Spring practice is underway at Kansas State, and its Hall of Fame coach, Bill Snyder, is back on the sidelines. This is extraordinary in and of itself considering Snyder, 77, recently completed treatments for his throat cancer diagnosis. 

It’s been a slow go back for Snyder, who told reporters Tuesday he hasn’t been able to dedicate all the time he normally does to preparing for spring drills. Kansas State’s spring game is on April 22. 

I wish I could spend more time at it, but I guess I can do most of the things I’ve been able to,” Snyder said, speaking for the first time publicly since announcing his diagnosis in mid-February. “You still put in the time. All of it’s not here, though.”

Snyder has completed his treatments and will be reevaluated regularly beginning in “a few months.” 

“I think the hardest part is the after-effects that come with it. That’s what we’re going through right now,” he added.

Snyder plans to coach Kansas State in 2017, a year in which the Wildcats are pegged as a Big 12 title dark horse. Beyond that, it’s not clear what the longtime coach plans to do. 

About the only thing Snyder can’t do is keep up with all the get-well wishes he’s received from others. 

“That’s become quite a chore,” Snyder said. “I’m a little bit behind. It’s just being able to express my appreciation for people who genuinely care.”