Ogemaw Heights graduate Steve Manz talks to Surline Middle School students Friday as part of his home-turf fundraising efforts this weekend. Manz will be hosting the fundraising portion of his visit Saturday at Surline from 2-6 p.m.
Manz (right) coaches up a trio of Surline students as they get ready to heft the shot put for themselves.
Brent Baker
Manz signs autograph following Friday's session at Surline Middle School.

WEST BRANCH - Nov. 30, 2007 - Ogemaw Heights graduate Steve Manz returned to his old stomping grounds this weekend, beginning with a tour of West Branch-Rose City schools Friday to share his hopes and dreams of qualifying for the 2008 Olympic Games in China.

Manz narrated a Powerpoint presentation of his shot put career through high school, his days at Michigan State University and his current training in Ashland, Ohio.

Manz with Surline Middle School students that he didn't even first go out for track and field until he was cut from the baseball team during his sophomore year.

"I really loved baseball," he said, "but it's funny how things work out. I discovered something that made me even happier."

Manz also took questions from students, which ranged from what his personal-best marks are in the shot and discus, to whether or not he has a girlfriend (he does), what his favorite color is (blue) and if he speaks any foreign languages (Croatian).

He also demonstrated his throwing technique, tossing an indoor shot put the entire length of the Surline gym and allowing several students to try their hand at it. Manz finished by signing autographs for the students that weren't herded back to class at the conclusion of his presentation.

Manz will be hosting a fundraising meet-and-greet on Saturday from 2-6 p.m. in the Surline Middle School cafeteria.

Donations to his Olympic fundraising efforts can also be made through his website, www.stevemanz.com. For more on Manz's background, click here.