In preparation for its move to full member status as an NCAA Division II school, Seton Hill will be hiring a full-time football coach for the 2008-2009 year. Seton Hill's current Head Football Coach and Executive Athletic Director, Chris Snyder, will remain at Seton Hill as full-time Executive Athletic Director.

"Chris Snyder recruited our first football team and developed that team into the student leaders they are today," said JoAnne Boyle, Seton Hill's president. She added, "At the same time Chris oversaw the opening of our new $7 million recreation center, the establishment of three new playing fields and the construction of a field house. He introduced four new athletic teams, including football, women's and men's track and field, and wrestling, and has led our transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II. We look forward to his continuing visionary leadership."

"As the athletic department continues to grow at Seton Hill and while we continue to move toward active membership in NCAA Division II," said Coach Snyder, "the demands of having the dual role of athletic director and head football coach have become too much for one person to manage. I am very thankful to President Boyle, who left the decision up to me to make, and who has been very supportive in letting me know she’d be comfortable with whichever position I chose to retain. It was not an easy decision to make, but after careful thought, I believe that concentrating all of my energy into the role of athletic director will best benefit the university and me."

"I am very proud of the young men that came here to start a football program three years ago," Snyder continued. "Our team has grown and matured immensely. Those who have watched us play from the beginning can clearly see the marked improvement in our level of play. I feel the football program has a rock solid foundation and it has been built the right way. We have recruited quality student-athletes and young men of character. The team is now positioned to take the next step - which is to compete among the top teams in our new conference. The next coach will inherit many things, including a wealth of talent, a large senior class, and high expectations. I will certainly miss the feel of the hot days of training camp and the excitement of Saturday afternoons. As I enter a new phase of my professional career, I can become what millions of other Americans are, a college football fan."

For more information on Seton Hill football or the Athletics program at Seton Hill, please contact Sports Information Director Jason Greene, at 724-830-1132 or greene@setonhill.edu.