Ames, Knowlton L. ("Snake")
Football
b. 1868
d. Dec. 23, 1931
In an era of mass plays and bone-breaking football, Ames was a fast, shifty runner, the first of the type. As a senior in 1889, he had runs of 89 and 65 yards in Princeton's 41-15 victory over Harvard. He was named to the first All-American team after that season.
Known as "Snake" because of his slithering runs, he was also an excellent kicker. He is sometimes credited with inventing the spiral punt.
Ames was co-coach of Purdue with "Sport" Donnelly in 1891 and 1892. Purdue won all 12 of its games during those two seasons.