I got a phone call just a few days ago from Kermit, telling me about Ray's passing......Although I knew that Ray had been ill and was not doing well, I really thought that Ray would be able to fight his illness off indefinately......I really felt this way because I thought Ray was one of the toughest guys, both physically and mentally, than I ever knew.......Playing football with Ray on the B squad my sophmore year, I was constantly amazed at his incredible toughness, attitude and leadership.....Ray really did lead by example.....I remember Ray took some really nasty hits that season, but ALWAYS jumped right up and quickly huddled the team and called the next play....One in particular that I remember, was a game at home playing East Bremerton.....Ray got trapped in the pocket looking downfield for an open receiver, but was hit hard by several tacklers and still standing, took two more really wicked simultaneous hits to the helmet, one from in front, and one from behind. I really thought he was probably out of the game, but instead, he jumped right up, barked at the halfbacks about blocking assignments, and huddled up....
I knew how really smart Ray was too.....I'll never forget the day we got grades, and I was standing next to him when he looked at his report card and yelled, "What, a B?, I got a B? Are you kidding me?" He then took off to confront the teacher about the grade.
Intelligence, physical and mental toughness, and leadership. That's what I remember when I think of Ray Manke. God Bless you Doctor! You have a beautiful family with five kids and a hell of a lot of former teammates that will always love and respect you, and will never forget you.
Hey Ray! When I get up there, let's get some of the guys together for a little scrimmage. See ya' my brother!
Dave Gressel
I got a phone call just a few days ago from Kermit, telling me about Ray's passing......Although I knew that Ray had been ill and was not doing well, I really thought that Ray would be able to fight his illness off indefinately......I really felt this way because I thought Ray was one of the toughest guys, both physically and mentally, than I ever knew.......Playing football with Ray on the B squad my sophmore year, I was constantly amazed at his incredible toughness, attitude and leadership.....Ray really did lead by example.....I remember Ray took some really nasty hits that season, but ALWAYS jumped right up and quickly huddled the team and called the next play....One in particular that I remember, was a game at home playing East Bremerton.....Ray got trapped in the pocket looking downfield for an open receiver, but was hit hard by several tacklers and still standing, took two more really wicked simultaneous hits to the helmet, one from in front, and one from behind. I really thought he was probably out of the game, but instead, he jumped right up, barked at the halfbacks about blocking assignments, and huddled up....
I knew how really smart Ray was too.....I'll never forget the day we got grades, and I was standing next to him when he looked at his report card and yelled, "What, a B?, I got a B? Are you kidding me?" He then took off to confront the teacher about the grade.
Intelligence, physical and mental toughness, and leadership. That's what I remember when I think of Ray Manke. God Bless you Doctor! You have a beautiful family with five kids and a hell of a lot of former teammates that will always love and respect you, and will never forget you.
Hey Ray! When I get up there, let's get some of the guys together for a little scrimmage. See ya' my brother!