Friday, December 4, 1998
The University Daily Kansan
Section B·Page 3
Steadfast Snyder whips Kansas State into shape
The Associated Press
MANHATTAN — It was the end of a long and hectic national signing day in college football, and B哨 Snyder had just announced all of Kansas State's pew recruits.
Someone approached to congratulate him on Ross Snyder's signing with a nearby junior college.
"Who did he sign with?" asked the father regarding his son.
That's how dedicated Bill Snyder is to his job.
That's the laser-like intensity he brings to what Kansas State fans soundly call the
greatest turnaround in the history of college football, and what others call "the Miracle in Manhattan."
That's the dogged, narrowly focused, shut-out-the-rest-of-the-world attention to detail that in just 10 years has brought the program with the most losses in major college history to the brink of a national championship.
Former Oklahoma coach Barry Switzer has called Snyder the coach of the century for what he's accomplished.
To no one's surprise, an Associated Press media panel could do no less than make him a runaway winner for Big 12 coach of the year.
"All of us would be proud and honored that there's that type of award bestowed on our football team." Snyder said. "Everybody here works hard, not just the head coach — players, coaches and our staff."
As dedicated as Snyder is to Kansas State's football program, it would be a huge mistake to conclude that this complex man who grew up fatherless is not a good father himself. A few years ago when his daughter was involved in a terrible car accident, Snyder threw himself into helping her through a painful period of physical rehabilitation. Sean Snyder, an All-America punter for the Wildcats in 1992,
And Ross, after a redshirt season at Butler County Community College, is now a backup running back at Kansas State who says his greatest thrill was watching his dad beat Syracuse in last year's Fiesta Bowl.
His players say he makes them better as people, too.
"Coach Snyder cares for us as more than just football players," said running back Marlon Charles. "He wants us to learn things that will help us be successful in life long after we're through playing football."
During the sorry state of the moribund program Snyder took charge of in 1989, nothing less than total dedication would have worked.
The Wildcats, the first major college program with 500 losses, have had two winning seasons and three NCAA probations since 1954.
But they'll take a perfect 11-0 record into the Big 12 championship game against Texas A&M tomorrow, looking for a victory they hope will vault them into the national championship game in the Fiesta Bowl.
Snyder: Is The Associated Press Big 12 coach of the year
In the 1990s, Kansas State is 76-27-1 after closing out the '80s with a 1-36-1 record.
In nearly 10 full seasons, Snyder has won 76 games at Kansas State. To get 77 Kansas State wins prior to that, you have to add up all the Wildcats' victories from 1959 to 1988.
Needless to say, Snyder hears often from coaches trying to resurrect losing programs.
His answer is always the same.
"There's no magic to it," he said. "Whatever degree of success we've had has come from basic things — hard work, intrinsic values and a lot of great, great people I've been fortunate enough to be around here. There's nothing magical about things if you've got good people."
Northwestern football players face lying charge
CHICAGO - Four former Northwestern football players have been indicted for lying to grand juries investigating sports betting at the school, officials said yesterday.
The Associated Press
Dennis Lundy, Christopher Gamble, Michael Senters and Gregory Gill are all charged with perjury in the second betting scandal to hit the Big Ten school.
"These four defendants fumbled their opportunity to participate in intercollegiate athletics and to maintain the integrity of athletic competition." U.S. attorney Scott Lassar said.
The charges all involved testimony the four gave before grand juries in 1955 and 1997.
Lundy was accused of lying when he said he did not fumble on purpose on a goal-line rush during a 1994 game against Iowa. Lundy also lied when he denied placing bets both for and against Northwestern in several games during the 1993 and 1994 seasons, prosecutors contended.
Gamble, Senters and Gill all were also accused of lying about betting on Northwestern games in 1993 and 1994.
Midway through the third quarter of the Iowa game, Northwestern was inside the 1-yard line with a chance to cut into Iowa's 35-13 lead when Lundy fumbled a handoff from quarterback Steve Schnur.
Teammate Rodney Ray knew Lundy had a gambling habit and complained openly that Lundy fumbled intentionally. A coach overheard Ray's accusation and launched an internal investigation. The findings were given to federal authorities who began investigating possible point-shaving by Northwestern players.
Alan Cubbage, Northwestern's vice president for university relations, called the indictments deeply troubling.
"Ilegal gambling is something that is not tolerated at Northwestern, and the university will continue to take all necessary precautions to prevent its occurrence on our campus," Cubbage said.
Red Lyon Tavern
944 Mass.832-8228
Kansas Union Ballroom December 7,1998 7:00 pm
Come join us for the annual KJHK Holiday Auction
Some of last year's items included: airline tickets, musical instruments, gift certificates, KU memorabilia and so much more.
All proceeds go to KJHK
Cash, Check, Visa and Mastercard accepted
At Arizona Trading Co. we buy, sell, and trade quality men's and women's clothing every day. We give you 40% of our selling price in cash or 60% in store credit. Our inventory is constantly changing
60% in store credit. Our inventory so stop by one of our three stores and see what we have for you.
Columbia M0.18 so. 8th St., 573-489-0420
Lawrence KS. 734 Massachusetts, 785-749-2377
Kansas City MO. 208 Westport Rd., 818-980-0200
Watkins Health Center Winter Break Hours:
**Effective December 18-January 12**
Monday-Saturday 8:00-4:30
Sunday 12:30-4:30
CLOSED: December 25-27 & January 1-3
Have a Great Holiday Season!
To Make an Appointment Call:
864-9507
LOOK HERE
KU Buses & Safe Ride will run on STOP DAY
Last day for bus service is December 17
(No night buses on Dec.17)
Last day for Safe Ride is December 16
Have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!