Val Schneider

Valkmar Erich "Val" Schneider (January 25, 1944 – October 23, 2025) was a Canadian football player, coach and administrator.

Early life and playing career Schneider was born in Germany and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. He attended Victoria Composite High School before enrolling at the University of Alberta. He received a Bachelor of Physical Education degree in 1966 and a Master of Arts degree in physical education in 1969.

He played five seasons for the Alberta Golden Bears football team between 1963 and 1968, missing the 1966 season while teaching. He played fullback, linebacker and punter, and was a four-time Western Intercollegiate Football League (WIFL) all-star. He was co-captain from 1965 through 1968.

Alberta won four consecutive WIFL championships during Schneider's time with the team and reached the national final in 1965. In 1967, the Golden Bears defeated McMaster 10–9 in the Vanier Cup, winning the university's first national championship. Schneider was named the game's most valuable player and received the Ted Morris Memorial Trophy. During his time with the Huskies, he received the program's Coach of the Year award in 1974–75 and 1975–76.

Schneider later returned to the Huskies as an assistant football coach. He was on the coaching staff of teams that reached the Vanier Cup in 1989 and 1994 and won the championship in 1990 and 1996.

From 1980 to 1991, Schneider was athletic director at the University of Saskatchewan and at the same time served as assistant dean of its College of Physical Education, later the College of Kinesiology. He also helped establish and coordinate the Huskie Athletic Endowment Fund.

Personal life and death Schneider was married to Gloria and had three children. His son Brent Schneider played quarterback for the Saskatchewan Huskies and was the Vanier Cup most valuable player in 1994 and 1996.

Schneider died in Edmonton on October 23, 2025, at the age of 81.