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Following a national search, the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Gaels are excited to announce that Steve Snyder will be the next head coach of the university's prestigious football program.

Snyder will be just the fifth coach to lead the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ football program in the last 70 years, following in the footsteps of Frank Tindall (1939, 1948-1975), Doug Hargreaves (1976-1994), Bob Howes (1995-1999), and Pat Sheahan (2000-2018).

For the past two seasons Snyder has been the offensive coordinator for the Western Mustangs, helping the team achieve remarkable results, including two Yates Cup victories, back-to-back Vanier Cup appearances, and the 2017 Vanier Cup title.

"We are thrilled to welcome Steve to the Gaels family, and look forward to the energy, passion, and commitment to excellence that he will bring to our football team," says Leslie Dal Cin, Executive Director, Athletics & Recreation. "Steve has a profound interest in and respect for our football history as well as a strong, compelling vision for the future of our team. We look forward to seeing him bring that vision to life in the coming months."

In his five seasons as an offensive coordinator, first with the St. Francis Xavier X-Men and then the Mustangs, Snyder boasts a 43-12 record with 35 consecutive wins against conference opponents, a 23-game win streak spanning the last two seasons, leading the number one-ranked offence in U Sports in 2017 and 2018, four consecutive conference championships, Uteck and Mitchell Bowl victories, and the 2017 Vanier Cup title.

"I am honoured to be named the head football coach at ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥; this is a very special opportunity for my family and me. This football program has an incredible tradition of excellence –  when we think of football in this country, we think of programs like ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥. The passion and commitment to football here at ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ is second to none," Snyder says. "We have amazing leadership at ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and a tremendous coaching staff in place, and we are looking forward to recruiting the top student-athletes in the country and presenting them with the opportunity to play for one of the greatest programs in the history of our nation."

An excellent football tactician in all three phases of the game, Snyder figured prominently in recruitment, quarterback coaching and offensive skill development at Western. He has also coached at the high school, OVFL, provincial, and national levels and coached professionally in Germany. 

"As the captain, I am excited to welcome Coach Snyder to ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ on behalf of the entire Gaels football team," says running back Marquis Richards. "He brings impressive experience and knowledge to our team, and we are looking forward to getting to work in the new year."

The Gaels are also pleased to announce the promotion of Defensive Coordinator Ryan Bechmanis to the role of assistant head coach and defensive coordinator. Snyder and Bechmanis, along with Special Teams Coach Ben D'Andrea, Recruiting Coordinator Shomari Williams, and a soon to be added new offensive coordinator, will form a highly-skilled, talented, passionate, and results-driven coaching staff to kick off the team's 2019 season.

Snyder will meet with the student-athletes, coaches and personnel when he arrives on campus the week of Jan. 7, and the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ community looks forward to welcoming him.

"As a proud football alumnus and the chair of the Red Banner society, the Gaels' football alumni committee, I am pleased to welcome Coach Snyder to the Gaels family," says Bob McFarlane (Comm'83). "We are excited to welcome Steve and look forward to supporting him and the entire coaching staff in the next phase of our storied football program."

Snyder will be introduced to season ticket holders and the Kingston media at a special Quarterback Club lunch early in the new year.

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