Manny Putz
Onalaska, WI, c/o 2025
AthleticNET Bio

Get to Know Q & A

- How did you get your start in track and field and/or cross country?

When I was young (3rd-4th grade) I always played games like cops and robbers, zombie tag, and all these games that involved lots of running. I may not have been the fastest but I could always outrun everyone. My friends and family encouraged me to try track and xc in 5th grade and they didn’t have to do much convincing for me to say yes!

- Your parents' athletic background. Did they play any sports-where(HS, College, Pro), what position, when, any awards?  Please include names.

I was adopted so my true parents athletic backgrounds are unknown.

- Any siblings? Please include names and genders and any accomplishments in or out of sport.

I have one brother who plays football! He was a quarterback his freshman year and is now playing in any position the coach needs him in! He’s in the same grade as me which is a huge plus when it comes to school and just needing someone to hang out with. I have a sister who’s in her 30’s so I don’t see her that often but when I do it’s always enjoyable! She is an adventurous person who loves her dog! She’s also an author.

- Outside interests- your hobbies, talents(musical, chess, anything), volunteering- what do you do in your free time?

I love to hang out with my friends when I’m not running. Playing games like Spike Ball, Cornhole, Bottle Bash, Ultimate frisbee, and any game that really gets you moving are my favorite! I’m super competitive when it comes to board/card games. Sometimes too competitive. I love to try new things whether it’s trying new food or doing a different activity.

- At school, do you do any extracurricular activities? i.e. student government, clubs or other sports.

I am a link leader at my school which means at the beginning of the year I hang out with the incoming freshman class in hopes of making them feel comfortable about high school and showing them the cool things to do! I am also an NHS (National honor Society) member! This allows me to help my community in any way by volunteering throughout the year for learning experiences and college benefits!

- Pre- and post- race rituals. Any superstitions?

A fun one I like to do is get a nice haircut from my dad the night before the race! As a father, there’s not a lot you can do when your child is racing so this is a fun way for him to feel like he’s doing his part in helping me race! The day of the race, my friends and I like to hit up a quick little prayer to God to keep us safe and to thank him for the gift of running we have. After the race, eating a burger is a must!

- Movie watcher and/or book reader? What is/are your favorite book and/or movie and why?

I am a big Marvel fan so any marvel movie is my favorite to watch! 

- How do you deal with setbacks and triumphs?

It’s good to know that not every race goes the way you expect. That’s when you gotta have a mind of a goldfish. Forget about it and move on! Of course, learn from your mistakes too. However, after a victory you should always celebrate! After you do, get back to work:)

- Pet owner? If so, what is your pet's name and type/breed?

I have 2 dogs named Izzy(6 cavapoo)and Zoey(10 double doodle)

- Where do you see yourself in five years?

I’m hoping to still be a runner in the future and hopefully having a job that I love. I also hope in 5 years I find someone special for me.

- What words would you have for your sixth grade self?

Hey dude, there is gonna be a big pandemic that will happen in a couple of years but that’s okay. Don’t stop running even if you can’t compete in any races! You have so much potential! Keep having fun and don’t date in high school!!

- Who is your favorite track and field athlete and why? How about other sports-who is your favorite athlete and why?

Cole Hocker is a talented runner who also works hard for every race. I strive for his kicks at the end of the race. I’ve always gotten to hear him speak on a zoom call before so that was awesome!

- Favorite hype song, if any, before your competition

Battle Scars is a hype song that I listen to before my races.

- Many athletes are quoted as saying " trust the process". What does that mean to you?

To me, trusting the process means to not worry if you aren’t running the time you’re working for. As long as you keep training the way you should and letting your body rest, good things will come! 

- How do you balance social media with your performance? Does social media impact you positively or negatively?

Social Media is a good place for me to see races that I may not have been able to see in person! Keeping in touch with friends from other teams is the biggest reason I use social media. Other than that, I don’t use social media the week before a race. 

- Favorite and not favorite high school subject and why?

Favorite high school subject is math because It clicks with me! I don’t like History because there are just too many names to remember and I suck with names. 

- Favorite musical artist and why? What is your favorite song by that artist?

Charlie Puth is my favorite artist because his music has so much meaning! I can sing all his songs and they are so good! Charlie Puth has perfect pitch so he is so talented and he makes music in funny ways. My favorite song from him is “One Call Away” 

- Favorite pre- and post- meal?

Pre - Pasta and some bread with chocolate milk.  Post - A big burger with fries and a shake 

- Dire question warning :) If you were unable to continue to compete in track and field, what would you do?

I’d find a job in sports therapy so I can stay involved in helping athletes!

- What do you see your legacy being-in and outside the track world?

I think my legacy will be how kind I tried to be with everyone I met on my path in life and showed happiness in everything I did. 

- What is your vice? What do you binge on that you can't seem to control?

I love peanut butter! I often put too much on my sandwich and will put extra on my plate just because. My excuse is to say, “hey I need lots of protein!”

- If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?

I would wanna meet Noah Lyles just because he has such a funny sense of humor that I’d wanna see!