CANTON, Ohio — The Canton McKinley Bulldogs play Massillon Jackson in round two of the OHSAA football playoffs.

The Bulldogs wouldn’t be ready for the Friday night lights without their equipment manager, Troy Snyder.

What You Need To Know

  • Canton McKinley's equipment manager, Troy Snyder, changes the team's atmosphere 

  • Snyder plays for a basketball and football Special Olympics team, coached by one of Canton McKinley's assistant coaches

  • Snyder helps with time keeping for the team and is also their hype man

Snyder is a Canton McKinley alumni, and it’s his first season working for the team.

“It’s been a lot of fun this past season,” Snyder said.

Snyder plays on a football and a basketball team for the Special Olympics. The teams are coached by Shawn Crable, who also coaches for the Bulldogs football team.

“He’s like the best player on both teams,” Crable said.

Snyder helps with time keeping and also is the team’s hype man. Head coach, Antonio Hall, was the one to give Snyder the job.

“No matter how intense things are, no matter how down things may be, he just brings an energy about him, he just lightens the mood and you know all the guys love him, they have a great relationship and we love having him around,” Hall said.

Coach Crable said that Snyder changes the atmosphere on the team.

“His want to be here, we have to model that on our team, right? To be excited about being here every day, right, to be excited about the task that we give you, and Troy embodies that on a day in, day out basis,” Crable said.

Snyder is living out a dream come true working for the Bulldogs.

“I love being a part of it. I’m always a good cheerer and everything. All kinds of different things, hard-working person,” Snyder said.