By Katie David, Staff Writer
On Dec. 8, 2010, Paul Mangen and Melissa Miller-Mangen welcomed their first child into the world. The proud parents named their son John Michael Mangen and are nicknaming him Jack.
The Mangen family is fortunate to live where it is a great place to raise a family. Both parents are from the Mid-west and living here feels like home. Paul says that being a father has helped in the patience factor of coaching. Even before he was a father, he looked at his athletes like his kids. But now he is able to better understand his athletes as being a parent gives him a fresh perspective.
“I think Paul has plenty on his plate right now. He’s showing his true colors by overcoming adversity and being able to jungle everything in a healthy manner while coaching the Lions and raising a beautiful baby, “said men’s swim junior Carlos Araque.
When asked how being a father has changed his life, Mangen said, “I have a stronger sense of responsibility overall as it pertains to how I live my life and how my work gives me the opportunity to influence others.”
Paul has been the head coach of the men’s and women’s swim team for two years. Originally from Celina, Ohio, he attended Wheeling Jesuit University. at Wheeling Jesuit, he was a fourteen time Blue Grass Mountain Conference Champion as well as an eight time NCAA All American selection. Before coming to coach the Lions, Paul coached at Wright State.
Melissa has been coaching both the men’s and women’s cross country teams for the past three years. Born in Portland, Michigan, she attended Central Michigan University where she was a seven time Mid-American All-Conference honoree as well as other honors. She then attended Saginaw Valley State where she earned her Masters of Education. At the University of South Florida, Melissa was the assistant coach of both the cross country and track and field teams. When she first came to Saint Leo University, she was the assistant coach before becoming the head coach.
When asked how being a mother has changed her life Melissa said, “I have a new perspective of being patient and enjoying moments as opposed to always being busy with busy work and trying to move on to the next project.”
“Melissa’s more upbeat and positive. She’s really looking forward to the track season coming up and is optimistic for success,” said freshman cross country runner Andrea Maxwell.
Congratulations to the Mangen Family!
