As Wisconsin Lutheran College's first full-time Athletics Director, "Coach" Paul Knueppel played an integral part in the growth of the Warriors' Athletics Department immediately when he arrived in 1987. Knueppel transitioned WLC from a two-year program to a four-year program, and began participation in the Lake Michigan Conference where WLC competed against other four-year colleges for the first time. Under Knueppel's guidance, WLC grew from six varsity sports to 14 varsity sports, adding cheer, dance, and a successful intramural program. He chaired the building committee for the Recreation Complex and helped lead the efforts for the acquisition of the Outdoor Athletic Complex. Knueppel was named the WISAA Man of the Year in 1997-1998 for his outstanding contributions to the state private high school association. He also served as President of the Lake Michigan Conference. Aside from his 11-year appointment as Athletics Director, Knueppel donned several other hats as he coached men's basketball and softball. He spent five seasons (1988-1992) on the sidelines as men's basketball coach, leading the Warriors to their first 20-win season in 1991-1992. As the program's first-ever softball coach, Knueppel coached the team for six seasons (1988-1992, 1998) and served as an assistant for another (1994). He also served as vice president of student affairs from 1989 until he retired in 2005. The WLC women's basketball tip-off tournament was renamed last year in his honor as the Paul F. Knueppel Classic.