Steve Knipp received the Russ Smith Community Impact Award for his years of service to wrestling.

Steve Knipp coached at Waterloo East High School for 26 seasons from 1979-2004.

Steve coached 30 state place-winners and eight state champions.

In 1983 his squad won the traditional state tournament.

Steve wrestled at Columbus High School in Waterloo, then competed in college at the University of Georgia and the University of Northern Iowa.

Steve is highly regarded official with U.S. Wrestling Officials Association, regularly officiating at the Cadet and Junior Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota and at Kids Nationals in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

He also hosted over 30 USA Wrestling/Iowa Wrestling Federation state, regional, and national events, including the Northern Plains Junior Regional and the Northern Plains Kids/Cadet Regional.

Steve has acted as tournament director for the USA Wrestling Folkstyle Nationals.

USA Wrestling named him Kids Person of the Year in 2002 and National Events Person of the Year in 2007.

Steve and his wife, Barb, have three children and three grandchildren.