Senior defensive back Andy Snyder of Berrien Springs, Mich. (Berrien Springs HS) has been selected to play for the American Football Coaches Association's Division III all-star team that will represent the United States against the Mexican National Team in the 2004 Aztec Bowl.

Senior defensive back Andy Snyder of Berrien Springs, Mich. (Berrien Springs HS) has been selected to play for the American Football Coaches Association's Division III all-star team that will represent the United States against the Mexican National Team in the 2004 Aztec Bowl.

A four-letterman and two-time All-MIAA honoree, Snyder this past season led the Flying Dutchmen in tackles (95). He intercepted six passes, blocked two punts, returning one for a touchdown, and ran back two kickoffs for touchdowns, one a school-record 90 yards.

He is one of 42 NCAA Division III seniors from around the country who will make up this year's team. Hope alumnus and former Central College head coach Ron Schipper will coach the team for the eighth consecutive year.

The game will be played Saturday, Dec. 11 in Cancun, Mexico. The Aztec Bowl is the traditional season-ending game for Mexico's college football season. The game has been played 33 times since 1947 with the last seven contests featuring the United States-Mexico match-up. The United States is 6-1 in the series. Mexico's lone victory came in last year's game, which was also played in Cancun.

Snyder becomes the fifth Hope player invited to play in the Aztec Bowl. Others were 1997 Brandon Graham (running back), 1997; Todd Tester (defensive back), 1999; J.D. Graves (quarterback), 2000; and Brian Adloff (wide receiver, 2001.

-30-