For many of the closest observers of collegiate athletics, the hypocrisy of the NCAA’s new proposal that would grant student-athletes an extra $2000 a year in additional financial aid, while universities rake in billions and coaches pocket $10s of millions, reveals just how unbalanced the “amateur” sports industry really is.

Industry? Yea…industry! We just read about Urban Meyer signing on with Ohio State football for nearly $7 million a year, while the Big Ten Network’s Web site is adorned with advertising from Dr. Pepper and Buick. All this while a year ago, Ohio State’s star quarterback was sanctioned by the NCAA for selling his Rose Bowl ring and getting discounted tattoos. The irony here is that it was Pryor’s prowess on the field that drove fans to the stadiums, Web sites, and television to drink those sodas, purchase those vehicles, and, most importantly, donate to the alumni funds of these land-grant institutions. Imagine if Pryor was allowed to stay, what the television ratings (advertising rates) would have been.

The United Way of Bucks County has named Jeff Manto, Principal of the Manto Sports Group, their “Person of the Year.”

Jeff’s tireless work in the community with kids, especially those who are at risk, has helped him garner this recognition.  Though humble in nature, Manto’s commitment to the youth of Bristol, Pennsylvania has resulted in a year-round program that focuses primarily on sports and character development.

Manto will receive his award on Saturday, November 19, 2011 during the inaugural Bristol Fall Classic at Island View Crossing, Lenox Headquarters, 1414 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, Pennsylvania from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

The public is invited to attend.  For more information, you can read the article recently published in the Bucks County Courier-Times.

Bristol, Pennsylvania native, Jeff Manto as promoted to the position of Hitting Coach with the Chicago White Sox on Monday, November 1st during a press conference from this home office.  In charge of minor league hitting for the last four seasons, Manto will join newly name White Sox Manager, Robin Ventura, on a staff that also include another Brisol native, Joe McEwing, who will be manning the third-base coaches box throughout the 2012 season.

For more information about Manto’s reaction to his new position, as well as his approach with the potent White Sox lineup, you can visit the following news articles…

New Sox hitting coach Manto prioritizes communication, approach (Chicago Tribune)

Jeff Manto has plan for struggling Sox (ESPN.com)

The Manto Sports Group, in cooperation with The Commonwealth National Golf Club, is pleased to present the Second Annual Hit with the Pros charity golf event to benefit the Crohn’s Coilitis Foundation and the Major League Baseball Alumni Association.

On Monday, October 17th, Tournament Director Robert Kleckner and Event Organizer Jeff Manto will host an impressive field of regional business leaders, philanthropists, and Major League Baseball Alums, as they spend the day at Commonwealth National playing, eating, and socializing for two great causes.

You can download the Hit With the Pros Tournament Information Package Here
The 2011 Hit With the Pros Registration Form (8-3-11_Registration_Form_)
The 2011 Hit With the Pros Sponsorship Levels (8-3-11_Sponsorship_levels_)
The 2011 Hit With the Pros Sponsorship Letter (8-3-11 Form)
The 2011 Hit With the Pros Major League Alumni Attending List (2011 PHILADELPHIA MLBPAA)

or contact Robert Kleckner at 2545 Crestline Drive, Lansdale, PA 19446 | Phone (215) 778-4890 Fax (610) 495-7421 | pgakleck@aol.com for more information.