Photo by Abby Huber
Today, we salute Dennis Manyeah of Penn Wood. He proved to be one of the state's most versatile athletes excelling in both middle distance and the high jump. Manyeah posted personal bests 1:53.52 in the open 800 meters of 6 feet, 8 inches in the high jump. In the high jump, he was third at indoor states and then second at outdoor states in AAA. He was also apart of numerous state medal-winning Penn Wood relays.
Throughout the end of June and through July we we be honoring our graduating seniors. To submit your own questionnaire to be posted on the front page of PennTrackXC, check out this page and email your responses to Dan Beck (daniel.beck@flosports.tv).
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What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race was when I ran 1:53 in a race with college athletes. I've never felt so confident yet nervous in life. That race gave me a rush, one that I never felt before. Even though I didn't win, I proved to myself that I had a lot of improvement in the 800.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
I faced my biggest competition at the 2017 indoor state championship. I went against Kyle Garland and Ali. They are the best high jumpers in the state and to compete at their level was really amazing.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
Winning the high jump at districts this year really stood out to me. This is because every other year I was unable to clear the starting height due to the 4x800. So for me to come off a 4x800 and win the high Jump was really a life changing accomplishment for me.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
I would change the fact that I started the 800 10th grade. And I would do it 9th grade year. But besides that I'm proud of my high school track and field career.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacles was the injuries I faced. It's hard knowing you could have ran and maybe won but because of your injury you can't. Just watching it really sucks. My confidence in the sport really went low. But went I got back I was so anxious to touch the track and work harder than ever before. That pushed me to run 1:53.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss my team the most. I've made a lot of bonds with this guys. We've laughed, ate, talked, and most importantly ran together. We were a family and we'll always be. I love those guys.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Advice I have for younger athletes would be to work hard, push through any downfalls, or pain, and most importantly run your heart out!
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
My coaches have taught me to work hard on and off the track. They took me from this super shy kid to a funny, happy-go-lucky guy. They've taught me never to give up and shock people. And I'm very thankful for them.
What are your post-high school plans?
I will be running and attending school at Eastern Michigan University. I hope to become a doctor and a really fast runner and high jumper.
Shout-Outs?
I'd like to shout out
Lenny Jordan(coach) for working me hard and believing in me
Coach Hunter for helping me work on the little things
Coach Mo who's voice is heard in all my races
My brother Emmanuel Quiah for believing in me
And my Family and friends for supporting me
Wait... God as well because I wouldn't be where I am today without GOD!