Eagle Extra: Kevin Snyder, Men's Basketball

By: Rose Lucidi
Sports Information Intern 
lucidrx10@juniata.edu • juniatasports.net

HUNTINGDON, Pa. – Juniata College men's basketball student-athlete Kevin Snyder (Indiana, Pa. /Indiana) is a hard working and dedicated contributor to his team on and off the court.  In the three years that Snyder has been a part of the team, Juniata has made it to the Landmark Conference Championship twice, qualified for the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) tournament twice, and won the 2013 ECAC South Championship title.  

With high recommendations from his four cousins, who all graduated from Juniata College and participated in athletics while on campus, Snyder had his hopes set on attending Juniata and playing basketball. The small campus atmosphere and the unique math and education program help solidify his decision to attend Juniata. 

"Juniata had everything that I was looking for in a school," said Snyder. "When I came to Juniata it felt like home."

Growing up, Snyder's main focus was always basketball, which he played year-round.  He also participated in other athletic activities such as track and field, as a pole-vaulter, and soccer and baseball in high school.

"My dad was the track and field coach so I was forced into doing that, but I always enjoyed playing basketball way more then any other sport," stated Snyder.

Basketball is not Snyder's only focus. In the fall of this year, he was a student-teacher at Juniata Valley Junior-Senior High School where he educated students from grades eight through 12 in a wide range of math classes, from pre algebra to college level algebra. He enjoyed his experience so much that, even now that he has finished teaching, he tries to go back to Juniata Valley and see his students participate in their athletic events.

"I met a lot of great educators while student teaching," said Snyder. "The teachers, especially my cooperating teacher Jason Anders, passed down a lot of knowledge that will help me in the future. I really enjoyed my time there and will miss it." 

Along with student teaching, Snyder is the current treasurer of the senior class, a pending member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) and works in the post office. NSLS is an organization that helps students discover and achieve their goals through the power of leadership on and off the Juniata campus. As the treasurer, he looks after the funds raised by the senior class, and is active in deciding what the senior class gift will be. He is also involved within student government, helping allocate funds to different clubs on campus.    

Snyder wants to follow in his parent's footsteps and obtain a career in teaching, coaching or athletic administration.

"My mom and dad are both teachers and my dad is a coach and Athletic Director," said Snyder. "Watching how successful and happy my parents are I realized I wanted to do something where I would have the same experience."

With his athletic career coming to a close, Snyder reflects on his experience here at Juniata saying, "It's sad knowing that this is all coming to an end. The six seniors and I have become brothers and it is sad to think that this part of my life is over," said Snyder. "But knowing that we made it through all the two-a-days, long practices and tough loses is gratifying. I will miss it."

Rapid Fire:

Favorite band/artist?
Linkin Park

Favorite shoes?
Jordan's

Favorite item in your dorm room?
Reclining chair

One thing you couldn't go a day without?
Cell phone

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Jason Kid. He was my first ever favorite basketball player and he is a good role model.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
England. They still speak English and it would be nice to travel there and get to see lots of historic stuff like Big Ben.

If you could be any animal (car, vegetable, etc.), what would you be and why?
Lion, because he is the king of the jungle

If you could be an Olympic athlete (in anything other than your sport) what would it be?
Team handball no doubt!

Favorite class at JC?
Sports management and history of mathematics

Favorite place in Huntingdon?
Boxers

Favorite Juniata Tradition?
Pig Roast

Favorite athletic experience at JC?
Winning the ECAC champs

If you could trade places with one JC athlete, who would it be and why?
John Dubensky! For one he is a kicker, and life is great for kickers and punters. And two, if you have ever just seen John he is just a happy fella.


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