Alden Arthur Knipe was an American athlete, collegiate coach, and children's book author whose career spanned the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Born in June 1870, Knipe first established himself in the world of collegiate sports. He played college football at the University of Pennsylvania, laying the groundwork for a prominent career in athletic leadership.
Knipe is highly regarded for his contributions to the athletic program at the University of Iowa. He served as the university's sixth head football coach from 1898 to 1902, compiling an impressive record of 30–11–4. In addition to his football duties, Knipe made history as Iowa's first head baseball coach, leading the baseball program for two seasons from 1900 to 1901 and achieving a strong 25–8 record.
After retiring from his coaching and athletic career, Knipe turned his talents to literature. He became a prolific writer, authoring numerous books specifically written for children. Through this second career, he transitioned from the competitive world of university sports to the creative field of children's storytelling. Knipe passed away on May 22, 1950, leaving behind a diverse legacy as both an educator of sports and a writer for youth.