On Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, Central Bucks West senior Joe Manetta was recognized for committing to continue his track career at the University of Rhode Island. To view photos of the event, please visit the Photo Gallery.
Joe Manetta – University of Rhode Island (Track & Field)
Major: Environmental Science
Final list of colleges: URI, Lehigh, Stockton
Reasons for choosing URI: “The team just felt like a family. They were incredibly nice. The campus and the general feel of everybody on campus was just very welcoming, very accepting. They also have a very good environmental science program.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in track at the collegiate level? “The middle of my junior year when I started winning more and really performing well and qualifying for states, I realized I could do it at the college level.”
Coach Greg Wetzel says: “He’s spectacular. He has improved a lot to be in the position he’s in to now be running Division One. I have no doubt whatsoever that he’ll be successful at that level. He’s the kind of kid that will work backward from whatever must be done and figure out a way to do it.
“There’s nothing he lacks in talent, but he will make up for anything he lacks in ability with heart and soul and anything he can scrap together. He’s a great student of the sport. He also has a 4.17 GPA, which is not surprising at all. Knowing him as an athlete, it’s the same way that he approaches his sport. He’ll be phenomenal, and he’s someone who is willing to be a hurdler if they need a hurdler, be a jumper if they need a jumper, be a sprinter. He’s told me that he’s willing to run the 800 meters, which is normally about the last thing every sprinter will volunteer for. He’s like the heart and soul kind of guy.”
About Joe:
Favorite food: Chicken Pesto
Favorite movie: Forrest Gump
Favorite music: Grateful Dead
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