Vance Manakas’ 30 years of service to Moorpark College athletics was acknowledge April 13 afternoon at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego. Athletic Trainer Manakas was inducted into the California Community College Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame.
The CCCATA President Brian Cable of Cerritos College presented Manakas with the award as his wife, Sharon, and daughter, Julie, were in attendance to witness the historic moment. Close friends like Moorpark Athletic Director Howard Davis, College of the Canyons Head Trainer Chad Peters, and head trainer at CSUN, Shane Stecyk, were also there to listen to Manakas’ acceptance speech. The rainy San Diego weather set a great emotional atmosphere, as Manakas expressed his gratification of the induction, along with humbly giving all the credit to the individuals he has worked with, and of course his family.
“I really wanted to make sure I recognized my peers in the speech,” said Manakas. “And give thanks to all those who have had a part in it; even the athletes, because without them, I wouldn’t be here.”
Manakas’ journey started at Cal State Fullerton, where he studied physical education. He then continued to the University of Arizona where he received his Master’s degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in athletic training. It was after his time at Arizona that Manakas began his career in athletic training at Moorpark College on his 24th birthday, Aug. 3, 1981, and has been a Raider ever since.
Through the years, Manakas has worked with a multitude of staff, students, and athletes. One of his students who came to Moorpark in 1995, Chad Peters, is now the Vice President of the CCCATA, and had a lot to do with Manakas’ induction.
“I am now the head trainer at College of the Canyons and wouldn’t be where I am today without Vance’s teachings,” said Peters. “Being on the board of the CCCATA, we came up with the Hall of Fame for people like Vance. He is the perfect example of a great trainer, teacher, and person who helps his community. He is more than deserving of the induction.”
Manakas didn’t even know he was nominated for induction into the Hall of Fame till just a couple weeks before the ceremony. When he was notified by the CCCATA that he had actually been inducted into the Hall of Fame, he was overwhelmed with flattery.
“I was shocked, surprised, and pleased,” said Manakas.
Manakas’ dedication to his students, staff, and athletes shows at all times, but it’s not just him. He is always the first one to mention his wife Sharon and her commitment to Moorpark College as well. Sharon Manakas is the Health Services Coordinator at the college, and shows just as much loyalty to her students and staff as her husband.
The award is a big reflection on Moorpark athletics, and Manakas’ induction will always be a big piece of Raider history. Moorpark Athletic Director Howard Davis, has known Manakas for almost 20 years, including years of friendship before Moorpark. Davis was the assistant coach for men’s basketball for a number of years before becoming the athletic director for the college the past six years, making his total time as a Raider 13 years now. He has gotten to know Manakas very well, and in that time the two have developed a great friendship.
“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” said Davis. “I would have driven down there through a hurricane to be there. Vance’s dedication to Moorpark athletics has been amazing, and as a friend, I am proud of him and his accomplishments.”
Moorpark College Athletic Trainer Vance Manakas and student Christina Gallo run to the aid of an injured player during a soccer match at Raider Field on September 23, 2011. (Jeffrey Farrar)
