Steve Snapp

The Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Steve Snapp, a longtime Ohio State athletics spokesman and sports information director, has died. He was 69.

The university confirmed his death on Thursday. Snapp had been ill a long time, battling cancer and suffering a stroke several years ago.

Snapp, who was a Marine during the Vietnam War, served Ohio State from July 1973 through July 2011.

He represented Ohio State at more than 30 bowl games, traveled to two men's Final Fours with the Buckeyes and helped promote four Heisman Trophy winners. Additionally, he initiated the jersey retirement system to recognize former Ohio State athletes.

A 1973 graduate of Ohio State with a degree in journalism, he became assistant sports information director later that year. He served in several posts, most often as a spokesman for the athletic program, for the rest of his career.

Snapp is survived by his wife, Elaine, six children and four grandchildren.