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I'm Brandon Snyder's dad. Last winter and spring when our son started talking about wanting a fresh start it was SDSU where he felt he was being called. When he completed his last summer class and graduated in late July he asked for a release form the Univ. of Iowa. What we didn’t know was how much interest did SDSU have in a kid who had 2 ACL tears and a young man trying to find himself again off the field. On the way to our visit after Iowa announced his release my phone was buzzing. FBS and FCS schools that wanted to know his availability He wanted a place that he could get well physically, mentally, and spiritually and compete for a national title. Our visit w/ Coach Stig, Rogers, Bergstrom, and Jackson could not have gone better. We heard the words “forgiveness” and “live in the moment” repeatedly by the staff. We didn’t get 10 miles out of Brookings when Brandon wanted to call back and accept their offer. He had one happy mom and dad! However he put his little brother in a tough predicament. I’ll never forget the conversation he had with little brother. It didn’t take long for Jaden to agree that Brookings was the place for him as well.
My worst fear was that the D1 transfer wouldn’t be accepted. After a couple weeks of watching an open practice and having the safety group, Rozy, and Wallace come up to my wife & I and introduce themselves, my fears were over. Early on we had the disappointment of the Iowa State game. He had bursa rupture and quad contusion on his bad leg during the 1st half of the NDSU game that lingered for several weeks. About mid season you could see his improvement in his health and confidence. Getting literally knocked out at Kennesaw and hurting his knee early in both 3rd quarters was hard for him not to be able to compete w/ his team and help follow through with his promise to Coach Stig that he would help get this team to Frisco. No one wanted a trip to Frisco more than him. We’d love to “do over” that last 3 minutes of the half in that semi final game when it was 7-7 and our ball at mid-field. But just like in life their isn’t “do over’s.” Unfortunately Brandon suffered an ACL tear on his good knee Saturday night. As parents we hurt for him, and we don’t understand the “why”. He’s been through so much! Five knee surgeries and 3 torn ACL’s in less than 18 months is hard for him or us to understand the “why”. We know God has a plan and we trust in Him as hard as it is. He’s blessed us with so many great memories. We will miss the energy, toughness, and passion that Brandon has played with. Dad would love to see him apply for a 6th year, but we shall see what God's plan is for him.We know that he is in a great place mentally and spiritually. We ask for your prayers and encouragement as Brandon goes through another surgery, grueling rehab, and life without football. He has not given up on his goal to play on Sundays, but life has certainly given him another tougher hill to climb. I won't bet against him if he chooses that route. Thank you and we look forward to the next 4 years as Jackrabbit parents!
My worst fear was that the D1 transfer wouldn’t be accepted. After a couple weeks of watching an open practice and having the safety group, Rozy, and Wallace come up to my wife & I and introduce themselves, my fears were over. Early on we had the disappointment of the Iowa State game. He had bursa rupture and quad contusion on his bad leg during the 1st half of the NDSU game that lingered for several weeks. About mid season you could see his improvement in his health and confidence. Getting literally knocked out at Kennesaw and hurting his knee early in both 3rd quarters was hard for him not to be able to compete w/ his team and help follow through with his promise to Coach Stig that he would help get this team to Frisco. No one wanted a trip to Frisco more than him. We’d love to “do over” that last 3 minutes of the half in that semi final game when it was 7-7 and our ball at mid-field. But just like in life their isn’t “do over’s.” Unfortunately Brandon suffered an ACL tear on his good knee Saturday night. As parents we hurt for him, and we don’t understand the “why”. He’s been through so much! Five knee surgeries and 3 torn ACL’s in less than 18 months is hard for him or us to understand the “why”. We know God has a plan and we trust in Him as hard as it is. He’s blessed us with so many great memories. We will miss the energy, toughness, and passion that Brandon has played with. Dad would love to see him apply for a 6th year, but we shall see what God's plan is for him.We know that he is in a great place mentally and spiritually. We ask for your prayers and encouragement as Brandon goes through another surgery, grueling rehab, and life without football. He has not given up on his goal to play on Sundays, but life has certainly given him another tougher hill to climb. I won't bet against him if he chooses that route. Thank you and we look forward to the next 4 years as Jackrabbit parents!
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