By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

Rootstown High School football head coach Chris Knopick announced his resignation on Monday.

CHRIS KNOPICK

Knopick spent three years as the Rovers’ coach and posted a record of 21-12.

After taking over the program in 2021, Knopick’s Rovers posted a 5-6 record. In 2022, the Rovers were 7-4 and Knopick led the team to a 9-2 mark this past season.

Rootstown advanced to the playoffs in all three seasons under Knopick.

Knopick’s head-coaching career at Rootstown spanned three seasons, but his career has stretched over 18 years.

Prior to being a head coach, he was an assistant coach at Kent Roosevelt and Twinsburg.

“It was a difficult decision that I made with the best interests of both my family and our men at Rootstown at heart,” Knopick said. “In this profession, there is often a crossroads we reach between being present as a father and striving to be the best coach you can be. While I hold my position at Rootstown as one of the most important things I’ll do in my life, it will always come second to being a dad.

“I am extremely proud of what our men accomplished in the years I have been back on the sidelines,” he added. “Thrilling victories, records broken, playoff appearances, but all of these come second to the relationships forged and lessons learned along the way. I consider myself fortunate to have coached such an incredible group of young men.

“I am grateful for the support of so many these last three years. Thank you to the community and our administration for trusting me to lead our young men. Thank you to my assistant, junior high and youth coaches for all you do for kids. Lastly, thank you to our men for being willing to reach for greatness. You’ve given me memories I will cherish forever.”

Rootstown athletic director Keith Waesch was complimentary of Knopick and his tenure as the Rovers’ coach.

“Coach Knopick did an excellent job leading our football program both on and off the field,” Waesch said. “His teams were very successful from a win-loss standpoint, but he also went the extra mile to build relationships and teach life lessons along the way. In today’s day and age, guiding and molding young men to be successful after football often takes a backseat to the importance of winning. We were fortunate to have a coach that gave 110 percent to his players in all areas.”