LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. — The path to success is neither easy nor simple.
To surpass every obstacle Lincoln University alumnus and former Sports Information Director Rob Knox has had, it took hard work, keeping a positive outlook, while making the most out of every experience and opportunity.
Knox, a 1996 graduate of Lincoln University, took a path to the top that was certainly unexpected. In just a short amount of time, that path led him from collegiate athletics to ESPN. But for him, it all started at Lincoln.
“Without working at Lincoln, I wouldn't be where I am today,” Knox said. The university helped me grow from a little boy to a man.”
While as a student at Lincoln, Knox was heavily involved in covering the athletic programs, announcing many of the school's basketball games. To this day, Rob misses his undergrad years at Lincoln.
“I wish I could go back,” Knox said.
The journey all began while attending Lincoln as he was recruited and worked at the Delaware County Daily Times. It was here where his writing skills in story telling developed into a unique style. Many of the assignments that he was asked to do fell in unfamiliar territory. Being frequently asked to cover soccer games, a sport in which he knew little about. Yet, Knox learned two vital things, which he always carries in life endeavors.
“Never be afraid to ask questions and stay observant in all situations,” Knox said. “I didn't know much about soccer and what little I did know was from the Women's World Cup, which was being played in 1998. I would have to cover the games and knew little about what offsides was. I would constantly ask the coaches or players about things, which helped me learn about the game.”
After a five-year stay in the newspaper business, Knox returned to his alma mater as the first ever Sports Information Director. While at Lincoln, he received the Raising the Bar Award in 2008 and also two feature pieces appear on ESPN.
But after five years at Lincoln, Knox moved on to Kutztown University in Kutztown, Pa., in 2009. For Knox, the transition from one school to another was going to be a bit difficult as Kutztown featured three sports he had not previously covered – swimming, lacrosse and wrestling.
Nevertheless, he would learn each program fast and would build strong relationships in the process. With the help of two dedicated and outstanding sports information interns, Britney Reddick and Bryan Salvadore, Knox would continue to make the Sports Information Department at Kutztown one of the best in Division II.
Knox, who was at Kutztown for two years, received many accolades in just a short period by being named the 2011 College Division Rising Star by COSIDA, honored with a proclamation by the city of Chester (Pa.) in 2011 and named to the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Atlantic Regional Advisory Committee in 2010.
During the summer at the annual COSIDA meetings, Knox had just received the Rising Star award and after the banquet, he was approached by an ESPN recruiter.
“I was headed back to my room to resume the rest of the day,” Knox said. “I was stopped by the recruiter and asked what I thought about working at ESPN.”
Knox explained the interview process to work at ESPN was very difficult and challenging. While going through the process, Knox continued his day-to-day duties at Kutztown and knowing there was a possibility that he may be leaving to achieve the ultimate success of working at ESPN.
Knox, who has had six student-athletes featured in Sports Illustrated between Lincoln and Kutztown, received the news and quickly informed those that he would be leaving Kutztown, Pa., to work in Bristol, Conn.
As a tribute, one of the Kutztown cross country runners painted on his back – ESPN 11 Rob Knox.
“I could have not gotten to this stage without patience and perseverance.” Knox said. “I enjoyed the journey and more importantly all the relationships that were built and sustained throughout the years. I want to give thanks to my wife for her selfless sacrificing and understanding. Always do your best because you never know who is looking at you.”
