BHS Kicker, Luis Garcia Del Manzano Ties School Record
Luis Garcia Del Manzano tied the Barnesville Varsity Football school record for the most extra points in a game when he successfully kicked 8 for 8 extra points against Buckeye Local last week. In fact, Luis was named the DQ Player of the Game. Luis shares this record with Evan Lough, who set this record against River in 2024.
Barnesville Junior, Luis Garcia Del Manzano, is an exchange student who calls Madrid, Spain, home. Luis has played soccer since he was four years old. As a midfielder, he has played on organized soccer teams for 12 years. When asked to compare football and soccer, Luis responded with a smile, “Soccer is better.” His favorite American teams are the Buckeyes and the Steelers. Luis was in attendance at the OSU vs OU game.
Luis vaguely knew about football when he arrived in Barnesville. With encouragement from students and staff, Luis decided to give kicking a try at football practice. Coach Blake Allen shared, “He is still learning American football, and I’m excited to see what he can do as he gets more comfortable.” Coach Allen continued, “Luis is a great kid with a great attitude and has fit in with the team tremendously.”
Luis is discovering other American favorites, like cheeseburgers. His classmates are excited to show Luis the Pumpkin Festival next week. “Everyone at BHS has seemingly welcomed Luis with open arms. He seems to be excited about being a Shamrock this year,” shared his English teacher, Tricia Zaccagnini. When asked what his favorite part of attending Barnesville High School was, Luis responded, “The nice people.” High School Principal Ron Clark stated, “Anytime we have an exchange student, it is an opportunity to learn about another culture while sharing our American experiences with them.” Principal Clark added, “Football is certainly an American pastime!”
Luis Garcia Del Manzano and the Shamrock team will play away on Friday, September 19, against Monroe Central. You can view Luis and the Rocks on YRPtv.
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