William Joseph Knecht (March 10, 1930 – December 17, 1992) was an American competition rower.

In 1946, he joined the Vesper Boat Club and won multiple national titles with them.

[3] He also took part in the double sculls event at the 1960 Olympics, paired with John B. Kelly Jr., but failed to reach the final[2] due to a sudden illness.

[5] By the time of 1964 Olympics Knecht had six children and ran a sheet metal business.

The annual Knecht Cup Regatta is hosted by the Villanova University in his honor.