Donald J. Knauf was born February 15, 1935, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Don started wrestling as an undergrad at Ursinus College, graduating in 1957 with a BA in Economics.  After graduation, he taught history and provided guidance services at Williston Academy in Easthampton, Massachusetts.  After ten years at Williston Academy, his strong desire to teach and coach wrestling led him to relocate to New Haven, Connecticut, and accept a position at Southern Connecticut State University as Director of Student Teaching.  Don initiated the varsity wrestling program at the university.  He received his Master of Arts degree at SCSU and continued to grow the wrestling program.  He had a strong desire for excellence both on and off the mat for his students, encouraging and helping them to excel in academics as well as wrestling. 

Throughout his teaching and coaching career, he was active in the Connecticut National Guard located in Hartford, Connecticut, and continued serving his country for 34 years, retiring as Brigadier General (Ret.) in 1991.   Don still does and always had a strong commitment to his country.  He carried this commitment to the mat.  At one time, fourteen of his wrestlers were enlisted in the Connecticut National Guard.                                                                                                         

Don retired and relocated from Meriden, Connecticut, to Hobe Sound, Florida, in 1994; however, he never retired from coaching.  He was a volunteer coach at Martin Country High School for 25 years.  He has had the honor of coaching MCHS wrestlers in many Florida State Championships.  Don continued working at the high school level but never forgetting the kids.  He has coached at the Abington, Pennsylvania, Kids Club, Hartford YMCA, and Skowhegan, Maine, Kids Club.  His commitment to kids continues.                                                                                

Knauf is happily married to Judy and has two grown children and six grandchildren.  He and Judy reside in Hobe Sound, Florida.