Team History
2006 marked the 42nd season of the varsity football competition for Snider High School. During the 42 seasons the Panthers have compiled a 355-105-3 win-loss record for a 77% winning percentage, with only two losing seasons in this period. The Panthers have posted eleven undefeated regular seasons, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2004, and 2005.
The Panthers have won thirteen Summit Athletic Conference Championships (1981, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2005), one North Division SAC title (1976), and prior to the formation of the SAC, one City Series Championship in 1966. In addition, Snider advanced to the IHSAA post season playoffs three times before the open tournament began. Snider was State Runner-Up in Class 3A in 1981, State Runner-Up in class 5A in 1986, 2002, and 2004, and State Champion in 5A in 1992. The overall post season record for the Panthers is 68 wins and 23 losses, for a 75% playoff winning percentage.
Snider's first football season was led by Don Bruick. This team competed at Junior Varsity level in 1964.
Snider has been led by four head coaches during the past 42 years. Bill Griffith was the initial varsity coach, heading the program from 1965 through 1970. Coach Griffith compiled a 34-16-3 record in his six years with the Panthers, including a City Series Championship.
Gary Patterson was Snider’s head coach from 1971 through 1975. Coach Patterson’s record during those years was 25-20-0.
From 1976 through 1990, Mike Hawley served as the head coach. He compiled an overall record of 124-41-0, including for SAC Championships, four Sectional, four Regional, two Semi-State, and two State Runner-Up titles.
Russ Isaacs became the Panther’s fourth head coach in 1991. He has directed the Panthers to a 172-28 record. Under Coach Isaacs’ direction, the Panthers have win nine SAC titles, eleven Sectional titles, seven Regional titles, three Semi-state titles and one 5A State Championship.
