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08-12-2011, 12:40 AM
Somerset — Considered as one of the top baseball and football players ever to play at Somerset High School, 2011 grad Erik Manning has signed to play baseball at Morehead State University. The Division I Eagles are coached by fourth year Head Coach Jay Sorg.
Sorg is a former Eagle standout and veteran professional baseball player, coach and player. Sorg played three seasons as a third baseman at MSU(1992-94) before being selected in the 15th round of the 1994 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft by the Cincinnati Reds. During his MSU career, he was a member of the 1993 team that won the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament. In his final season (1994), he served as the Eagle captain, was named the team most valuable player, and earned First-Team All-OVC accolades. Sorg played five years in the Reds minor league system, before being hired by the club as a baseball instructor in their player development area.
The MSU Eagles compete in the Ohio Valley Conference against the likes of Austin Peay, EKU, Murray State, Tenn. Tech, UT-Martin and others. The Eagles' non-conference schedule is one of the toughest such as Univ. of Tenn., UK, Univ. of Louisville, Purdue, Indiana and Univ. of Cincinnati.
Manning was recruited by EKU, UT-Martin, Tenn. Tech, Univ. of Mt. Union(Ohio) and Union College where big brother Otie is a sophomore outfielder for the Bulldogs.
Manning finished his baseball career at Somerset as one of the top hitters in school history and one of the best shortstops in the school's great tradition. In 2011 Manning hit .390 with 10 home runs and 51 RBI. Manning finished his high school career with 24 home runs. Not only did Manning play shortstop but pitched for the Jumpers mostly in relief and in pressure situations.
Named to the All-Region, All-District and All-County teams for 3 years and led the Jumpers to two Region XII Runner-ups, Manning was the ever-present leader. His leadership was displayed through his toughness, both mentally and physically.
Somerset Head Coach Phil Grundy expressed his thoughts on Manning's signing. "It is a great opportunity for Erik to play at Morehead. I am very happy for him, he is a great kid, a great competitor and a winner," exclaimed Grundy. "He had 4 great years and everyday he brought excitement, toughness and was hard-nosed. He did great things for his teammates and coaches," said Grundy. The Jumper class of 2011 posted a 4-year record of 98-40 with two Region Runner-ups and 3 District Championships. "These senior players were one of the best groups we've had at Somerset," proclaimed Grundy.
Manning is playing summer ball with the Somerset Post 38 American Legion team. He played Legion ball back in 2007, 2008 and 2009 for former Southwestern assistant coach, Marty Mayer and Somerset assistant and father Otis Manning. In 2008 as a 16 year old shortstop Manning homered against American Legion National Champs, Columbia Post 19 from Columbia, Tenn.
In football Manning was a 4-year starter at cornerback and a 2-year starter at QB for the Jumpers. Manning finished as one of the school's all-time leaders in passing. He passed for 4,748 yards and 59 TDs in two seasons and rushed for 11 TDs. His stats were incredible but more importantly he led the Jumpers to a State Runner-up in 2009, while playing with torn ligaments in his ankle in the State Championship game. In his two seasons at QB the Jumpers' record was 27-2.
His toughness and leadership was evident on the gridiron just as it was on the diamond. Manning suffered 4 concussions during his career and played with a cast on his hand his freshman year. Missing a practice or a game was not in Manning's mental make-up. Manning was 2010 Region 1 District 5 Player of the Year, All-District 2009 and 2010, team MVP 2009 and 2010 and nominated for the 2010 Old Spice National Player of the Year.
Jumper Head Football Coach, Robbie Lucas praised his former quarterback, "Erik is one of the most successful athletes to ever play at SHS. He was an unflappable leader who always remained calm under pressure. Erik's 27-2 record over the last two years ranks him one of the best quarterbacks to wear the 'Purple and Gold'. His competitiveness and leadership will be greatly missed."
Manning is grateful to many coaches and players especially to his family. "Without my parents (Otis and Cheri), brothers (Otie and Andy), and grandparents (Otis Sr. and Sandy) none of this would be possible," said Manning. "I have played for great coaches and played with some great players at Somerset and now it is time to move on and step up. It will be exciting and challenging to play DI ball at Morehead."
Coach Grundy added, "It is a real testament to Erik's parents, teachers and coaches for their hard work that has enabled Erik to be in this position, going to college to get an education and play college baseball."
I know Erik Manning is what every coach hopes to get in a player. For me, it was an honor and privilege to coach Erik and coach against him. It is an honor to write this story. Morehead is getting "more" than just a great baseball player but a great person.
[Image: http://www.imageurlhost.com/images/7q0r2...tqobnp.jpg]
http://somerset-kentucky.com/localsports...head-State
Sorg is a former Eagle standout and veteran professional baseball player, coach and player. Sorg played three seasons as a third baseman at MSU(1992-94) before being selected in the 15th round of the 1994 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft by the Cincinnati Reds. During his MSU career, he was a member of the 1993 team that won the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament. In his final season (1994), he served as the Eagle captain, was named the team most valuable player, and earned First-Team All-OVC accolades. Sorg played five years in the Reds minor league system, before being hired by the club as a baseball instructor in their player development area.
The MSU Eagles compete in the Ohio Valley Conference against the likes of Austin Peay, EKU, Murray State, Tenn. Tech, UT-Martin and others. The Eagles' non-conference schedule is one of the toughest such as Univ. of Tenn., UK, Univ. of Louisville, Purdue, Indiana and Univ. of Cincinnati.
Manning was recruited by EKU, UT-Martin, Tenn. Tech, Univ. of Mt. Union(Ohio) and Union College where big brother Otie is a sophomore outfielder for the Bulldogs.
Manning finished his baseball career at Somerset as one of the top hitters in school history and one of the best shortstops in the school's great tradition. In 2011 Manning hit .390 with 10 home runs and 51 RBI. Manning finished his high school career with 24 home runs. Not only did Manning play shortstop but pitched for the Jumpers mostly in relief and in pressure situations.
Named to the All-Region, All-District and All-County teams for 3 years and led the Jumpers to two Region XII Runner-ups, Manning was the ever-present leader. His leadership was displayed through his toughness, both mentally and physically.
Somerset Head Coach Phil Grundy expressed his thoughts on Manning's signing. "It is a great opportunity for Erik to play at Morehead. I am very happy for him, he is a great kid, a great competitor and a winner," exclaimed Grundy. "He had 4 great years and everyday he brought excitement, toughness and was hard-nosed. He did great things for his teammates and coaches," said Grundy. The Jumper class of 2011 posted a 4-year record of 98-40 with two Region Runner-ups and 3 District Championships. "These senior players were one of the best groups we've had at Somerset," proclaimed Grundy.
Manning is playing summer ball with the Somerset Post 38 American Legion team. He played Legion ball back in 2007, 2008 and 2009 for former Southwestern assistant coach, Marty Mayer and Somerset assistant and father Otis Manning. In 2008 as a 16 year old shortstop Manning homered against American Legion National Champs, Columbia Post 19 from Columbia, Tenn.
In football Manning was a 4-year starter at cornerback and a 2-year starter at QB for the Jumpers. Manning finished as one of the school's all-time leaders in passing. He passed for 4,748 yards and 59 TDs in two seasons and rushed for 11 TDs. His stats were incredible but more importantly he led the Jumpers to a State Runner-up in 2009, while playing with torn ligaments in his ankle in the State Championship game. In his two seasons at QB the Jumpers' record was 27-2.
His toughness and leadership was evident on the gridiron just as it was on the diamond. Manning suffered 4 concussions during his career and played with a cast on his hand his freshman year. Missing a practice or a game was not in Manning's mental make-up. Manning was 2010 Region 1 District 5 Player of the Year, All-District 2009 and 2010, team MVP 2009 and 2010 and nominated for the 2010 Old Spice National Player of the Year.
Jumper Head Football Coach, Robbie Lucas praised his former quarterback, "Erik is one of the most successful athletes to ever play at SHS. He was an unflappable leader who always remained calm under pressure. Erik's 27-2 record over the last two years ranks him one of the best quarterbacks to wear the 'Purple and Gold'. His competitiveness and leadership will be greatly missed."
Manning is grateful to many coaches and players especially to his family. "Without my parents (Otis and Cheri), brothers (Otie and Andy), and grandparents (Otis Sr. and Sandy) none of this would be possible," said Manning. "I have played for great coaches and played with some great players at Somerset and now it is time to move on and step up. It will be exciting and challenging to play DI ball at Morehead."
Coach Grundy added, "It is a real testament to Erik's parents, teachers and coaches for their hard work that has enabled Erik to be in this position, going to college to get an education and play college baseball."
I know Erik Manning is what every coach hopes to get in a player. For me, it was an honor and privilege to coach Erik and coach against him. It is an honor to write this story. Morehead is getting "more" than just a great baseball player but a great person.
[Image: http://www.imageurlhost.com/images/7q0r2...tqobnp.jpg]
http://somerset-kentucky.com/localsports...head-State
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08-12-2011, 12:41 AM
Congrats Erik!!
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