Coach Dix Manning is one of the most beloved mat mentors in West Virginia. A graduate of Concord College, Dix Manning earned a Master of Science degree from West Virginia University, as well as taking post graduate work at Penn State and the University of Tennessee. In 1958, Dix Manning began his coaching career at Shady Springs High School. During that time, he amassed 300+ wins in dual meet competition. Coach Manning also produced 25 state champions, including one three-time state titlist (Dave Farley) and two two-time state winners (Mason Epperly and Kenny McMillion). Farley was named the outstanding "West Virginia AA Wrestler of the Year" in 1980. Manning's wrestling teams have won five state championships, two AAA (1963-1964) and three AA (1980-1981-1987). Coach Dix Manning was named "West Virginia AA Coach of the Year" on two different occasions (1981-1987). Furthermore, Coach Manning was inducted as a charter member into the Raleigh County Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1981. He also received the 'Lifetime Achievement Award" from the same organization. Coach Dix Manning retired from coaching in 1998, concluding 40 years of dedicated excellence to the sport of wrestling. In fact, the following year the AA coach of the year award was named after Dix Manning. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors Dix Manning with a "Lifetime Service to Wrestling" award, class of 2003.