Manning Still the Coach Overseeing Burroughs? Legacy

Manning, Brands, Rosselli Named Olympic Coaches in Rio

Burroughs Thankful, Blessed, Ready to Make History

Manning: Burroughs Deserved the Ultimate Sendoff

Randy York’s N-Sider

Official Blog of the Huskers

To the surprise of few, if any inside the wrestling world, Mark Manning remains Team USA’s Olympic coach to help complete the journey for Jordan Burroughs, the icon he recruited from New Jersey, coached at Nebraska and then coached to win his first Olympic Gold Medal in London in 2012.

Manning has known for two months that he would be the Olympic coach again to train, mentor and motivate Burroughs in pursuit of his becoming only the third wrestler in USA history to win back-to-back Olympic Gold Medals.

NU's Manning, Iowa’s Brands, Ohio State's Rosselli USA Wrestling’s 2016 Olympic Coaches in Rio

Wednesday, USA Wrestling, based in Colorado Springs, made the official announcement that Manning, Iowa Wrestling Coach Tom Brands and Ohio State Associate Head Coach Lou Rosselli will be the Olympic Freestyle coaches for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The truth is, Lincoln has been the home and Manning the instructor for Burroughs from the minute he arrived at Nebraska to begin his steady climb to become not only the best wrestler in the world now, but possibly the best wrestler in the history of his sport.

 

 

For the Past Four Years, Burroughs and Manning Have Shared a Golden Vision

The beauty of that incredible opportunity has been imbedded in the minds of Burroughs and Manning since jointly taking London by storm and sharing a vision to replicate the experience in Rio. Not surprisingly, that visual dream became an official stretch goal for Nebraska’s head wrestling coach and his prized pupil.

Legacy became a mutual battle cry in the midst of four grueling years for a four-time world champion to see, feel and train like never before. In this particular case of trying to get better every day over a four-year stretch of time, legacy is measured though the highest standards that Burroughs can embrace. For the record, it never gets easier; you just get better.

Can Burroughs Become for Wrestling What Muhammad Ali Became for Boxing?

Burroughs considers Muhammad Ali the ultimate standard for legacy because of what he meant to sport, culture and the world. He remembers Ali winning his first heavyweight title in 1964 in stunning fashion in his infamous bout over Sonny Liston.

“For sports fans 30 and under, we were too young to see Ali’s brilliant career unfold and unable to watch him compete in his prime,” Burroughs said on his website. “Most of what we know of Ali is perpetuated through popular culture, mythical stories and archived videos on the internet. Yet, ask anyone around the world, regardless of age, who is the greatest fighter of all time and the answer is unanimous – Muhammad Ali."

Burroughs Respected Ali’s Legacy When His Gloves Were On and Came Off

Burroughs said Muhammad was charismatic, but approachable. “He was a showman, but relatable. Flashy, but hardworking,” Burroughs said. “He was the world’s first crossover athlete and may be the most popular sports figure that this world will ever know. Ali transformed the American public’s view of black athletes and was a trailblazer in bridging the gap between races during a pivotal time in our country’s history.”

Burroughs believes Ali is the definition of what all athletes desire to be. “In a time where African Americans were looking for a hero, he transcended sport, and became more than that – an icon,” Burroughs said. “In a time of rampant inequality, he united a nation. Long after his career ended, he was as influential as ever. Ali’s effect on boxing, and humankind has created a lasting footprint in history, leaving the world a better place because of him having been a part of it.”

Ali was unashamed and unafraid to be himself. “That’s legacy,” Burroughs said. “He will be remembered as a hero for what he did with gloves on, and a legend for what he did when they came off. I hope to influence the world in a fraction of the way that he did. Long live Ali.”

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N-Sider Archives

N-Sider Series: Jordan Burroughs' Journey to the Top:

Part 1: The 'Easy' Recruitment of Jordan Burroughs

Part 2: Burroughs Battled the Best to Be the Best

Part 3: World's Best Wrestler, Toughest Athlete