X-Men football head coach Gary Waterman has announced that Offensive Coordinator Steve Snyder will be moving on from the X-Men program to explore a new coaching opportunity with Western University in the New Year.
Coach Waterman commented, "I would like to personally thank Steve for his commitment, passion and loyalty to the program and all things StFX. He is a fantastic young coach and it has been an absolute pleasure to watch him mature into the dynamic leader he is today. His positive contribution during his time here at StFX has been impactful."
Snyder coached for the past three seasons with the two-time defending AUS champion X-Men. An alumnus and former X-Men quarterback, the coaching move was a difficult one for him as he possesses a deep passion for his alma mater, but the move provides him with the unique opportunity to coach in his hometown of London, Ont. and to be close to his family.
Coach Waterman says, "We wish Steve well in his new role and know that he will have continued success."
Snyder, upon reflecting on his time at StFX said, "I would like to thank Director of Athletics & Recreation Leo MacPherson and head football coach Gary Waterman for giving me an opportunity to return to my alma mater and be a part of something special. They believed in me and supported me and I am grateful for that."
"The coaching staff that Coach Waterman has been able to assemble is fantastic and I am proud to have been a member of it, learning so much daily from the wealth of knowledge and experience that the staff brought forward. The alumni and community support we received during my time at X was very special, and I want to make sure the people of Antigonish and our alumni from across the world know that we appreciate everything they do for X-Men football."
He continues to compliment the X-Men student-athletes he coached while at StFX, referring to them as "incredible young men" who put in an amazing amount of work. "I appreciate everything they have given, and continue to give to the program, they pour their hearts into it and I have the upmost respect and admiration for this group."
He is looking forward to the opportunity to be closer to his family by returning home and continuing to grow as both a person and a coach.
Snyder coached an X-Men offense that featured the AUS most valuable player in quarterback Tivon Cook, the AUS lineman of the year and three-time All-Canadian Vernon Sainvil and the AUS leading rusher Jordan Socholotiuk. The StFX offense was fifth overall this past season in the country in both points per game (37.4) and passing yards per game (323.6), along with being eighth overall in total yards per game (484.5) and 13th in rushing yards (160.9).
During his time as a player at StFX, Snyder was recognized as the team's most dedicated player, most valuable player, team captain and an AUS all-star. Upon graduation he played professionally overseas in Germany and also began his coaching career as the offensive coordinator for the Osnabruck Tigers from 2010-2011. He returned to Canada to join the London Mustangs of the OVFL, then in the fall of 2012, accepted a position as special teams and recruiting coordinator at the University of Windsor. Coach Snyder also went on the serve as the interim head coach for the 2013 division champion Essex Ravens of the OVFL. In 2015 he served as the offensive coordinator for U18 Team Canada and he is the head coach for the U18 Nova Scotia Canada Cup team.