John Manning was an influential teacher, coach and trainer for almost 30 years at Live Oak.
He helped to establish what Live Oak’s training program is today, put himself before his students and fellow teachers to make sure everyone could serve the athletes and keep them safe on the field and off.
Already a Hall of Famer, the late coach will receive one more honor: He will be the namesake for Live Oak’s training room.
The passion project of former Athletic Director Mark Cummins, the push was on after Manning died in 2011 to do something more for him.
Cummings, along with other coaches and staff at Live Oak, decided to rename the training room in his honor.
And earlier this month, the Morgan Hill Unified School District Board of Trustees approved the name change to the John Manning Training Room.
“He is a true Live Oak legend, and it is long overdue that we do this for him,” Cummins said.
Cummins said the ball really got rolling this past spring and the room will be officially dedicated during homecoming on Oct. 13. The exact time is to be determined.
Cummins said he has been in touch with the family and they are set to be on hand for the dedication.
“I’ve talked with his daughter and she’s thrilled, excited and grateful that we’re doing this,” Cummins said. “He’s a true Live Oak legend and a great man who treated all students with great care.”
Current Athletic Director Mike Gemo gave Cummins all the credit for getting this in motion, but said he was thrilled that the school will honor one of its greats.
“From what everyone says, he was one who started the train facility over here,” Gemo said. “(His former students) still talk about being in train class. He made impact on so many lives on field and in the training room.”
Cummins’ had some words shared during the recent board meeting to get approval for the name change, where he reiterated what a great man Manning was and what an even better story teller he was, even if the truth was stretch just a bit.
Money for the signage was raised by the Live Oak Athletic Boosters and through the Live Oak sports camps, which is run by Cummins.
There will be a sing over the doors reading John Manning Training Room plus a plaque to honor the former coach.
