Skip to navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Jack Manley (right) accepting his CCBC Athletics Hall of Fame plaque from chair George Henderson. Mr. Manley was inducted in 2011 as part of the inaugural class.
Jack Manley (right) accepting his CCBC Athletics Hall of Fame plaque from chair George Henderson. Mr. Manley was inducted in 2011 as part of the inaugural class.
Posted: Dec 14, 2021

Knights Offer Condolences to Cardinals, Family of Jack Manley

Catonsville, Md. -- It is with great sadness that CCBC Essex Athletics offers its condolences upon hearing today of the passing of Jack Manley, the founding athletic director of the then Catonsville Community College Cardinals. He was 94 years old.

"His immense contributions as a trailblazer and leader, innovator and program developer, and coach and mentor are matched only by his commitment to his family and his community," said Brian Farrell, CCBC Director of Athletics . "His work was a shining example to any athletic professional that you could do these two things at the same time: make a true difference in intercollegiate athletics and leave an indelible legacy in the life of one's family, friends, and adopted hometown."

A 1951 graduate of Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem), Mr. Manley started intercollegiate athletics at CCBC Catonsville (then Catonsville C.C.). His vision, program development and keen eye for coaching talent laid the framework for athletic success still enjoyed at CCBC Catonsville today.

Hired as the first administrator of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics for the campus in 1959, Mr. Manley oversaw the development of 22 intercollegiate sports and the implementation of women's sports at the local, regional and national level. He coached men's basketball, cross country and track and field, while also earning the rank of full professor in 1977.

In 1980, Mr. Manley received a commendation from then-governor Harry Hughes for his work with Title IX legislation. He was completely engaged in the total welfare of the student-athletes, co-founding the first regional Medical Aspects of Sport seminar and attending numerous conferences designed to provide first-class facilities for student-athletes. Mr. Manley remained an important contributor in the continued success of his former coaches and student-athletes. He was inducted into the NJCAA Region 20 Hall of Fame in 2003.

After retiring, Mr. Manley continued to engage with CCBC on a wide variety of projects and also volunteered within his local community. He lived in Catonsville, Md. with his wife of 73 years, Berchie. Together they have two children, Deana and Darien. Mr. Manley was named a CCBC Professor Emeritus, the highest honor bestowed on retired faculty.