Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame
In January, 1959, during Jerry Manley’s senior year of high school, he joined the Naval Reserves with a goal of attending the United States Naval Academy. His appointment to Annapolis was postponed until July, 1960. Hall of Fame Southwestern football coach Rick Mays heard of Jerry’s intent to attend the Naval Academy, but convinced Jerry to attend Southwestern for a year. After spending a year studying and playing football and baseball for Southwestern, Jerry decided to remain a Lynx, and we are glad he did.
Jerry was a four-year letterman in football. He was an outstanding running back and served as Co-Captain of the 1962 football team. Jerry was named All College Athletic Conference (CAC) for his outstanding play his senior year. After graduating in June, 1963, Jerry was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy, but he didn’t have to report for active duty until November. So Jerry served as a Lynx assistant football coach during the 1963 season.
While Jerry’s achievements in football were noteworthy, his prowess on the baseball diamond place Jerry as one of the greatest baseball players to ever play for the Lynx. He was the starting catcher on the 1961 Southwestern team which was crowned the NCAA Collegiate National Champions. He was named All CAC in 1962 and 1963. Jerry’s senior year was absolutely phenomenal when he hit safely in all regular season games, while achieving a .477 batting average, a school record. Jerry’s teammates voted him the Most Valuable Player of the 1963 baseball team.
Jerry served thirty-one years as an officer in the Navy where he had a distinguished career. In 1965 while serving in Vietnam he was awarded the Bronze Star for exceptional initiative, professional ability and courage under fire. In 1987 Jerry was awarded the Legion of Merit award.
The word which quickly comes to mind when describing Jerry Manley is “leader.” For his achievements in football and baseball while an athlete at Southwestern to his service to his country as a Naval Officer, Rhodes is honored to induct JERRY BELL MANLEY into the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame this 25th day of October, 2013.
