BIOGRAPHY:

My name is Steve Manz.  I was born in Cheboygan, Michigan on September 19th, 1981.  Growing up, I was actively involved in sport, playing baseball, football, soccer, and track and field.  Originally, I favored baseball, but it is hard to prove yourself in a team sport.  My track and field experience began in West Branch, MI at Ogemaw Heights High School.  With a new move to a new school for 9th grade, I soon realized that my baseball 'career' would soon end.  After being cut from the baseball team my sophomore year, I decided to try out track and field.  Thanks to very amazing and supportive coaches, familiy, and friends over the years, I have been able to keep this 'career' alive.

In college, at Michigan State University, I set school records in the indoor shot put (19.12m/62'9"), outdoor shot put (19.80m/64'11"), indoor weight throw (17.23m/56'7), and discus (51.84m/170'1").  I was a three time NCAA All-American and multiple All Big Ten.

I have now been competing for four years on the 'professional' level.  I say 'professional', because while I am competing on my own against the world's best, I still can not make a living out of it.  It is the dark side of track and field.  I tried to make it easier with a coaching job at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana.  After two years of coaching, I have realized that I need to have more focus on my training in order to reach my goals.

In 2006, I had a breakout year, managing to break my personal best (indoors and outdoors).  I threw 66'7" (20.29m) which was a PR by over a foot at the time.  Now, I am looking for bigger and better things.

This past year, I trained in Ashland, Ohio with some of the best in the U.S.  This included A.G. Kruger (U.S. hammer #1), Kibwe Johnson (U.S. hammer #2), John Newell (U.S. weight throw #6), and Bryan Vickers (NCAA Div. II shot put champ).  We are coached by four time Olympian in the hammer throw, Jud Logan.  The past year had its low points, but that is to be expected in any new environment.  Many people say it takes two years to adjust so let's hope for a great 2009!  I now live in Tiffin, OH with my beautiful fiancee but will still be commuting to Ashland for training. 

Click HERE for a Newspaper article from 3/18/08.

Click HERE to see a less recent Newspaper article about me.

And another HERE.

HERE is my college biography.