When it comes to service, commitment, and quiet but powerful leadership, few families have left a more indelible mark on the Columbus Chapter of the National Football Foundation (NFF) than the Schneiders.

For more than six decades, the Schneider name has been synonymous with the chapter's mission of recognizing and supporting high school football scholar-athletes in central Ohio. The story began with Wib Schneider—an original board member and a former Ohio State football player—who helped establish the chapter and took on the critical role of overseeing the high school scholar-athlete selection process. He served faithfully for 25 years.

But Wib's legacy didn't end with his retirement. It was seamlessly picked up by his son, Steve Schneider, who has now served on the board for 39 years and counting. Steve has not only continued the family tradition but has elevated it, leading the scholar-athlete selection process with the same passion and precision that his father once brought to the role.

"Steve is extraordinarily proud to have taken over for his dad," said Jeff Logan, an All-Big Ten running back from 1974–78, and a former president and current board member of the Columbus Chapter. "And he's done it with such humility and consistency. His leadership has helped shape the foundation of who we are."

Steve, a former teacher and high school coach, found purpose and joy in honoring student-athletes. "I've always been a high school sports fan," he said. "It's been incredibly rewarding to help recognize these young people and provide them with support for their future."

Through Steve's quiet example, he has become a mentor to many on the board. Logan himself, who joined the chapter in 1985, counts Steve as one of his early role models. "Steve was someone I looked up to when I joined the board as a young man out of college. He showed me what it really means to serve—with integrity and heart."

Despite the years, Steve remains as dedicated as ever. While he now splits his time between Ohio and Florida, his presence on the board hasn't wavered. In fact, he's focused on grooming the next generation of chapter leaders, helping younger board members step into meaningful roles.

"Steve's not the kind of guy who hangs onto a title," Logan noted. "He puts in the work. That example has made a huge impact on the culture of our board."

That legacy was formally recognized this year when the chapter renamed its top scholar-athlete award the Romanoff-Schneider Family Award of Excellence, adding the Schneider family name alongside longtime board member Larry Romanoff's. "They surprised me," Steve admitted, still humbled by the gesture. "It was a real honor and totally unexpected."

For Steve, though, it's never been about recognition. It's been about doing the right thing and continuing the work his father started. "I remember attending banquets with my dad back in the 70s," he recalled. "It's been a part of my life for as long as I can remember."

As the Columbus Chapter continues to thrive—awarding over $1 million in scholarships to local student-athletes over the years—the foundation built by the Schneiders remains as sturdy as ever.

"I think football's going to be around here for a good while," Steve said with a smile. "And as long as it is, there will be a place for what we do."

Thanks to the Schneider family, that place is one where service, scholarship, and tradition go hand in hand.