This is part of a continuing series of articles spotlighting former Butler County area athletes and what they are doing now.

BUTLER TWP — Before Ethan Morton, there was Nate Snodgrass.

The 2012 Butler graduate and former Golden Tornado point guard averaged 21 points and 5.7 assists per game in leading Butler to the WPIAL boys basketball semifinals.

He scored a career-high 42 points — including the 1,000th of his career — in a win over North Allegheny during the Golden Tornado's playoff push.

He hit Matt Baranchak in stride with a pass for the game-winning lay-up in overtime to defeat Seneca Valley to get Butler into the playoffs.

He found Luke Hartung for a game-winning trey in an upset win over No. 2 seed Chartiers Valley in the playoffs.

He sank the game-tying bucket at the buzzer, then the game-winning shot in overtime against North Allegheny to get Butler into the WPIAL semifinals.

“Those memories are still very important to me,” Snodgrass said. “They come back strong every time I walk into the Butler gym to watch a basketball game now.

“It's been a while now, but I still remember the packed stands and the community support. I don't want to ever forget that.”

Snodgrass wound up shooting 91 percent from the free throw line his senior season. At the time he graduated, his 1,132 career points ranked fourth in Butler history.

Now 26, Snodgrass went on to play basketball at Pitt-Johnstown, earning degrees in accounting and business management. He then attended the University of Pittsburgh and received his masters in accounting.

Since March, Snodgrass has been employed as an accountant in the corporate offices of Dick's Sporting Goods in Coraopolis.

“I'm part of the technology team with Dick's,” Snodgrass said. “We make sure the business agreements work out for the company.

“I see myself staying in the accounting world. I can see myself staying with Dick's. At times, when I'm at my job, it doesn't feel like work.”

He graduated No. 1 in the 2012 class at Butler, sporting a 4.51 grade point average.

Snodgrass is still playing basketball — along with numerous other sports.

“Dick's has 2,000 corporate employees,” Snodgrass said. “The company has a health club system. It has (company) leagues in many sports and I do as many as I can.”

He plays in his the company's basketball league, of course. But Snodgrass has also played tennis, racquetball, even goalkeeper in soccer.

“I hadn't played soccer in years, but it was fun,” he said. “Playing any sport is fun.

“We play over our lunch hour or after work. It's a great way to stay healthy and active. I love it.”

He also plays in the Butler YMCA basketball league.

Snodgrass said Butler boys basketball coach Matt Clement has been “very influential in my life.”

He was Clement's point guard during the latter's first three years as Golden Tornado coach.

“We talk every week. He's always there for support,” Snodgrass said of Clement.

And Snodgrass continues to be there to support the current Butler basketball team.

“They're bringing almost everybody back and should have a great year after coming so close (to the WPIAL title) last year,” Snodgrass said. “I get to a few regular season games and all of the playoff games.

“I want to be part of the community support for this team, the way the community got behind the teams when I played. When Butler basketball wins, it's great for the whole town.”