considered a big school but it doesn’t feel that way. It feels very much like a small school. And I mean that in a good way because I’ve been an AD at smaller schools and it feels that same way only in a big building. So just knowing that you can go to anyone in the community and they’ll be willing to help. Having that support is unreal.
If you had to live elsewhere than in Johnson County, where would it be?
Probably some place warm and relaxing and some sand with a nice ocean view.
If you could begin life over, what would you change?
I don’t know if I would change anything. Obviously as you’re younger, there’s certain things in life and decisions you want to change and maybe go a different path but every decision you make leads you to where you are today. I’m one of those “everything happens for a reason” kind of people. When one door closes, another one opens, you may just not see it at that time. All in all, I’ve had a pretty good life. I’m very satisfied and proud and humbled at where I am today.
If money were no issue, how would you spend it?
I would probably share it with people that need it more than I do.
What makes you happiest?
Being with my family and enjoying those moments looking back in 20 years that you’re glad you had.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
I don’t really vacation but probably going to see my parents. They live in Northern Indiana.
What do you do with free time?
Play with my kids and enjoy time with my wife.
What is it that makes you angry?
From a professional standpoint, when I see fans acting foolish at athletic events.
What do you do to escape from reality?
I enjoy watching sports, playing catch with my son or dancing with my six-year-old and watching my older kid play and perform.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
It’s hard to pick one because there’s so many great people. If I had to pick one, somebody who’s very dedicated, committed and is “all-in” and works with football is probably Aaron Holt. He’s had five sons come through the program and he’s spent a lot of time and years and has been very supportive of me in my eight years here. He never really complains. He might vent from time to time but he’s always positive and eclipses the big picture. There’s just so many great families.
What is your greatest extravagance?
I’m a pretty simple person. But probably shoes. For the most part I’m a minimalist aside from maybe my footwear.
What are your fears, phobias?
Having a packed house on Friday night and not having officials showing up.
What has been the happiest time of your life?
The birth of my children and marrying my wife.
Which talent would you most like to possess?
Singing or playing an instrument. I would probably play the saxophone or the acoustic guitar.
What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
I grew up in South Bend and was around Notre Dame and it was a big part of my life growing up so coaches like Newt Rockne, Lou Holtz and Ara Parseghian and those types of coaches. As a kid, you learn about and hear about the speeches they gave and you try to live by some of that stuff.
What is your greatest regret?
Not trying different things. I have no musical talents, I’m not very mechanical, but sports were a big part of my life. I wish I had branched out a little bit as a younger person and learned how to change the oil in my car or just handy, everyday things.
