[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 19]
[House]
[Page 26011]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE LEADERSHIP OF COACH BILL SNYDER OF KANSAS STATE 
                               UNIVERSITY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I am here this evening to honor a 
legend at Kansas State University, its football program coach Bill 
Snyder. At a press conference earlier today, Coach Snyder announced his 
retirement as the head coach of the Kansas State Wildcats after 17 
seasons. Coach Snyder leaves behind a legacy of success for a football 
program, a school, and a community that is stronger and better because 
of his tremendous leadership.
  Football is a great American tradition, and this tradition is alive 
and well in Manhattan, Kansas. This is Wildcat country, where during 
football season Powercat flags are proudly flown and where Saturdays 
are spent at Wagner Field cheering K-State to victories.
  But times were different when Coach Snyder took over the Kansas State 
football program in 1988. Sports Illustrated had identified K-State as 
the worst college football program in the Nation. Undeterred, Coach 
Snyder took on the challenge, and through hard work and determination 
performed what has been labeled as the ``Miracle in Manhattan.''
  By 1993, K-State had achieved a victory in the Copper Bowl. During 
the next 10 seasons, they would advance to bowl games, including the 
Cotton Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and a memorable defeat over first-ranked 
Oklahoma in 2003 to seize the Big 12 Championship.
  With 135 victories, Coach Snyder is K-State's all-time winningest 
football coach. He is credited with orchestrating what many regard to 
be the biggest turnaround in college football history. As former 
Oklahoma and Dallas Cowboy coach Barry Switzer once said, ``Bill Snyder 
isn't the coach of the year, and he isn't the coach of decade. He's the 
coach of the century.''
  Coach Snyder's successes on the field are matched by his achievements 
off the field. He has taught his players the value of a sound work 
ethic, attention to detail and respect that has helped them succeed 
during the game as well as in the classroom and in their lives.
  Coach Snyder has used his prominence in the hearts of K-State fans to 
promote causes that have strengthened the Manhattan community and our 
entire State of Kansas. No one could deny the pride that has risen 
following K-State University President John Wefald's decision to hire 
Coach Snyder. The school's growing athletic program, flourishing and 
succeeding student body, visionary administration and supportive alumni 
have all contributed to Kansas State University being one of our 
country's premier institutions of higher education.
  On behalf of many grateful Kansans, I thank Coach Snyder for his 
contributions. It will be hard to imagine K-State football without this 
legendary coach, but I wish him and his family the very best.

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