May 1, 2009

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Stony Brook University's Department of Athletics is mourning the loss of Bob Snider, the founder and head coach of the Stony Brook squash team from 1966-94. He was inducted into the Rita & Kurt Eppenstein Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000 for his long-time contributions to Stony Brook athletics. Snider died this week in Pennsylvania.

An assistant professor of physical education at Stony Brook, Snider founded the squash program in 1966. After founding the program he stayed on as its only coach, guiding the team for 29 years. During his tenure he amassed over 300 wins and led Stony Brook to a top-20 national ranking in 20 different seasons, climbing to as high as No. 6 in the nation in 1978-79. Snider's program produced four All-Americans, including Stu Goldstein '74, a member of the first class inducted into the Rita & Kurt Eppenstein Athletics Hall of Fame in 1991.

"It is always difficult when we lose one of our own," said Director of Athletics Jim Fiore. "Bob Snider did a wonderful job as the founder and coach of the squash team. He was a great mentor for his student-athletes as well as a great representative of Stony Brook. We are honored to have him enshrined in our Hall of Fame."

"I was very sorry to hear the news that Coach Snider had passed away," said Goldstein. "He was a great coach and mentor for both me and my teammates. He will be missed."

A memorial service for Snider will be held at a future date.