Manzano eyes NCAAs, Olympics

Leonel Manzano received his initiation into world-class running last summer. The 5-5, 125-pound senior at Texas was about 30 meters into a first-round heat in the 1,500 meters at the world championships in Osaka, Japan, when an elbow was planted in his chest. Welcome to the big time, kid.

"Running against the best people in the world, they're not going to let you get an inch," says Manzano, who finished 13th and did not advance. "I went in there with no experience at that level. I'm trying to fight these guys, and they're like, 'What are you doing?' It seemed like I was thrown in the back.

"In high school and college, you don't see that kind of aggression. It was an awesome experience. What better timing, the year before the Olympics and trials. It was something I really needed."

Manzano, ...