September 10, 1998
After three years as assistant men's golf coach at Texas A&M, John Knauer has been named assistant men's golf coach at the University of Arizona.
"We are certainly going to miss John but we wish him well in Arizona," A&M coach Bob Ellis said. "He did a superb job for us the last three years. John has a great future in college golf and he felt this move would help him in his career goals. Arizona is fortunate to attract a person of his caliber."
Knauer will assist Arizona coach Rick LaRose in all phases of the Wildcats' nationally-ranked men's golf program with an emphasis on recruiting.
"It's really hard to leave College Station and Texas A&M, especially since my wife and I were both raised and went to school here," Knauer said. "But this is a great opportunity for me to advance my career. Arizona is always ranked as one of the top golf programs in the country and I'm excited to have been invited to join their program and be a part of that tradition."
A native of College Station, Knauer graduated from A&M in 1995 with a degree in sports management. He has served as an instructor in the John Jacobs Texas A&M Golf Schools since 1989. In his three years as assistant to Ellis, the Aggies advanced to NCAA Regional play three times, winning the regional title in 1996, and to the NCAA Championships twice, finishing 13th in 1997. He also served as an assistant to A&M women's coach Jeanne Sutherland in 1995-96.
"I can't thank coach Ellis enough for having faith in me and giving me the opportunity to learn from one of the best," Knauer said. "It was a pleasure and an honor to work work for someone with his experience and Hall of Fame status. I also want to thank Jeanne Sutherland for her guidance when I worked with the women's team. I'll miss everyone who makes up the quality team of people in the A&M athletic department."
A four-year golf letterman at A&M Consolidated High School, Knauer helped the Tigers to a third-place finish at the 1990 state tournament, earning first-team all-region and all-district honors. In 1994, he won the club championship at Pebble Creek Country Club.
"I will always keep Aggieland close to my heart," Knauer said. "As they say around here, 'once an Aggie, always an Aggie.' I'll always be proud to be an Aggie."
The 27-year-old Knauer is married to the former Jennifer Robison of College Station.