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What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Salute to Seniors series feature on North Stafford jumper Manasseh Bowles. Bowles had a strong close to his final season of high school track as he grabbed his first All-State honors with a 7th place finish in the Group AAA State Championships at Todd Stadium with his triple jump mark of 45'0.25 after failing to qualify for the indoor state championships. Bowles head to Liberty University in the coming year after achieving personal best marks of 21'6" in the long jump and 45'5" in the triple jump following a Commonwealth District title and Northwest Region runner-up showing in the triple jump this past May.
Interview with North Stafford jumper Manasseh Bowles
What was your most memorable race?
My most memorable meet was the 2011 Outdoor Commonwealth District Championships in Triple Jump. I was a Sophomore and had a very shaky start to the season on top of a back injury that I was fighting throughout that season. When going into districts, I was seeded near the bottom and I was extremely nervous. At the end of the day I ended up placing 7th jumping 37-10ft. and I missed going to Regionals by less than a foot. That was an indicator to me that I had a future in Triple Jump, on account that was my first year doing it.
Who would you consider your greatest competition over your four years?
My greatest competition over my four years would have to be Andre Bernhard from Mountain View and my own teammate Darin Council. I've competed with these guys since I was a sophomore and been in a lot of meets with them. They both are very powerful and talented athletes and always brought something to the table when it came time for competition.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest Accomplishment was this year actually. My Greatest Accomplishment was winning the Commonwealth District for Triple Jump for both Indoor and Outdoor. This is my greatest accomplishment because looking back at Sophomore and even Junior year, no one not even myself would have saw me winning the District. I've have had other accomplishments over the past four years, but this one stuck out the most to me.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I wish I would've taken track more seriously my freshman and sophomore year. I'd probably would have achieved more and accomplished more if I did.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacles I faced were injuries and adversity. Injuries because I can't remember the last time I competed while 100%. I always had a foot injury, knee problems, or other nagging pains and injuries that impaired my jumping. Somehow though, I was able to emerge as a good Jumper and a decent runner. Adversity because I was doubted by many and overlooked by more when it came to jumping and running. Which gave me more of a reason to work hard.
What will you miss most?
My team of course. I'll also miss some of the coaches. They're all like family to me. But most of all, believe it or not, I'll probably miss practice the most out of everything. It builds character, discipline, and it's a good way to make friends with your teammates.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Work Hard and Stay Humble. I guarantee you, hard work will always pay off in the end! The harder you work the closer you will be of achieving your goal. Take it from me, a guy who couldn't even Long jump 15ft. or Triple Jump 34 ft. and who now jumps 21ft. and 45 ft. Anything and I mean ANYTHING is Possible if you work.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coaches played a significant influence on my life. They helped me look at the big picture and to think realistically, also to have fun with track. They helped me realized that Track can be fun depending how you look at it. Coach Booth also taught me to stay calm and relaxed in addition I hardly ever fouled on my jumps when he helped me on my jumping run-throughs.
What are your college plans?
Attend Liberty University this Fall where I'll be majoring in Business marketing and potentially walk-on to their Track program.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
God, because without him none of my success would be possible. My Family, some of my teammates, and my coaches for supporting me. (Including my AAU Coaches) I'd really like to thank my sister Shalonda For supporting me since day 1. Without her I wouldn't even be half the jumper I am today. Her knowledge and experience from jumping at Brooke Point made it a lot easier for me to believe when she gave me jumping advice.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I love Long Jump and I love Triple Jump but I love Triple Jump more and I go by 2 quotes when I train for sports.
1) "SUCCESS ISN'T GIVEN. It's earned! On the track, on the field, in the Gym. With Blood, sweat, and the occasional tear."
2) "What doesn't kill you...... Usually succeeds in the 2nd attempt."