Rockne, Knute (Kenneth) (1888–1931)

Norwegian-born US American football coach. ‘Rock’ was known for his preference for speed over brute force, his use of psychology, and his halftime orations. His greatest contribution to football was the extensive use of sophisticated formations and the forward pass. As coach at Notre Dame University 1918–31, he established an unparalleled lifetime record of 105 wins, 12 losses, and five ties – with six national championships and five undefeated, untied seasons.

Born in Voss, Rockne emigrated to the USA with his family in 1893. From 1905 to 1910 he worked as a night clerk to earn money for college. As a student at Notre Dame University 1910–14, he was a star football player, helping Notre Dame beat Army in 1913, and he became the school's head football coach in 1918. His book Coaching, the Way of the Winner was published in 1925, and his memoirs, Autobiography, appeared in 1931.