Question and Answer with Manteo Mitchell - Western Carolina University Graduate Assistant and post collegiate track athlete. 

By David Pickett and Katie Wilson

WNCPrepTrack.com

WNCPrepTrack.com: Congratulations on your initiative to further your education at the graduate level. How are things going so far? What made you continue your education at Western Carolina University?

MM: Thank you David! Things are fairing quite well as of now! As you mentioned, I am currently in the Graduate program at Western pursuing a Masters in Physical Education. With that I’m a Grad Assistant for Dr. Menickelli (Program Director) as well as Coach Danny Williamson with the track and field program. This summer a lot of doors opened for me as far as running goes. I had opportunities to go to different places and train professionally, but as time slipped and after a lot of thinking, I decided to stay at Western and train while getting a degree at the same time. Couldn’t ask for more!

WNCPrepTrack.com: I understand that you are a Graduate Assistant Coach with track and field now? What has it been like working alongside Coach Danny Williamson? 

MM: Yes. I am a Graduate Assistant for him. Right now I work with the sprints group. In the beginning it was quite a transition going from actually doing what he told me to do as an athlete to now being able to apply my own methods with the athletes under his supervision. As far as Danny, what more can you say about him! The man is awesome! He brought me to where I am today and that’s why I stayed with him. His coaching style is incredible and it works. In my opinion, he’s the most overlooked Division I coach in the U.S., but rest and assure, his efforts will surely pay off in the long run. 

WNCPrepTrack.com: In your final season as a Catamount you put up some national caliber times, running 6.76 in the 60, 20.73 in the 200 and 46.0 at 400.  Briefly recap last years season. 

MM: Last year was a season full of ups and downs. I has some pretty amazing performances and I had some performances where I felt that I could have and should have done a lot better.  In the end, I set personal records in four individual events. I was thrilled about that aspect. I think the season went well besides the hamstring injury at Regionals which carried over into Nationals and also sat me out of USA’s! Other than that, I feel that I went out pretty well for my final season.

WNCPrepTrack.com: You had an outstanding colligate career at Western Carolina that was highlighted with 23 Southern Conference Titles, 11 Southern Conference Awards, 4 NCAA East Regional Appearances and 4 NCAA Championship Appearances. To top it off you hold school records in the 200, 400, 4x100 and 4x400. How have you carried your collegiate accolades over to your post-collegiate career?

MM: Thank you for the recognition! The accolades go in one ear and out the other. Most people may not realize that. Because of my success on and off the track, some people believe that I may be cocky because I don’t lose much, but that’s not the case. I had a great career at Western and I didn’t do all alone! I had a great group of guys who seemed to want those titles just as bad as I did! Now, things are different. I don’t have that team to lead to championship titles. I’ve always felt that my better is better than everyone else’s better. I continue to uphold that standard today as I train post-collegiate. I know what it takes to get to the Nike, Adidas, etc. endorsements and sponsorships; I just have to put God first, keep a straight mind and get after it as my coach would say. 

WNCPrepTrack.com: How’s your training going so far? Briefly elaborate on your training regiment? What are you doing different compared to the past? 

MM: My training is going great! I feel stronger and faster compared to last year already! My time trials and practices have been awesome thus far and I thank God daily for that! Currently I’m in the endurance phase of my training. Just trying to get my body ready for pain I’m about to put it through. Danny throws in speed workouts throughout, for example 6x200 at 24-25 with a 45 second rest! He tries to keep my regiment on the low because he knows my body and mind and he knows how I react to certain things mentally. Usually when I don’t know what the practice will consist of ahead of time, I tend to perform better!

WNCPrepTrack.com: What does your schedule look like for indoors and outdoors? When and where will you make your first post-collegiate debut?

MM: Right now I’m still tweaking with my schedule. The track club I ran for this summer (Southwest Sprinters TC) wants me to run at some prestigious events so, I’m waiting to hear word on those before I finalize the schedule. I know for sure that I most likely will NOT run indoor and just focus primarily on my Outdoor events where I am stronger! I feel ready for the indoor season, but I’d rather hold it all in for the 2010 Outdoor season. Taking ‘Usain Bolt approach’ to competition! No indoor; phenomenal outdoor.

WNCPrepTrack.com: What is your favorite sprinting event and why?

MM: Hmm… This is a tough one because competing at Western, I became accustom to a few events that I never knew I could do well in. The 60 & 100 are just too short for me and I don’t get up to full speed in them. I’d say it’s a tie between the 200 & 400! The 200 is just fun and relaxing to me being that I’m a decent 400 runner I suppose. So the 200 never really affects me endurance-wise. I think I’m a 400 fan because of how Danny shaped me into the event. In my first two years, I simply could not stand running it, but now I’m planning on making it my bread and butter! I really enjoy the 4x400 relay though to be honest!

WNCPrepTrack.com: Who has been the most influential person in your athletic career?  

MM: This is a tough one. God has and always will continue to be the most influential person in my life no matter what. So many people have shaped me into being the man that I am both on and off the track. My family, true friends, teammates; but athletically, I’d have to say Coach Williamson. 

WNCPrepTrack.com: What are your plans after graduate school?

MM: If it God’s will, within the next 1-3 years I plan on being a sponsored/endorsed athlete with someone.  Not sure who that is yet; whoever wants me I guess. Depending on how the next season goes is how my decisions will come about! If I need to move then I will do whatever it takes to get to where I want to go!

WNCPrepTrack.com: What advice would you give to an entering college freshman competing in track and field?

MM: I wasn’t always the fastest kid, and I definitely didn’t become fast overnight. It takes time so you must not be impatient. If you want to succeed, do what it takes to get there! Go beyond what is expected of you! All things are possible if you keep God first in your life! Drink Water! Nutrition is key, so stay as healthy as possible! 

WNCPrepTrack.com: Manteo, thank you for your time and best of luck this season.

MM: Thanks for having me. GodSpeed.