Friday, July 9, 2010

ESG blurb: Manny Emanuel

Poughkeepsie Journal intern Dave Aderson caught up with bowling coach Manny Emanuel for an upcoming story, and filed the following report for our ESG blog...

Manny Emanuel retired six years ago from his position as bowling coach and biology teacher at Roy C. Ketcham High School. He’s now going into his 18th season as coach of the Hudson Valley Scholastic bowling team. Manny, 61, started teaching 10th-grade biology after graduating from SUNY New Paltz. He has 36 years of teaching under his belt. There are some aspects of being a teacher that are similar to being a coach.

“It’s trying to reach out and understand,” Manny explained.

It’s Manny’s caring nature that enables him to be a good coach. Manny realized that having fun should be just as important for his team as winning. That’s partly why Manny’s bowlers have had success in the past. In 3 out of the last 5 seasons, the New York State Bowling Proprietors Association voted Manny’s bowling team with having the best overall performance in competition.

Manny doesn’t try and push his team to be something they’re not. While constructive criticism and instruction are needed sometimes, Manny sees some things not worth changing. In the past, Manny has been coach to many unique athletes including a bowler who bowls with both hands. As unorthodox as it sounds, Manny didn’t push his bowler to change his ways. Instead, he encouraged the athlete to play how he felt comfortable.

“We try and make it fun for everyone,” Manny said. “I enjoy being a coach.”

Look for Dave's full story on Manny in an upcoming edition of the Journal.

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