Black Hills State to advance Mangus’ football career

   Through year-round sports and a challenging academic schedule, senior Quinton Mangus leads the school as a scholar and athlete while providing friendship and happiness everywhere he goes. As he comes to the end of his senior year, he has big plans and expectations for himself. 

   As a Bronc athlete Mangus has played football, wrestled, and threw in outdoor track all four years of high school. Mangus got his start with football as early as he could, following after his older brother, Carter Mangus. He fell in love with the sport and has been playing ever since. In his senior year, Mangus achieved the awards of 4A Lineman of the year, All-Conference, All-State, and First Team Super 25. Additionally, his junior year, he earned All-Conference and All-State recognition along with a Second Team Super 25 position. “Going into high school football, I never would have dreamed of being recognized like I have been,” said Mangus. “I love playing football, and to be recognized as a good player is special.” This summer, he will be participating in the Shrine Bowl, playing for the North. Since eighth grade, Mangus has been wrestling. After breaking his arm early in his freshman season, he bounced back and would compete in the state tournament every year after that. Starting in March, Mangus began his final season of outdoor track and field for Sheridan High School. “[Mangus] will always be a prime example for what we would hope to see in our student athletes at SHS,” said defensive line and throwing coach, Marshall McEwen. 

   For some athletes, it can be easy to disregard classwork for their athletics; however, Mangus has made his scholarly achievements match those of his athletic ones. “[Mangus] is also the hardest worker I have ever met in my life, whether that be in sports or in school,” said senior Matt Taylor. As a member of the National Honor Society, he is often assisting others in any way he can. Through both NHS and his football career, he has found many opportunities for volunteer service in the community. Mangus has had the chance to set up the hoop jam tournament, Kiwanis pancake breakfast, and ready the fairgrounds for Sheridan WYO Rodeo. “I’ve done lots of things through the football program at the school,” said Mangus. “It’s allowed me to help others and better our community whether it’s short or long term.”

   When not devoted to his athletics and school work, Mangus is with friends and family. With his friends, he either plays Xbox, sports, or just hangs out. “I like to learn other sports; playing them just gives you a whole different appreciation for the athletes who compete in them,” said Mangus. With his family, Mangus commonly watches movies or spends time with his brothers. They can be found playing Xbox, having a Nerf war, or participating in an exhibition wrestling match. “Outside of school he likes to crack jokes and have a good time,” said Taylor. “He’s always competitive in anything he does, but he’s a good sport too.” Mangus also has two dogs, Bruno and Gunner, who he commonly plays with when he has the time. 

   Following high school, Mangus will be attending Black Hill State in Spearfish, S.D. on a preferred walk-on scholarship for football. At Black Hills, Mangus is signed to play defensive end for the Yellow Jackets. As a student, he plans on pursuing an education in biology alongside completing his pre-medical courses. Following Black Hills State, he hopes to go into medical school. Looking ahead he is excited about his possibilities even though it will be a little far from home. 

   Mangus is pleased with what he has accomplished in his high school career, but he still feels he has much to accomplish in his college career and in life. He does not want to be remembered just for his athletic and scholarly achievements, but for his personality and positive influence at SHS and in the world. “[Mangus] is a pretty solidly built athlete that can be intimidating… He also has this silence and look about him that can be a little unnerving; however, he is a big teddy bear,” said McEwen. 

   Mangus is the son of Tamara and Barry Mangus. 

Mangus shakes hands with teammate after a good play. (Carla Sessions )