Indianapolis – The Indianapolis Colts today named Eli Manship of Eastern Hancock High School as the fifth-ever Colts High School Man of the Year, presented by Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics.
The award recognizes an outstanding Indiana high school football player who exemplifies character, leadership and teamwork on and off the field. Junior and senior football lettermen were nominated by school or team administrators across Indiana, and a Colts selection panel evaluated all nominees based on their community service, academic accomplishments and football performance.
"Football instills important life skills beyond the sport itself, so we're proud to recognize Eli Manship and all our nominees, who exemplify these values as student-athletes and school and community leaders," said Mike Prior, Colts Football Development Commissioner.
As a four-year starter and team captain, Eli was a key contributor on offense, defense, and special teams for the Royals. His school receiving records on offense, play caller on defense, and return ability on special teams illustrates the trust that his coaches have in him.
What's more, Manship has been an involved community leader off the field. He has been actively involved with more than 10 community organizations as a volunteer and advocate. Whether it's fundraising for local youth programs, volunteering at shelters, or being a member of various community organizations, Eli's time is well spent and committed to his community.
"I only coached Eli for one year, but I can't tell you how much I love that young man. As coaches, we think we have the power to help boys turn into men, and we do. However, this time, roles were reversed. Eli has shown me how to lead with compassion and grace. I will be forever grateful to him and his family for all they have done for me" said Josh Holden, Eastern Hancock's head coach. "It isn't his talent that calls me to nominate him for this incredible award; it is who he is as a person. I have never met an 18-year-old kid with so much compassion and grace for others. His heart is bigger than a football. He makes me want to be a better man every time I am blessed to be around him. He truly is the epitome of what it means to be a man."
Manship will receive tickets to the Colts-Titans game on December 28, a commemorative plaque and a $2,500 donation from the Colts Foundation to the non-profit of his choice.
The other finalists for the award were: Hayden Lechlitner, NorthWood; Sawyer Tippmann, Snider; Grady Gardner, Martinsville; Tyler Simek, Plainfield.
