Hunter Manning '22 Recruiting Profile

     As a child, I was never the most athletic, tallest, strongest, fastest, etc. I did not possess natural athletic ability.   Therefore, I was typically not a starter for most of the sports I participated in middle school.   Eventually, I realized I would have to outwork my peers in order to strive; this is exactly what I did. I became successful in sports and academics due to sheer effort and grit.   I am dedicated to rigorous daily workouts even during off season,  healthy eating, and extra practices as needed to improve my technique.  As a junior, I matured physically and that paired with my dedication proved to be a winning combination as I became a Georgia State Champion in the 145 lb class.  In my final year, I  will compete in the 160lb weight class and am fully prepared to earn my second Georgia State Championship.

     Living in rural Georgia, athletes face many challenges such as lack of resources and additional training opportunities.  To remain competitive, I have traveled to Storm Wrestling in Perry ( 1.5 hours one way) or to Dublin (50 minutes one way) 2-3 times a week for over 6 years.   Similarly, as a pole vaulter, I also face the same challenges and travel 1.5 hours (one way)  just to be coached in this sport at least 3 times a week. The local school system does not employ a pole vaulting coach and  just purchased the equipment necessary to facilitate on-site practices.   In both sports, however, I remain diligent with my routine and focused on the end result.

     Despite the significant time I spend just traveling to improve my wrestling career, I have maintained high academics throughout high school while juggling honors, AP, and college classes.  On Fridays, you will find me at the football games cheering the team on as a member of the Bleacher Creatures.  Currently, I  am  3rd in my class of 200 and the top male academically in the class of 2022.   I received one of the nominations for the Georgia Governor's Honor Program last year, an honor that is given to just two students each year.  Recently, I was nominated by the school's counselor for the Heisman High School Scholarship for my class.