Wisconsin Football Coaches Association

Jim was born in Janesville, Wisconsin, October 10,1964, to Glen and Marjorie Knudson.  He attended Parkview High School in Orfordville. Jim was a three-year starter on the Parkview football team playing for Rocky Vitale and Tom Scalissi where he earned All-Conference and All-Area honors his senior year. Knudson was also a two-year starter on the Vikings basketball team and a two-year starter on the baseball team earning All-Conference honors his senior year.

Jim attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for a year before transferring to Beloit College where he continued his education and football career. He earned four varsity football letters and started two years, playing for WFCA Hall of Fame Coach, Ed DeGeorge. Jim earned a BA in History and his certification to teach broad field social studies in December of 1987.

In August of 1988, Jim began teaching high school social studies at Cambria-Friesland. In the fall of 1989, Jim began his first of 36 years as an assistant coach for the Hilltopper football team. He would become defensive coordinator the following year. He had the good fortune of joining an incredible staff. The head coach was Jim Bylsma who would be inducted into the WFCA Hall of Fame in 2005. The other assistant coach was Michael Haynes, who would go on to become the head coach at Pardeeville and would be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012. Scott Wotruba, who would be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022 was added to the staff a few years later. Jim was also blessed to be able to coach with other amazing coaches such as Stu Quade, Pedro Zavala, and current Hilltopper head coach Jamie Link among others. In the 36 years that Jim was a part of the coaching staff, he was named District Assistant Coach of the Year four times. During that time, Cambria-Friesland compiled a record of 259-121; they won 16 conference titles and played in 59 playoff games, winning 30. In 1995, the Hilltoppers were the Division 6 state runner up and in 2002, they were Division 7 State Champions. Jim was selected as an assistant coach for the 2020 WFCA All-Star game for the South Small team. The game was, however, canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

During his time at C-F, Jim also coached JV girls basketball for two years, middle school boys basketball for five years, and high school baseball for 32 years, 30 years as head coach, winning two conference titles and two regional titles.

Jim would like to thank his friends and family for their unwavering support throughout his career. His parents were always there during his playing days, and his family and friends supported his coaching endeavors throughout his career. While time spent coaching meant time away from family, his children backed him enthusiastically. Jim stated that the two state championship games were great memories, but being able to coach both of his sons was the highlight of his career.