When Manny McCauley’s high school wrestling career came to an end, he knew he had some unfinished business. 

“I felt like I definitely missed out on what my main goal was, which is a state title,” McCauley said. “That furthered my drive to want to be good at wrestling and I felt like there was still something I needed to accomplish.” 

This led the recent Warrenton graduate to take his unfinished business to the next level. On May 23, McCauley signed his official letter of intent to continue wrestling at Division II McKendree University, located in Lebanon, Ill. 

“Wrestling in college was something I definitely wanted to do,” McCauley said. “I want to be a champion, whether it’s national or high school it would have been state (champion), but I didn’t get to do that – this is definitely a second chance.” 

McCauley also received an offer from Maryville University, but stated that McKendree “felt like home.”

“When I went on my visit, they were welcoming and the support they gave me as an individual athlete, it made me feel like I can excel and reach my peak,” he said. 

McCauley was also drawn to the Bearcats’ team culture. 

“They’re cutthroat and hard nosed. The pure grit that goes into their program, I feel like they produce a lot of really good wrestlers, good wrestlers and they have a family feel overall,” McCauley said. 

McCauley’s wrestling career started in seventh grade. As he transitioned from middle school wrestling to high school wrestling, he found himself as a starter. Then, he lost his varsity spot. 

However, losing his spot did not deter him. Instead, it drove him to get better. 

“I have spent countless hours, I’ve sacrificed all my summers, time with my friends just to put in time for wrestling,” McCauley said. 

That dedication paid off. McCauley is a two-time state medalist, finishing third and fourth in state. He also won a district championship. 

McCauley said the best part of his wrestling career was building relationships with his coaches.

“In middle school, I was most proud of being coached by my old wrestling coach, Coach (Jim) Hardy, who had passed away,” McCauley said. “In high school, coach JJ Filipek, (Clayton) Olsson, Dan Filipek – they all really brought the best out of me…”

“...They always let me take charge of my own career and are always willing to help. They sacrifice a lot of time. I spent more summers with them than I did my own family. The pure commitment they have to their athletes as a whole, not just me, but to the team – they’re really building up this program.” 

McCauley also carries a sense of pride in representing his family name. 

“Making it to state for the first time in general is nice because for my family, we’ve never even done that before,” he said. “I feel like I’m taking a big step for my last name.” 

As he heads to McKendree, McCauley sees it as a second chance in more than just wrestling. 

“My biggest thing is to become an academic All-American. I see college as a fresh start academically. Obviously, I want to win and be an All-American National Champion, but I also want to get a really good career and degree out of this,” McCauley said. “This is a new beginning for me.”