Aiden McManis signed with Ohio Northern University to run cross country as well as track. Aiden’s decision to attend Ohio Northern came easy to him as he loved the small town feel of campus. He was also extremely impressed with their engineering program that they had to offer him since he intends to major in mechanical engineering.
Aiden is looking forward to seeing a different side of the running community in college. Being able to train harder than ever before excites him and pushes him every day. Still, he is extremely grateful for all of the opportunities he has had here at FHS.
Originally, Aiden was drawn to sports as a young child. He recalls doing church 5k’s to start his running career. Because he quickly fell in love with 5k’s, he continued to run them as he grew up. Aiden has participated in runs at Universal, Cedar Point, the Columbus Zoo, Ohio State: Finish on the 50, and many more.
Growing up, Aiden played baseball, basketball, football and soccer. His favorite memories correlate with the friends and community he was surrounded by. The memories of winning games and getting ice cream afterwards with the team were some of his fondest times.
Aiden continued playing sports through high school. “It is just a love of mine and it also helps me battle my self-inflicted anxiety and helps me relieve stress that I might be having that day.”
“I couldn’t have done it without the consistent support of my mom and dad. They have been through it all with me and they have done so much in the background that I don’t even know. I would like to thank them for everything that they have done and that I love them very much!”
Aiden’s possibilities at college levels are varied. He has run at the state cross country meet for four years in a row. In track, he competes in the 4×800, 1600, 800, 4×400.
“The thing that has inspired me the most is a single quote from Star Wars, ‘Do. Or do not. There is no try.’ So I shouldn’t just go at something halfway, I have to dive deep and get the job done. I have thought of this quote every time I do a workout for running, because it makes me better.”
