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