Brett Manning ranks as one of the most prolific passers in Central Oklahoma's storied football history. The Lawton, Okla. native was a four-year letterman and three-year starter during a career that stretched from 1997-01.
Manning led the Bronchos to the Lone Star Conference championship and an NCAA Division II playoff berth -- one of just four in school history -- in 1999 and was the LSC North Division Offensive Back of the Year as a senior in 2001. He ranks second in both single-season (3,077) and career (5,823) passing yards, records that he held from 2001 until they were finally eclipsed in 2017.
Brett still ranks 1-2 in single-game passing yards, with both marks established during his final season. He hit 30-of-44 passes for 481 yards against Midwestern State and 24-of-38 aerials for 447 yards vs. Northeastern State. Manning averaged 15.7 yards per completion for his career.
In our second installment of our look back at some of UCO's past athletic greats, here's a brief conversation with Brett Manning.
What degree did you get from UCO: Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.
How did UCO prepare you for success: The physical education department at UCO was great. The professors were very good at preparing students for the classroom. I firmly believe that my football coaches were some of the best in the country. Much of what I am as a coach was learned from men like Gary Howard, Bill Massey and Duane Dirk. There were people of character and integrity. They coached hard, but when it came down to it they really loved their players. There were very successful as coaches and the lessons learned from them prepared me for success.
Favorite memory at Central: I have many great football memories from UCO. The magical 1998 season when we spent seven weeks as the No. 1 ranked team in the country is a great memory. The bond of that team is one of the best experiences of my life. It was truly special. Our comeback against Angelo State in 1999 was a great memory too. We were down 15 with four minutes to play and ended up winning by three (37-34) on a field goal as time ran out.
Best thing about going to UCO: The best thing about going to UCO was the relationships I built there. There are too many to mention. The professors were top notch. My coaches were the best I could have asked for. My friends and teammates created a bond that has stood the test of time. I talk about my UCO days all the time. I tell my coaches and players about playing in the unbelievable heat in Nacogdoches, Texas (a 38-31 OT loss to Stephen F. Austin in the 2000 opener). About flying into Seattle to play Western Washington (a last-second 28-24 UCO win). About the anticipation of waiting for that first Lone Star Conference championship ring to come in since I had never had a ring before. And, of course, like everyone who ever played for Gary Howard, I tell "Gary Howard stories." My college experience at UCO absolutely could not have been any better.
Career path: I went to Burburnett, Texas after graduating from UCO. I spent three years there as a teacher and coach. Then I moved to Lawton and was an assistant under my dad (Ernie) at MacArthur High School. In 2009, I took over as head coach and I've been there ever since. The highlight of my coaching career as winning the 2014 Class 5A state championship. It's something every coach deserves to experience.
Where do you currently live: Lawton, Okla.
Family: Wife, Lori (also a UCO graduate). Kids Elena, 16; Kel, 13 and Cam, 11.
Â
Â
