When I returned to town in the late summer of 1990 after traveling the globe for Uncle Sam, my dad told me "there are these two kids you've got to see". One was a football player named Napoleon Kaufman. I soon after saw him shred Beverly Hills in the first quarter, before joining Dick Barrett on the sidelines. The second one I had to wait a little longer to see in action - it was worth the wait.
Nikki Manzo was impressive, and as we returned to the Lompoc gym over the course of the season she continued to perform at an incredibly high level. The most incredible moment occurring in a game against a pretty good Morro Bay team. Nikki, who had something like 17 blocks in the game, completely shut down & demoralized the Pirates by blocking seven straight shot attempts - including several from outside. It was if an invisible ceiling had descended on the south end of the court - the Pirates spent most of the rest of the game trying to bomb away from way outside. Her play that night was the single most impressive performance I have ever personally witnessed by a Brave athlete.
She was recognized for her excellent play by being named to the CIF-SS Division III First Team three years in a row. The first time in 1989 she joined a girl from St. Joseph (Lakewood) who later went on to some success in softball at UCLA and the Olympics - Lisa Fernadez. As a senior, she was named Div III Co-Player of the Year, and recieved a scholarship to Rice University in Houston, Texas.
A gentle 6-5 "giant", she returned to town, and began teaching at one of my old schools, Miguelito Elementary. Unfortunately, here the the story takes a turn for the worse. Nikki, now Nikki Manzo-Oestereich, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2005. She is no longer allowed to work, and is seeking to travel to Duke University for expermental treatments. She needs our help to defray travel and other expenses since she is without a salary.
How can you help ? Simple - Buy BBQ !! Her friends, family, and fellow staff members are hosting a benefit BBQ.
Where : Coast Hills Credit Union , 1321 N. "H" St. ,Lompoc, CA (Central & "H")
When : Sunday, 9 November 2008, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tickets : Presale through November 3rd at Miguelito, or walkup on the 9th.
Information : Miguelito Elementary School [742-2434] 1600 W. Olive Ave. (Olive & "V" St.).
Good luck, Nikki and GO Braves (and Mustangs)!-- el stato
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