Manson will continue track career at the University of Utah

By Shaun Scott • November 30, 2017 4:05 pm
Photo courtesy of Don Borin/Stop Action Photography Eastlake Wolves senior Brooke Manson, left, will run track at the University of Utah. Manson captured second place in the Class 4A state track meet 800-meter run this past May.
Photo courtesy of Don Borin/Stop Action Photography Eastlake Wolves senior Brooke Manson, left, will run track at the University of Utah. Manson captured second place in the Class 4A state track meet 800-meter run this past May.

Eastlake Wolves senior Brooke Manson thrives in one of the most difficult races in the world of track and field.

Manson, who captured second place in the Class 4A state track meet 800-meter run state finals with a time of 2:11.51 during the 2017 season, has committed to run track for the Division-1 University of Utah Utes.

“I chose Utah because I think it is a really great fit for me. I loved the team and the coaches (during the recruiting process). I really like the environment and think I would be really successful there,” Manson said.

Before Manson leaves for Salt Lake City in the summer of 2018, the senior track star is focused on dominating on the oval during her final season of high school track this spring.

“I want to win state in the 800 and improve my times in the 800, 400 and the mile (1,600-meter run),” Manson said.

The 800 is a special race to Manson.

“It is hard. I have gained a lot of confidence in it over the years. I’ve learned a lot about how to run it the right way. My strategy is to usually have a fast start and try not to get into trouble with a pack (of runners). I like feeling relaxed and comfortable for the first lap and then try to hold on,” Manson explained. “I usually have a split of 1:02 or 1:03 in the first lap. The second lap is always slower because you are really tired but I just try to kick it hard the last 200 (meters).”

Recently the Issaquah Reporter had an opportunity to ask Manson a few questions about her life away sports.

Issaquah Reporter: What is your favorite restaurant in Sammamish?

Brooke Manson: I really miss the Mongolian Grill. It was my favorite place to go three years ago.

IR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

BM: People that are really full of themselves.

IR: What kind of music are you listening to the most on your iPod right now?

BM: I like a lot of old music from the 1970s and 1960s. I love the Beatles, Bee Gees and Beach Boys.

IR: What is something unique about you that nobody would know?

BM: I like to do art. I like to draw and paint. That is also one of the things I’m passionate about.

IR: Who was your favorite sports team growing up?

BM: The Seattle Reign (professional women’s soccer team). I grew up playing soccer and I went to a lot of their games.

IR: What is your dream vacation spot?

BM: I love Hawaii. I went there over the summer for a month. I go almost every year.