Photo: Steven Pasiano
Name: Manie Mevo
School: Quince Orchard
What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment? Why is that?
My last outdoor states meet was very memorable because I had a huge realization that all the work I've done with my high school team and coaches for the past 4 years will come to an end. I put everything on the runaway, leading into pr's in both triple jump (40'4.75) and long jump (18'7.25) and becoming back-to-back long state champion, and triple jump state champion after being placed 2nd my junior year. I felt the energy of the crowd, and I had to most fun.
Was there a certain moment or breakthrough race/meet when you realized you would be able to compete at a high level?
That breakthrough moment happened after a series of losses in my freshman year and wanting to be the best. I would say around the middle of my freshman outdoor season is when I took training more seriously and devoted a lot of my time studying myself as a jumper/sprinter. After that, I started setting huge pr's, evolved making triple jump my staple event, and ending off my first year of doing Track and Field at States.
What are some bumps in the road that you've encountered when it comes to training for different events during the season?
In my journey, I noticed that a lot of the people around me weren't as devoted to track as I was. There were a couple that were, but it made training very lonesome, especially when Covid hit and quarantine was in action. I would say even now, the loneliness of training gets to me sometimes because then my thoughts are very loud. "Am I working hard enough" or "You need to be better" or "you're not good enough" - these thoughts hit sometimes and it's tough to keep going. I've learned to maneuver around my anxious thoughts, and I've realized it's all part of the game. I definitely built resilience and more confidence because of things I've been through alone.
If you are writing a letter to your younger freshman self, what advice might you give them?
I would advise younger Manie to not let people's perceptions of you define you. I would let them know that they're doing just fine and to turn to God for everything.
If you had to pick: Track and Field or Cross Country, and why? (If you only run Track, then don't worry about explaining why).
Track and Field obviouslyyyy!
What are your post-high school or college plans? If Running in college, explain why you picked that school.
I committed to Towson University on an athletic scholarship for the next 4 years. I chose Towson because it is close to home and I felt wanted and accepted. The staff expressed to me their interest and plans, and it was clear that both parties (the staff and I) were eager to be successful in the future.
What is your favorite pre-race snack, tradition, etc.?
I love me a perfectly ripe banana and a cliff bar before any meet.
Who would you like to say "thank you" to?
I would like to first give all the glory to God. Next, I would like to thank my parents for sacrificing work to drive me to different states for track meets and for putting my name out there. My loved ones and friends produce such a genuine support system, and they always encourage me to be the best version of me, so thank y'all . And of course, to my coaches and the QO staff, for guiding me in the last 4 years and cheering me on.