Much like the ending experienced on the final day of many of his college event weekends, former Western Carolina track & field standout Manteo Mitchell again found his way to a familiar spot at Icahn Stadium in New York City over the weekend (July 10 – 12)–the podium.
Running with the Southwest Sprinters Track Club out of Texas, Mitchell finished third in the 200-meter and fourth in the 400-meter dash as an individual, while running on the winning 4×400-meter relay squad and the runner-up Sprint Medley relay team at the 2009 USA Track and Field National Club Championships.
He also ran in the 4×100-meter, but did not finish the race as the squad fouled a hand-off exchange.
The Southwest Sprinters Track Club includes 400-meter specialists Darold Williamson and Reggie Whitherspoon, as well as hurdler Jerome Miller, all whom competed collegiately at Big XII-member, Baylor University.
Through both text and E-mail correspondences over the weekend, Mitchell expressed his appreciation for all of the support from family, friends and Catamount faithful alike. He also mentioned that after his weekend performances, the Southwest Sprinters’ coaches had expressed an interest in having him join their squad and relocating to Texas.
“The Southwest Sprinters Track Club really showed an interest in just three short days of me running with them,” wrote Mitchell on Sunday in an E-mail. “I haven’t made a decision yet, but I am considering. There are many options for me right now, so I’m just trying to take the time to see what is best for me.”
Mitchell added, “It’s in God’s hands right now. I just continue to pray every day for something to take place so I know when He’s ready; everything will fall into place.”
Mitchell, who has been consistently competing on a steady basis since last December, says he plans on taking a little time off before continuing his training and pursuance of his track goals. He had originally planned on running in the upcoming Georgia Games, but the Mooresboro, N.C., native will pass on the event to recoup.
Although he commented over the weekend that his tweaked hamstring which plagued him over the final months of his collegiate career felt great, Mitchell wants to make sure to rest and fully heal before moving forward.
Named “Most Outstanding Track Performer” in both the indoor and outdoor seasons as a junior and senior at Western, Mitchell amassed 32 All-Southern Conference accolades during his four seasons with the Catamounts.
