Vance Manakas, 31-year Moorpark College Athletic Trainer, was inducted into the California Community College Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame on Friday afternoon in San Diego.
This year’s induction is only the second in the organization’s history. It was held as a part of the Far West Athletic Trainers’ Association Annual Symposium at the Town and Country Resort Hotel. Vance Manakas was honored for his many years of service to his college and to the organization. Many of the students Vance has mentored over the years in their pursuit to become Certified Athletic Trainers were at the ceremony to see their mentor honored. His former students in attendance included College of the Canyons Trainer Chad Peters. CCCATA President Brian Cable introduced Manakas citing his “hundreds” of nominating letters for CCCATA Athletic Trainer of the Year two years ago. Cable explained that in that year, two CCC trainers had saved lives at their respective colleges, and therefore, were awarded. The organization was compelled to begin the Hall of Fame to recognize a member as distinguished as Manakas. Vance gave a very heartfelt speech thanking each member of his team including his wife, Sharon and daughters Julie and Caitlin. Sharon and Julie were in attendance to see the induction.
Sue Lalicker (in photo with Vance above) of San Diego Mesa was also inducted into the CCCATA Hall of Fame.