‘Miracle in Manhattan'

Everyone and every aspect surrounding the Kansas State program in Manhattan, Kansas, told Bill Snyder he shouldn't accept the head coaching job in 1989. Student enrollment was declining at the university, the Wildcats had lost 27 consecutive games and had earned the dubious distinction as "Futility U." 

Snyder accepted anyways and succeeded. Entering his 23rd season, Snyder has earned a 178-90-1 record, two Big 12 Conference championships and 15 bowl game appearances. During his coaching tenure, the university, town and football program have blossomed, undergoing an economic and academic revitalization possible because of Snyder's ongoing efforts toward improvement. They call it the "Miracle in Manhattan." 

“I think he outworked everybody,” said Dave Dreiling, a 1989 K-State graduate who is a local Manhattan business owner. “I’ve told him that I think 80 or 90 percent of his philosophy also applies to business. One of the things I learned from him is it’s not where you start from, it’s your rate of improvement every day compared to your competition.”

Complete story from Topeka Capital-Journal