Thomas Student

Thomas Student was the first honorary captain of the Knappen. He held the position from 1916. He led Schalke to the Ruhr District League and to two Ruhr District Championships. His greatest achievement, however, was shielding the two Ballmann brothers from poaching attempts by the competition. Both were born in Germany and spent their childhood and youth in England. From there, they brought the Scottish short passing game with them. The game of the Schalker Kreisel was later based on this. When the Glückauf Stadium was completed in 1928, Student handed over the armband to Ernst Kuzorra. He and Fritz Szepan grew into leading players under Student.