Manternach runs 17th in nationals


Matt Manternach of Monticello runs for Iowa in the 800 at the NCAA Division I Nationals June 8 in Eugene, Ore. (Photo courtesy of Darren Miller, Hawkeyesports.com)
TRACK AND FIELD
By: 
Pete Temple
Express Sports Editor

     Calling it a “ great learning experience” and a “good step in the right direction,” University of Iowa sophomore Matt Manternach recapped his run in the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Nationals.

     Manternach, a Monticello High School graduate, competed in the men’s 800-meter run on Friday, June 8 in Eugene, Ore. Out of 24 total competitors, he finished 17th with a time of 1 minute, 50.58 seconds. He ran in the first of three heats, finishing sixth in his heat.

     “Overall I was happy with it,” Manternach said in a June 11 phone interview. “I really enjoyed the experience, and just being in that atmosphere was a lot of fun.”

     Manternach said he was instructed to start out fast, and did so, running second in the race for a while. The event was televised on ESPN.

     “My best races have usually come when I get up there in that first lap,” he explained.

     Facing runners ranked first, third and sixth in the nation proved to be too much, however.

     “They started surging ahead a little bit,” he said. “I tried to stay with them, but I couldn’t quite stick with them the whole way. I think I could have done a little better.”

     Overall, he said he was pleased with his season.

     “It was one of my goals all year long to get to that meet,” Manternach said. “I can see where I need to be to keep getting to that next level.”

     Manternach said he has two weeks off before starting a summer training program, which will prepare him for all workouts.

     “It’s pretty much year-round,” he said.

     

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