DAVID MANNING

David Manning is the son of Mae and Jeff Manning, loyal supporters of West High School for over thirty years. He is one of three brothers who wore the green and gold. David played three years of varsity football for Bert Rowe, and Dean and Dennis played for Dallas Grider and staff. Although he grew up playing organized baseball, Dave’s West High athletic career was primarily on the football field.


In 1969, Dave’s senior year, the football team recorded its most successful season, at the time, which included a marquee-worthy win over powerhouse Bakersfield High. Dave played offensive tackle and was defensive signal caller from the linebacker position. He was named All-City and All-Valley his senior year. In addition, he lettered in baseball his senior year, playing a sport he had not been able to play for many years because of a baseball-related elbow injury.  

Dave’s college career began at Bakersfield College, whose program he grew up following since 1955, when the company for whom his dad worked, and which Dave now owns, constructed Memorial Stadium. Dave played in two of the most successful seasons in BC football history, losing to only one school those two years. As an offensive guard, he was named Outstanding Lineman and made 1st  team All-Metro Conference, All-California, and Junior College All-American.

Dave continued his career at Utah State University, a school that lured him not only because of its athletic and academic prowess but also because of its locale being a sportsman’s paradise. Playing for two years as offensive guard at Utah State, a major independent, he was able to play against national-championship teams such as Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. He was elected team captain his senior year, was recognized on All-American teams by Playboy and Street & Smith, and was selected 2nd team All-American by the Associated Press. His athletic career at Utah State culminated with his being awarded Most Outstanding Senior Athlete.

After a stint in the World Football League with the Southern California Sun, Dave returned to Utah State to coach the offensive line. After marrying his wife, Penny, and starting a family, he returned to Bakersfield and continued to promote his love of football by coaching Jack Frost football for ten years. Dave was inducted into the Bakersfield College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

Dave and Penny’s most treasured accomplishment is their family. They have three sons, Chad (wife Tiffany), Josh (wife Heather), and Zachary (wife Nikol) and daughter, Stephanie (husband William), all who played collegiate athletics.
Dave and Penny are blessed with thirteen most-cherished grandchildren.