Being involved in college athletics is a very special and unique experience. It is even more amazing when a father and son can share it together. 

Jacob Kneifl was a three-year starter for the Wayne High Blue Devils. Kneifl had a stellar baseball career, having several All-State honorable mentions as a freshman, sophomore, and senior.  At the conclusion of his high school career, the young Kneifl decided to sign with the Wildcats’ baseball team. He is gearing up for his third collegiate season this spring. 

Scott Kneifl is the current head volleyball coach at Wayne State College. He has had a decorated and unprecedented coaching career, highlighted by several NCAA Division II Tournament appearances, 16 seasons with 20 wins, and one national semifinal appearance. 

Coach Kneifl spoke on what it means to have his son playing for the same college he coaches for. “It’s nice having someone you care about so much competing on another team at WSC,” he said. “We don’t get to see each other as much as people think, but it is always nice to have him stop by my office and talk.” 

The younger Kneifl has learned a lot and has gained a new perspective watching his dad coach up close. “It is nice to see and fully understand what he does for his job as a coach,” Jacob said. “Being in college now, it is cool to see what he does for a living in a different perspective than I did when I was younger.” 

Both Kneifls have had special moments together and individually. “My fondest memory with my dad has to be cheering on my dad and his players at Rice for the regional tournament last year, that is a memory I will never forget,” Jacob said.  

The elder Kneifl always enjoys watching his son. “Watching Jacob get his first start last year and getting the win versus Winona State tops them all, I am so glad he is living out his dream of playing for WSC,” he said. 

Scott Kneifl currently has the Wildcats Volleyball team sitting as the number one team in the nation in the latest poll. They look to defend their ranking against the sixth ranked St. Cloud State Huskies and the seventh ranked Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs this weekend.  

Coming off of a 25-26 season last year, Jacob Kneifl and the Wildcat baseball team look to improve this upcoming season.