ISSUED: 28 June 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — The Shepherd University Foundation announces the creation of a scholarship in support of members of the Shepherd baseball team. The Richard L. “Dick” Knode Scholarship for Baseball was established and endowed by the family of Shepherd alumnus Richard “Dick” Knode, who graduated in 1961.
Born and raised in Hagerstown, Maryland, Knode was a member of the football and baseball teams during his time at Shepherd. Knode went on to enjoy a 34-year career with Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland, where he served as a physical education teacher, athletic director, and coach. Knode received several recognitions throughout his life and career, including being named MSADA District 3 Athletic Director of the Year. He was also inducted into the Washington County and MSADA Halls of Fame.
Knode spent the last 25 years of his career coaching track and football at Friendly High School, where he was the second football coach in the school’s history. Friendly High School’s Crawford-Knode Stadium is named for Knode and his predecessor.
Knode and wife, Mary Jane Knode, were married for 53 years prior to his death in 2019. The couple shares three daughters and seven grandchildren.
Knode had a big heart and was an avid supporter of his family, friends, and former athletes. He was also actively involved in Maryland and Prince George’s County Coaches Association and remained a devoted follower of Shepherd University athletics. An overall sports enthusiast, he enjoyed playing golf as well as watching the Washington Football Team and the Baltimore Orioles play.
To learn more about creating a named fund through the Shepherd University Foundation or how to qualify for membership in the Joseph P. McMurran Society, contact Monica Lingenfelter, executive vice president, Shepherd University Foundation, P.O. Box 5000, Shepherdstown, WV, 25443-5000, 304-876-5397, or Sherri Janelle, executive director of development, 304-876-5043, or visit the Foundation website.
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