Nation Ford’s Will Manning talks about the Shrine Bowl Run, track goals and final cross country season.
Name: Will Manning
Hobbies: Disc Golf, Ultimate frisbee
Academic interest: Sports Medicine
Personal bests: 5K: 16:16, 1 mile: 4:41, 800: 1:57, 400: 51.3
What does it mean to be named to the Shrine Bowl Run team and helping the hospital?
It is definitely an honor to both run and to help out the hospital.
What did you hear about the Shrine Bowl Run before this year?
I only knew that a few of the top runners from nearby high schools had been selected to run previous years.
What do you hope to experience on Dec. 20?
I hope to have fun helping out the hospital and running the ball.
How are you preparing to run with a football?
I sleep, eat, run, and go to school with a football.
How would you rate your senior season?
On a scale of one to orange it was a cranberry. I had a good season, but it was definitely bittersweet.
What future goals do you have?
Look for me in the 800 during track season.
Have you made the decision to compete at the next level? Please explain.
Yes, I plan to compete in college, but I am not sure where yet.
How did you get involved with the sport and when?
I have no clue why I started running, but I joined the cross country team in the seventh grade.
Do you have any relation or know someone that has attended the Shriners Hospital?
Nope.
How have you seen the sport change in the state? Please explain.
I think that the sport is growing, maybe not in numbers, but with the new meets like the SCRUNNERS Meet of Champions, the people involved are looking to take the sport to the next level here.
What was your motivation for your final XC season?
I wanted to make state. I went my freshman year while my school was still 3A, but after moving to 4A everything got a lot more competitive and we didn’t make it my sophomore or junior years. Needless to say, I was really happy after individually qualifying this year.
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
I could think about this question for days and still not have an answer. There is to much to do to pick one thing.
