Ohio State family mourns loss of former SID Steve Snapp

Dept. of Athletics mourns the loss of Steve Snapp; Vietnam vet spent 38 yrs promoting Buckeyes http://t.co/eibZxd26Om pic.twitter.com/PT37un001W

— Ohio State Buckeyes ? (@OhioStAthletics) May 21, 2015

Steve Snapp, a member of the Ohio State Department of Athletics from July of 1973 through July of 2011 died Thursday. He was 69.

During his career, Snapp worked more than 30 bowl games, traveled to two men's Final Fours with the Buckeyes and helped promote countless individual award candidates, including four Heisman Trophy winners. Additionally, he initiated the jersey retirement system to recognize former Ohio State athletes. Snapp won several national awards for his media guides and feature writing efforts.

Snapp graduated from The Ohio State University in 1973 with a B.A. in journalism. As a senior, he worked as a student assistant in the sports information office and was a former sports editor of the Lantern, the Ohio State student newspaper. Snapp began his career with the Ohio State Athletics Department in 1973 as an assistant sports information director.

In 1978, he was named associate sports information director, a position he held until 1987 when he became just the fourth sports information director in Ohio State history. In 1998, Snapp was named director of external programs. He returned to the media relations field in 2000 as director of Ohio State Athletics Communications. In 2003, he was named associate director of athletics for communications.

He most recently served as associate athletics director for broadcasting and senior advisor to the director of athletics.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

OhioStateBuckeyes.com: Read quotes about Snapp.

My thoughts and prayers are with former @OhioStAthletics SID Steve Snapp who has passed away and his family. Very sorry for your loss.

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) May 22, 2015

Took this picture of Steve Snapp and Michigan's longtime sports info director @brmadej last year at UM-OSU game pic.twitter.com/asLzUM8hMA

— angelique (@chengelis) May 21, 2015

Steve Snapp a Buckeye through and through, a patriot and a dear friend. You made a difference in lots of people's lives. RIP.

— mark rudner (@PapaRudy10) May 21, 2015

We lost a good guy and a good friend today, longtime Ohio State SID Steve Snapp. Rest in Peace, my friend. pic.twitter.com/3AsFMROHRQ

— Jerry Emig (@BuckeyeNotes) May 21, 2015

Thank you to Steve Snapp for helping a new SID during #PennState's early Big Ten years and his mentoring of many in athletic communications

— Jeff Nelson (@jeffnelson24) May 21, 2015

Rip to a great man in Ohio States very own Steve (snapper) Snapp

— Beanie Wells (@BeanieWells26) May 21, 2015

Very sad to hear about the passing of longtime Ohio St SID Steve Snapp. A true professional who did the school proud. RIP.

— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) May 21, 2015

IU Athletics sends its condolences to Ohio State on the passing of legendary SID and administrator Steve Snapp.

— Indiana Hoosiers (@IUHoosiers) May 21, 2015

Devastated at the news of Steve Snapp's passing. Had the privilege of working for him. Easily the toughest human being I've ever met.

— Rob Kunz (@RobKunz_) May 21, 2015

Saddened to hear of the passing of longtime OSU staffer Steve Snapp this morning. Saavy PR liaison who goes all the way back to Woody.

— Clay Hall (@claywsyx6) May 21, 2015