Don Snyder is considered to be a leader among men, not only in wrestling, but also in his many endeavors. He enjoys the reputation of a man who can blend competence, compassion, sensitivity, and integrity in all that he does.

Beginning his wrestling career as an undergraduate at Springfield College, Don became head coach at Farmingdale High School in 1952. In his first year, he posted an 8-1 record and took 5th place in the Suffolk County Tournament. From 1953-1954 Don continued posting outstanding win-loss records and always finished high in conference standings. This all occurred at a time when Long Island wrestling was dominated by powerful South Shore teams such as Mepham, Valley Stream Central, Baldwin, and Amityville. In 1966, Don was instrumental in creating the North Shore Sectional Tournament. From 1966-1969, his teams dominated the N.S. Sections, finishing first four times and second once.

As the athletic director and an outstanding football and wrestling coach at Farmingdale High School, Don eventually became involved in athletic administration at the county and state levels. Then as wrestling coordinator for Nassau County, Don’s voice of leadership and compromise lent reason and stability to the sport.

Don worked well with those involved with wrestling throughout New York State, which became a tremendous asset for the coaches in Nassau County. While serving as the Section Eight Chairman on the New York State rules committee, he had a great deal of input towards the organization of the New York State wrestling tournament. He also served on the New York State High Schools’ athletic committees including Ethics and Eligibility committees and still continues to attend State Wrestling committee meetings. Farmingdale superintendent of schools, Dr. Frank Soracino writes, “In all my years as an educator, Don Snyder ranks in the top echelon of people who I would have in an instructional capacity with my children.”

Don Snyder is the Fire Commissioner in the town of Wantagh, NY where he served for 40 years and is considered legendary. He is and ordained Deacon and Elder of First Presbyterian Church of Levittown, NY where he has been of service for over 50 years.

Don attends the New York State Wrestling Tournament yearly and is an active member of the Friends of Long Island Wrestling, and the Long Island chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. For the last few years he has been called upon to offer the invocation at its annual Hall of Fame Dinner.

In short, Don has been actively involved in wrestling in from 1948 to the present. He has been a superb role model for many years and is truly worthy of this honor!