Ty Snider is all about the Ridgefield family, being a full-on Spudder in his second season with the program
RIDGEFIELD — When Ty Snider’s former school decided to cut football, Snider had his own decision to make.
“It was definitely a tough one, but I’m grateful, and I’m happy with the decision I made,” Snider said. “No regrets.”
Snider is preparing for his second season with his new team. The Ridgefield Spudders are thrilled with his decision, too.
“He’s the type of kid who wants to help grow our tradition, and he’s only been here a year-and-a-half,” Ridgefield coach Scott Rice said. “He’s just a phenomenal kid. The guys love him. He’s very personable, very humble, but a big-time player.”
Snider was a standout at King’s Way Christian, a private, Class 1A program in Vancouver. But prior to Snider’s junior year, the Knights shut down their football program temporarily.
Snider, who lives in Ridgefield with his family, not only opted to play football for his home boundary school, he also enrolled as a student at Ridgefield.
“I had buddies at Ridgefield, so I knew I wouldn’t be the odd man out,” Snider said.
“I was a little scared, like anyone else would be to see how it goes, but from the minute I stepped in the doors, I felt like I was part of the team,” Snider said. “It was as smooth as it could get.”
Snider appreciates his time with King’s Way Christian, but …
“I’m a full Spudder,” he said.
Snider and Connor Delamarter are two Spudders who were former Knights. A third former Knight, Bailey Meek, played for the Spudders in the spring before graduating.
This year, all of the Spudders are hoping to carry over the momentum from a strong spring season and into a full fall campaign.
The Spudders went 4-1 and lost by a touchdown to league champion Hockinson. Snider, meanwhile, in his first season in the 2A Greater St. Helens League, was voted first-team, all-league as a wide receiver.
“That first year was great. It was super exciting even to have a season. I was grateful for that,” Snider said. “That season was a building step for the program. It was great to be part of that.”
To get even better required a commitment from team leaders to the offseason regimen.
“He comes to everything,” Rice said of Snider.
“I think it’s important to be one of those guys who is dependable,” Snider said. “I tried to show up for everything. I tried to reschedule vacations. I’m just that type of guy who hates to miss stuff.
“I’m kind of a quiet leader. If you need a ride, I’m going to give you a ride. I’m going to be there. I’m always going to be there if you need someone to talk to.”
That dedication, Snider hopes, will show itself on the field, as well.
“The ultimate goal is a league title, and then a state title,” Snider said. “We’re young at some key positions, but we’ve got talent.”
Going into his second football season with the Spudders, Snider also is looking forward to having more fans at the games, looking forward to celebrating with the community. Ridgefield is a family, he said.
“That’s just going to be amazing. I can’t wait for the first game,” Snider said. “It’s going to be crazy on Friday night.”
This full Ridgefield Spudder wants the full Ridgefield Spudder experience.
