Knute Rockne was born in Norway in 1888 and came to America as a young boy. He learned football on the streets of his Logan Square neighborhood in Chicago and saved every penny he earned in order to attend Notre Dame University. It was there in 1913 that Rockne single-handedly changed the way football was played. Facing the tough West Point squad, Rockne led his team in a relentless drive featuring long forward passes. This new technique handcuffed the Army team and Notre Dame won 35-13. Rockne's exploits won him the All-American honors in 1913 and he graduated the following spring with a degree in pharmacy.

Rockne played pro ball through 1917 and then retired to take the job he would be forever known for - coach of the Fighting Irish. In his thirteen years at his alma mater, Rockne turned the university's football program into a financially successful victory machine. Due to his continued success on the football field, by the mid 1920’s, Rockne created a stand-alone football “coaching school” held at campus across the nation. He partnered with Wisconsin basketball coach Doc Meanwell to create the Rockne-Meanwell Coaching School.

Offered here is one of those certificates that would have been given out to a successful participant and signed by both Rockne and Meanwell. The certificate reads “ROCKNE – MEANWELL SCHOOL FOR COACHES” and continues “This certifies that Mr. (BLANK) attended courses of 110 hours in the Theory and Practice of Football and Basketball and passed examinations therein. Notre Dame University, Summer Session of 1925.” Rockne signed his name in blue pen above the “COACH OF FOOTBALL” printing and Meanwell signed his name above the “COACH OF BASKETBALL” print. This certificate is in excellent condition, displaying only minor toning due to age and some edge wear. A wonderful artifact from the man who revolutionized football. This item comes with a LOA from Steve Grad of Beckett Authentication (A25525) and has been graded a MINT 9.

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