CARROLLTON, GA — Coach "Buddy" Roy Knapp, Jr., a hall of fame coach with more than five decades of teaching and coaching experience, leaves behind a legacy defined by leadership and mentorship to all the players and students he reached.
Coach Knapp passed away Saturday, Jan. 3, at age 81.
Knapp spent a decade at Carrollton High School, coaching basketball, golf, and football from 1977 to 1987. During that time, he became a highly respected figure in the school, known for bringing out the best in every student-athlete who crossed his path.
As head basketball coach from 1977-87, Knapp compiled a 154-95 record and guided the Trojans to region titles in 1979 and 1987. His teams finished as region runner-up in 1981 and 1985 and reached the Elite Eight in 1986. He was named region coach of the year in 1979 and 1986. Under his direction, eight players earned college basketball scholarships and four received all-state honors.
Former Trojan head basketball coach Tim Criswell played for Knapp and said his impact extended far beyond the scoreboard.
“When I think of Coach Knapp, I don't just remember the wins on the basketball court or his black jacket and gold tie sideline coaching attire,” Criswell said. “I remember the influence he had on his players' lives. Whether on or off the court, he had a passionate, unique way to connect with his players on a personal level. Coach Knapp will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. His memory will live deeply in my heart and in the lives of all those he touched.”
Among the many players influenced by Knapp was former CHS basketball standout and NBA player Corey Crowder, who credits Knapp with changing the trajectory of his life.
“Coach Knapp was a father figure to me,” Crowder said. He always told me I had a higher purpose, and I knew if I heard the words ‘I need to see you in my office,’ it was time to get back on track. These are the words that got me to the NBA. It’s because of him I have the life I have.”
Knapp was also successful as the head boys' golf coach from 1978 to 1984. He led the Trojans to two region championships and was named region coach of the year. His teams qualified for the state tournament each season. In 1982, he helped golfer Jett Rich to a top finish at the state and national high school championships.
For many former athletes, Knapp’s lasting legacy was his mentorship. Carrollton Board of Education member Greg Schulenburg says Knapp played a defining role in his high school experience.
“All twelve of my school years were spent at Carrollton City Schools, but like a lot of people, my high school years were the most memorable and impactful,” Schulenburg said. “Coach Knapp was such a big part of it. He was the driving force behind a no-talent kid finding playing time and contributing on the field. He was always so positive and always coaching, no matter where we were, he always had one more thing we needed to talk about.”
The guidance continued from Knapp long after the seasons ended and even carried into adulthood for Schulenburg.
“When football was over, Coach Knapp kept up with me in other sports and pushed me academically—through college choices, that sort of thing,” Schulenburg said. “He would have these ‘check-in sessions’ with me and make sure I was doing the ‘right thing.’ His mentoring continued after high school. I would see him from time to time, and he always had a great perspective and offered sound advice.”
Coach Buddy Knapp’s legacy is measured not only by championships and accolades, but the generations of students he taught, challenged, and supported—an influence that will continue to live on in the lives he shaped at Carrollton High School.
Coach Buddy Knapp spent ten years at Carrollton High School from 1977-1987 and was inducted into the Trojan Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010.
Coach Buddy Knapp is pictured bottom right, along with the other members of the 1980 Carrollton High School football coaching staff.
