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Male Athlete of the Week: Manley wrestling at very high level

Name: Cole Manley

School: Altoona

Age: 18

Grade: Senior

Sport: Wrestling

Athlete of the week achievement: Manley helped Altoona win the Ultimate Warrior Tournament at West Branch by claiming the 132-pound title with a fall in the finals. He was named Outstanding Wrestler in the 28-team tourney. He also had a fall in a match with DuBois earlier in the week.

Season update: Manley is 12-0 after recovering from shoulder surgery with seven pins, two technical falls, two major decisions and one forfeit win.

Coach Joel Gilbert’s quote: “Cole wrestled two state qualifiers this past weekend, and he had three pins. He is wrestling at a very high level right now, and he looks like he has not missed a beat. He looks good in all his positions.”

Favorite teacher: Mrs. Tippett-Wertz

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite movie: “The Dark Knight”

Favorite food: Chicken wings

Favorite song: “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty

Outside interests: Hanging out with family and friends and playing video games

Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Penguins

Favorite college team: Virginia Tech

Pro athlete most admired: Olli Maatta

Best athlete I ever competed against: Bethlehem Catholic’s Luke Karam

Most influential person on my athletic career: My parents, the Strittmatters, Coach Gilbert and Coach Simington

Proudest athletic achievement: Signing a Division I scholarship with Virginia Tech

How I got my start in wrestling: “My dad brought home a paper in kindergarten; I tried it, and I liked it a lot.”

Future goal: To finish my high school career with a state title, then be an All-American in wrestling in college and get a degree

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