Coach Sam Snider has been the face of Gilmer wrestling for well over a decade. The former Bobcat, who won a state wrestling title in 1981, has coached a total of eight state championship teams. The Bobcats have equal Duals and Traditional titles, sweeping both in three different years. Dual State titles, where teams compete in Dual matches with other teams to decide the title, were added in 2001. Traditional titles are decided in the “traditional” manner of adding team points based on individual wrestlers advancement through the state tournament.

Snider attributes his teams’ success to “drilling technique to perfection.” He called his building of budding successful student athletes a “process of confidence.” The humble homer also gave great credit to assistant coach David Henson, as well as the middle school program.

“We have a great middle school feeder program,” he said.

Snider sees no drop off for next year’s team despite losing five senior starters. Nine starter wrestlers will be back as well as slew of others that gained varsity experience throughout the 2010-11 season.

“We should be as strong if not stronger,” he said.

The coach places a high premium on character for his student athletes. He describes academics as, “a huge priority.”

He said, “We expect a high level of moral character.”

Snider has been a teacher at Gilmer High School for 20 years, however, he was not named wrestling coach until 1998. He has also been extremely involved in his student athletes lives, stressing success in the academic field as well as on the mat, even going as far as opening his own home to students in dire straights.

Sam Snider has been a fixture at Gilmer High School for great deal of time, and has a plethora of successful moments, including nine total state championships and over 300 wins.