NUIC Notebook: New Stockton Football Coach; WNBA Draft

By Al Zipsie

Jesse Snyder is the new head football coach of the Stockton Blackhawks.

For Snyder he is coming home back to the NUIC. The 31-year-old Snyder had been the Princeton football coach for the past five years. He played at Lena-Winslow in 2003 for Illinois Coaching Hall of Famer Ric Arand.

Lena-Winslow plays in the opposite conference of Stockton in the NUIC. They could meet in the 1A State playoffs.

"We are very excited to welcome Jesse Snyder to Stockton High School as the next PE Teacher/Head Football Coach/Athletic Director," said Stockton Principle/Athletic Director Casey Downey. "A number of excellent candidates applied for the open position. It was a tough decision but Jesse's enthusiasm about all aspects of the job shined through."

Snyder took over a lean program and suffered through winless seasons the first two years. In 2015 Snyder, led Princeton to a 11-1 record making it to the quarterfinals in 3A. Last year they finished 5-4, just missing the playoffs.

Stockton has made the playoffs the last six straight years. Last year, the Blackhawks finished the regular season undefeated at 9-0, but we're upset in the opening round of the playoffs.

Stockton has a tradition rich football history. They lead the NUIC football powerhouse conference with six appearances in the State title game.

"Jesse's high energy and his dedication is contagious, and we know he will bring great things to the classroom and the football field," added Downey. "Jesse is ready to hit the ground running, and we can't wait for him to join our team of teachers and coaches here at Stockton."

Former NUIC basketball standout Sophie Brunner from Freeport Aquin hopes to play in the WNBA.

Brunner, was not chosen in the WNBA draft. But, was signed by the Phoenix Mercury to their training camp. She played her college basketball in the same state for Arizona State.