Snyder happy to be home with Rams

By JEFF OLIVER

MVI Sports

Ever since he graduated from Ringgold in 2008, Matt Snyder dreamed about coming back to his alma mater and leading the soccer team as its coach.

After spending the last couple seasons as an assistant at Canon-McMillan, Snyder is finally getting his chance.

“I always wanted to come home and help my alma mater,” said Snyder. “I’ve had my eye there the last few years. I finally got that chance and then this happens.”

“This” is the COVID-19 virus that throttled the end of winter sports, all of spring sports and is still trying to threaten the upcoming fall sports season.

“Because of COVID, we haven’t been able to do much for six months,” Snyder said. “I know the deck is stacked against me, but I embrace it. I feel that great stories come from big challenges.”

Snyder, in his first year as a head coach, wasn’t able to list all of his returning starters from last season’s squad that finished 10-9 overall and reached the WPIAL 3A playoffs because he just doesn’t know yet.

“What I can tell you right now is who I know for sure will be on the field for us,” Snyder said. “Did all those guys start last year? I really don’t know.”

Players who Snyder said will definitely be starting include seniors Brandon Jaki (midfielder), Shane Seiler (midfielder), Brandon O’Connor (defender), Chase Capicotto (defender), Brenden Vaccaro (defender), Jeremy Mullen (keeper) and junior Tyler Davis (midfielder).

Two other players should start for Ringgold – senior Mark Pelligrini and freshman Owen Haywood. Snyder says he is uncertain about their positions as of yet.

“Of those guys, it looks like Jaki has the ability to be a top scorer for us,” Snyder said. He added that Haywood, “has been a real standout thus far.”

Snyder said he has no preconceived notions on what style of game the Rams will play, saying that a lot of that will depend on the skill of the players.

“I’m not one to walk in and just change the entire board,” he said. “I will work with what will make our players more comfortable. Their ability will dictate what style we play and I will be mixing in some of my style as well.

“I think it is important to coach to your players’ strengths. I haven’t been here long enough to determine what our strengths and weaknesses are. But I do know I’m excited and they are excited to finally get things going.”

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