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GREENSBURG, PA - ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ University has named Chris Snyder, of Bethany, West Virginia, as the institution’s first executive director of athletics and head football coach. The appointment is part of the continued expansion of ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ’s program for athletics.

"Much is happening at ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ that makes 2004 an important year for the University," said JoAnne Boyle, University President. "Our enrollment is larger than ever and continuing to increase, we’re moving forward with the construction of a Recreation Complex and a new residence hall, and we’ve recently added two new majors –forensic science and music therapy – to our academic offerings." "As our University grows and expands our athletics program will do so as well, and we’re thrilled that Chris will be on board to help steer us toward new horizons," Boyle continued. "While we look at athletics in the context of student life and academics, we’ve always recognized the positive role that athletics and personal fitness activities play in the development of students. Students who attend ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ for its outstanding academic programs will now be able to take advantage of a full roster of athletics, intramural, and wellness activities."

"ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ is offering me a tremendous opportunity," said Snyder. "The commitment to academics and athletics at ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ is remarkable, and the opportunity to advance as an administrator is exciting." "Starting a football program from scratch is every coach’s dream." Snyder added. "I look forward to working with all of my coaches to recruit ambitious and academically talented students at the local, regional, and national levels to play at ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ."

Snyder most recently held the position of head football coach and assistant professor in physical education at Bethany College in West Virginia. Snyder took the reins after serving for nine years as an assistant for the Bison. He served as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for eight of those years and coached the quarterbacks for one season. Snyder’s career also includes serving as assistant football coach, offensive line, at Marietta College in Ohio and as assistant football coach, offensive line and wide receivers, at Alfred University in New York.

In Snyder’s first year as head coach at Bethany, the Bison finished with a 3-7 record. Despite this finish, Bethany’s offense was ranked number one in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference and the defense was ranked number two in 2002.

A native of Sterling, Virginia, Snyder was a four-year starter on the offensive line for Randolph-Macon College, where he helped bring the team to a conference championship in 1985. He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Randolph-Macon in 1989. Snyder earned his Master’s degree in education from Alfred University in 1991.

For more information about the athletics program at ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ, please contact Marc Marizzaldi, Sports Information Director, at 724-830-1169.

ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ, chartered in 1918, is a coeducational Catholic liberal arts university with more than 30 undergraduate programs and 7 graduate programs, including an MBA. ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ brings the world to its students through its distinguished lecturers and nationally and internationally renowned centers. For more information on ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ please visit www.setonhill.edu or call 1-800-826-6234.