Several residents, representing 850 petitioners, told Greenville school directors Monday they should honor longtime varsity football coach Edward Snyder by attaching his name to the football stadium.

"He deserves much more than a plaque," said Mike Isacco of Donation Road, Hempfield Township. "He deserves and has earned more permanent recognition."

Isacco and some others in the community think the school board's policy of not naming buildings or properties after people or organizations is wrong.

Board President Brian Scott said, "We've had many exceptional people in the past, and will have many exceptional people in the future who contributed to the school."

The board adopted the policy April 22. Instead of naming buildings after notable coaches and teachers, the board suggested public ceremonies on school grounds, plaques or memorials instead.

Three other former Greenville coaches asked the board to reconsider the policy. Alva Baker, when speaking to the board, presented a petition signed by 850 people.

"The voters do not agree with this policy," Baker, former school board member, said.

Former assistant football coach Gary Hull said Snyder's contributions to the football program were numerous and long-lasting.

"The things he did 40, 50, 60 years ago are still ongoing today," Hull said. He mentioned that many of the defensive strategies and quarterback calls Snyder devised are still being used and built on today.

"How many can say that with the job we do, people 40 or 50 years from now will try to emulate?" he said.

"Snyder was the father of Greenville football," Hull said.

Scott thanked the dozen men who came to support the petitions for their input, but did not comment on the policy or the request.

Snyder was a Greenville teacher and football coach until 1969.