Michigan State University Athletics
Bob Knickerbocker Announces Retirement
4/9/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
Bob Knickerbocker presents MSU head coach Mark Dantonio the Paul Bunyan Trophy following the Spartans' 26-20 overtime win against Michigan at Spartan Stadium in 2009.
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Bob Knickerbocker, who has spent 32 years on the Michigan State athletics staff, has announced he will retire from the University, effective June 30. Knickerbocker has served as MSU's head athletic equipment coordinator since 1983.
"I'm extremely excited for Bob as he enters the next phase of his life, but sad for our staff as we will be saying goodbye to a valued member of the Spartan Family," said MSU Athletics Director Mark Hollis. "For 32 years, Bob has led the equipment management team at Michigan State, and is nationally recognized as a leader in athletic equipment and apparel management. He has had great impact in his profession and mentored many equipment staffers, who now populate the field in both the college and professional ranks.
"More significant are the contributions Bob has made to the success of the many student-athletes, coaches and staff he has worked with over the years. A trusted colleague, friend and advisor to many, Bob personifies what it is to be a Spartan."
"We would like to thank Bob Knickerbocker for all that he's done for Michigan State Athletics over the last 32 years," MSU head football coach Mark Dantonio said. "I've had the pleasure of working with Bob for 14 of those years, first in my role as an assistant coach for six years and later as head coach for the past eight years. He's been a mainstay in this football program, playing an especially important role in the program by providing a solid foundation in the locker room on a consistent basis. I have a deep appreciation for what he's done behind-the-scenes for this program. I'm excited that Bob was able to close out his career with a Big Ten Championship as well as Rose Bowl and Cotton Bowl victories over the last two years.
"Although retirement is the next step for Bob, he will remain an active member of this football program. So I look forward to seeing and working with him on many occasions during this transition period. Bob is a true Spartan and we congratulate him on his upcoming retirement."
"I love Michigan State and I'm so thankful for everything this athletic department has given me," Knickerbocker said. "The relationships I've made over the years and just being around everyone in the department have meant so much to me. The opportunities and experiences I've had at Michigan State are something you dream about growing up in a small town. From the people to the bowl games to the championships, it's been an unbelievable experience. But the thing I'll miss the most is being around young people every day and having a chance to make an impact in their lives as they grow from their freshman year to when they're seniors. That's been the most rewarding aspect of this job for me. The best thing is when an ex-athlete or a former manager comes back to say hello and shares pictures of their family. I'll always cherish the memories of being able to work at such an incredible place."
A 1973 graduate of Ithaca College (N.Y.), Knickerbocker earned his master's degree from Syracuse in 1974. He served as a graduate assistant at Syracuse in 1973, and in 1974 became the head equipment manager at Villanova. He returned to Syracuse as equipment manager from 1976 until his appointment with the Spartans, where he has primarily worked with the football program.
Knickerbocker has been a founding member of the Athletic Equipment Managers Association since 1975 and served on the executive board of that organization for eight years. He also was on the editorial board of the College Athletic Management Magazine and served on several advisory boards for athletic manufacturers.
In 1993, Knickerbocker was named District V Equipment Manager of the Year by the Athletic Equipment Managers Association.
Knickerbocker has worked in 21 of Michigan State's 25 bowl games, including two trips to the Rose Bowl (1988, 2014) and eight New Year's Day games overall.
