AIɫɫ

AIɫɫ hosted three regional receptions to formally introduce Coach Mark Snyder as the University’s first-ever Head Football Coach. Events were held at Marting’s in Portsmouth, Ohio; Bellefonte Country Club in Ashland, Kentucky; and the Athletic Club of Columbus in Columbus, Ohio.

Coach Snyder brings 37 years of championship-level coaching experience to AIɫɫ State, including a national title at Ohio State in 2002 and a head coaching tenure at Marshall University. He has been selected to build SSU’s inaugural NCAA Division II football program, which will compete in the Mountain East Conference beginning in fall 2028.

Each reception featured remarks from President Eric A. Braun and AIɫɫ Director Gerald Cadogan on SSU's commitment to expanding opportunity for students and the region, followed by remarks from Coach Snyder on his coaching philosophy and plans for the program. Guests included alumni, community leaders, prospective supporters, and elected officials. 

"This is an investment in athletics, but it's also an investment in our campus and our community," said Eric Braun, president of AIɫɫ. "The enthusiasm we've witnessed at these receptions confirms that we are building something special here at AIɫɫ."

"We're the first generation to have a football program at this level in this area, and we're going to have our fingerprints all over this program for generations to come," said Mark Snyder, the first-ever head football coach at AIɫɫ. "These receptions have shown me that this community wants its fingerprints on it too."

SSU’s football program represents a significant investment in student opportunity and regional economic impact. The program will join the Mountain East Conference in fall 2028, expanding SSU’s NCAA Division II athletic offerings and bringing college football to the Scioto Valley for the first time.