Waycross-Ware County Sports Hall of Fame

 

Manuel Rivas
Inducted 2010
Manuel Rivas was named head coach for track and field at Waycross High School in 1969 succeeding Coach Church McKenny.

Center Junior High School and Waycross High School won numerous regional and state awards under his tutelage from 1969 until 1974. The Bulldogs won five straight regional titles from 1969-1974. They claimed four consecutive regional cross country championships from 1969-1973.

Top honors came in 1970 and 1972 when the team won the Georgia State Track Championship twice.

His personal accomplishments include regional coach of the year awards in 1971 and 1972. He was named the Georgia Track and Field Coach of the year in 1972. Lofty achievements indeed!

An excellent mentor with great motivational skills he was able to mend his charges into a formidable adversary for all opposing teams.

Some of his illustrious protégés were: Doyle Orange who set a record in the 100 yard dash; Steve Hudson of discus and shop-put fame and a member of that the record setting 400 meter relay team; James Gail who was also a member of that 400 meter relay team;  Bill Conley the iconic long distance runner of that era. All four of these luminaries preceded him in the Hall of Fame.

Senior Rivas and wife Ethel currently live in Decatur, Georgia. They have five children, Manuel, Jr., Sephon, Stephanie, Marie and Raphel.