Manders is a 1983 graduate of Hamline University. Manders was a 6-time NCAA national champion, winning both the shot put and discus at the 1980, 1982 and 1983 championships. He still holds the NCAA records of 65’8” in the shot and 205’0” in the discus. His indoor shot put mark in 1983 ranked him #4 in the world at the time. Manders was named the most outstanding athlete in the MIAC in 1980, 1982 and 1983. Upon graduating from Hamline, Manders was awarded an NCAA Post-Graduate scholarship.
