Mike Manley

Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Marine, Olympian, Teacher, Coach.

Peter Michael (Mike) Manley passed away October 28, 2025 after embracing life with his strong work ethic, competitive spirit, and playful humor.

Mike was born February 14, 1942 in Wausau, WI to Leonard and Marie Manley as the third of nine children. The growing family moved to Milwaukee where Mike and his older siblings helped to raise the younger ones and earn money for the family. He worked from age 6 onward, hustling for yardwork, shoveling snowy walkways, working as a soda jerk, and even doing farm labor all before he graduated high school. Mike grew up loving sports, playing jokes and entertaining his family and friends. He could often be found hopping freight trains to the Braves stadium to sneak into baseball games. His fierce competitiveness, lean frame and capacity for hard work led him to running in high school. He was an immediate success, winning city championships and earning a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin. He ended his university days with a Big Ten Championship, a new found favorite track event - the steeplechase, and a new sweetheart. Upon graduation he joined Marine Corps, married his sweetheart (Connie), and served a stint in Vietnam while continuing to train and race.

After leaving the Corps, Mike moved west to compete in the 1968 Olympic Trials then settled in Eugene, OR where got his teaching degree at the University of Oregon. He taught at North Eugene High School and became a fixture of Eugene’s dynamic running community. Mike ran the steeplechase in 5 Olympic Trials spanning sixteen years, won the event in 1972, and competed for the U.S. Olympic Team in Munich. His many track accomplishments included being a two-time Pan American Games champion in 1971 and 1975 and setting the American masters record in the marathon. Mike’s compassion, intensity and humor translated well to coaching. He started up a junior college cross country team at Lane Community College and within a few years won 2 national championships. He went on to coach numerous national class athletes and many other runners, pushing them to be better athletes and better people.

Before and after retirement from teaching, Mike gave back to the community - by organizing races for nonprofit causes, mentoring, and fund-raising. He was an advocate for children, co-founding a running charity for at-risk youth. He helped create a North Eugene High School retiree organization that supported those in need. In retirement he enjoyed traveling widely with Connie and working, working and more working on his golf game.

Mikes leaves behind his wife Carolyn Ann (Connie) Manley (nee Kneppreth); three sons and six grandchildren, Aidan and Mila Manley (Jason Manley and Doreen Conroy of Portland), Ryan and Katie Manley (Mark and Mary Manley of Charlottesville, VA), Jacob and Ava Manley (Geoff and LeeAnn Manley of Los Angeles). He is preceded in death by his two brothers Tim (62) and Pat Manley (79), and is survived by six sisters, Diana Manley, Carla Manley, Vicky Braun, Marilyn Klassy, Cathy Triguero and Jackie Manley-Taylor and many other extended relatives.

Mike will be deeply missed but his spirit lives on in those he bonded with. A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on December 21st at the Downtown Athletic Club from 1-3 pm. Mike would want any event held in his name to include stories or funny memories so please bring one to share. In lieu of flowers please consider giving a gift in his name to one of his favorite charities, Friends of the Children-Lane County, Kidsports or the North Eugene Retiree Association.