Dan Manley, 65, the host of Mt. Sterling’s local radio show, “Mornings on Main,” loves sports.
Since he started working at WMST-AM radio 50 years ago, he has covered news and all kinds of sporting events including basketball, baseball, softball and football. He is also the sports editor at the Mt. Sterling Advocate newspaper.
Born and raised in Mt. Sterling, Dan got into the field when he was 14 years old. He covered his first sports stories in high school.
Dan received a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and a master’s degree in business administration from Morehead State University.
He continues to be the voice of the games at Montgomery County High School.
“I cover anything sports-related in Montgomery County,” he explains. “The high school athletic association sanctions 24 different sports, so we attempt to provide some coverage of everything that happens.”
Sports have always been a big part of Dan’s life.
“From the time I was very young, I started going to games,” he says. “My father was a great sports fan . . . We were always going to games, and I used to always enjoy it.”
Through his work, Dan strives to connect with and inspire the local community.
“I enjoy watching people compete for the love of the games,” he says. “It’s a combination of how they grow through both enjoyment and competition that makes it better.”
He feels his role is important in keeping sports fans engaged. “Publicizing positive things that young people do and promoting young people,” he explains. “When you promote young people, you’re promoting the community, the parents in most instances, the school.
“I think everyone benefits — young or old people. The benefits are far-reaching.”
Although still as active as ever, Dan is starting to ponder what’s to come – maybe even retirement. “I’d like to continue to do things as I’m doing as long as I’m enjoying them,” he says. “And as long as my health is good.”