As the senior member of the University of Tennessee Athletic Department staff, Gus Manning has served the Vol athletic program and Knoxville community faithfully for almost half a century. He is readily recognizable at athletic events across the South and has attained a national reputation among his peers and sports fans alike.
During his time at Tennessee, Manning has served in various capacities, including Sports Information Director from 1951 to 1960, Business Manager from 1960 to 1989, and as Senior Associate Athletic Director since 1990. He is game manager for UT football and basketball contests, overseeing the countless details that go into a smooth-running event.
In 1989, as recognition of his excellent work, Manning was named Business Manager of the Year by the College Athletic Business Managers Association. He has served as a high school official in both football and basketball and is active in local officials’ organizations.
At UT, Gus has worked closely with three athletic directors – General Bob Neyland, Bob Woodruff, and Doug Dickey – and with eight head football coaches, from Neyland to Philip Fulmer.
Manning has been a part of the growth and development of the SEC as well, being involved in a leadership role in many of the major decisions that have shaped the league and brought it to the forefront of collegiate athletics. Gus Manning’s impact on Volunteer athletics has been truly monumental, and his contributions will forever link him to Big Orange history.