CEDAR CITY, Utah - Throughout the generations of Southern Utah University Athletics, competitive Thunderbirds have historically found success in both cross country and track and field. While new SUU athletes are carrying on the torch in today's programs, these alumni continue to make an impact on the world around them.
From winning the St. George Marathon four times to opening a law practice, here's what four former Thunderbirds have been up to since leaving the nest.
Mike Tate (XC and Distance Specialist from 2013-2018)
Q: What are your proudest accomplishments with the Thunderbirds?
A: Qualifying for NCAA [Nationals] as a team in cross country for the first time since 1999 in 2014, being the first men's team of any sport to win a Big Sky Conference title in 2015 with cross country when we hosted, winning the 5000m and 10000m at outdoor track conference [championship] in 2017, being ranked sixth in the country as a team in cross country in 2017, running the fastest 5000m time in the country, breaking the school record, and finishing fourth at indoor NCAAs.
Q: What has your life looked like since graduating from SUU Athletics?
A: Since graduating, I have moved back to Canada and started working in the running industry. I work for a registration company and get to travel around North America helping out at events on their race weekends.
Q: How did your time as part of the team prepare you for your future?
A: It has taught me how to work as a team and has given me a unique perspective of the running industry.
Aaron Sampson (Jumper and Sprinter from 1980-1985)
Q: What are your proudest accomplishments with the Thunderbirds?
A: During the 1981 NAIA Track and Field Championships (my freshman year), I sustained a torn ligament in my right knee during a jump and partially severed the peroneal nerve, causing temporary paralysis. This derailed my career, but I returned to competition in 1983 as part of the 4x100 Relay Team (setting the SUU record), won the NAIA National Long Jump title (25'-71⁄2"), and qualified for the 1984 Olympic Trials. My twin Adrian and I also set the Guiness Book World Record as the first identical twins to jump past 25' in the long jump. I was the first male National Champion in SUU sports history, a track and field All-American, and got to be part of a great team.
Q: What has your life looked like since graduating from SUU Athletics?
A: I managed 7/11 stores for three years during the 80's. I coached the Utah Flames Junior Olympic Track and Field team for 15 years. During 2002, I set the World and American Record in the WMA Masters (40-44) Long Jump competition at 25'- 2 1⁄2". In 2003, I became the World Long Jump Champion (40-44) at the WMA Masters World Track and Field Championships in Carolina, Puerto Rico. I'm currently employed as a Sales Representative by NiCE Ltd., which specializes in customer relations management software, artificial intelligence, and digital and workforce relations management.
Q: How did your time as part of the team prepare you for your future?
A: I learned teamwork and the mindset to be successful in life: dedication, persistence, commitment, self-motivation, and self-responsibility.
Sylvia Bedford (XC and Distance Specialist from 2008-2013)
Q: What are your proudest accomplishments with the Thunderbirds?
A: My proudest accomplishments with the Thunderbirds were pushing myself to limits I didn't know were possible, creating a positive and supportive team environment that led to lifelong friendships, and chasing and accomplishing PR's.
Q: What has your life looked like since graduating from SUU Athletics?
A: Since graduating, I started a family and now have 3 girls: ages 1 month, 4 years, and 10 years old. I worked as a Personal Trainer for 10 years and recently opened my own gym/running studio in the spring of 2024. I have continued running and have become competitive in the marathon, winning the St. George Marathon four times and qualifying for the Olympic Trials twice (2020/2024).
Q: How did your time as part of the team prepare you for your future?
A: The time with my team prepared me for my future by teaching me hard work, how a positive attitude can lead to a lot of good things, and how I am capable of anything if I set my mind to it! I also learned that challenges can be a lot of fun. These skills have helped me in parenting, my career, and many other aspects of life. Coach Houle always told us that if we can perform on the 'stage' of college running, we can perform in any aspect of life, and that will always ring true to me.
Shain Manuele (Hurdler from 2004-2005 and 2007-2010)
Q: What are your proudest accomplishments with the Thunderbirds?
A: I enjoyed my time running track and was able to compete with conference championship teams, but my proudest accomplishments may have been off the track. I was selected to serve on the NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee while I ran at SUU. I loved advocating for my teammates as a member of SAAC. I enjoyed being a voice for my fellow athletes.
Q: What has your life looked like since graduating from SUU Athletics?
A: While at SUU I got married to Sharla Platt (now Manuele). She ran for SUU as well and was a much better athlete than me. After graduating, I went to law school and am now back in Cedar City running a law practice here. We have seven kids, and I do a lot with youth sports. I hosted a track meet for kids through my firm and will continue to be engaged in the community.
Q: How did your time as part of the team prepare you for your future?
A: Honestly, I learned a lot of lessons running track that have carried throughout my life. Hard work and dedication were foundational on the team, and that's how I've gotten to where I am now.
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