Leroy Mann brings intensity on and off field

Leroy Mann III has learned early on that bad decisions can have serious consequences. At 32, he has dedicated his life to helping others. In a previous job, he helped men recently released from prison find work. Now, as a campus monitor at Sussex Central High School, he hopes to catch teens before they make life-destroying decisions.

“I'm building relationships and helping curb kids' minds, and prevent them from making decisions that will impact their future,” he said.

A walkie-talkie attached to Mann's hip chirps continuously throughout the day, alerting him of students who may not be where they are supposed to be. “My job is to maintain order and structure during school hours and lend support in disciplinary issues,” he said. He patrols the hallways in a confident, winsome manner.

Mann has a relaxed relationship with students, who approach him to shake his hand or give him a shout out. Some even refer to him as Leroy and rib him about an upcoming basketball game. “I hope I don't waste my $5 for the game tonight,” one girl says as she walks by. He gives her an unflappable smile and assures her it will be money well spent. And it was. Sussex Central beat cross-district rival Indian River 51-42.

Mann is an assistant coach for Sussex Central's boys basketball teams, both JV and varsity. After losing seven games in a row early in the season, he said, he and the other coaches focused on teamwork.

“It's been a road for us to learn how to play as a team on and off the court,” he said. With five games left in regular season, there is a chance they could make the tournament.

“If we finish close to 500, we have the potential to do it,” Mann said.

The optimism Mann brings to his coaching position is the same that served him well as a Sussex Central student 15 years ago. He was a two-year varsity basketball and football player, helping the Golden Knights reach the Delaware State Division I football finals for the first time in school history.

As a senior, Mann played running back, wide receiver, corner back and safety. The team lost to Newark 29-13, but the experience was priceless.

“Being able to play in a championship, that was huge,” he said.

Mann attended University of Delaware his freshman year and was working out with the basketball team with the hopes of earning a walk-on position. But then his grades took a dive. “I didn't manage my time the way I should have,” he said.

So he moved back home to Millsboro, where he had been raised by parents Leroy Jr. and Karen and grew up with brother Keenon. He earned an associate's degree in business from Delaware Technical Community College and got a job with First State Community Action Agency in Georgetown as a re-entry coordinator. “I was able to see a different side of people who have been incarcerated. It was a positive experience,” he said.

While helping 35 men at a time find employment, Mann said, he saw firsthand how men with no role models can fall into a downward spiral of crime, unpaid child support and prison time. He said he saw men juggle service jobs only to end up with $40 in their pocket at the end of the week, after restitution and child support were paid. He said some men trying to do the right thing ended up at homeless shelters because they couldn't afford a place to live. Mistakes made young haunted them years later.

“A lot of times I had to say, 'I can't help you, but I can support you,'” he said.

Even though he no longer works for First State, Mann said he keeps in touch with about seven men he met through the program.

Sports fan

Sports have always been a large part of Mann's life.

Mann spent his early days playing basketball in local leagues, Pop Warner football and Little League. He's a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan because of Dion Saunders, and a Chicago Bulls fan because of Michael Jordan. When March Madness rolls around, he roots for the Tar Heels.

Mann continues his passion for sports locally as a member of Outkast flag football team, which won eight YMCA adult flag football championships. The league has moved to Seaford, where Mann will continue his multiposition role as running back, receiver, cornerback, safety, and – a change from his high school years – linebacker.

When he's not coaching, working or playing basketball or football, Mann can be found keeping his muscles in shape at World Gym in Millsboro. “I've added cardio, instead of just lifting weights trying to get big. I'm working toward total fitness,” he said.

Spiritually, Mann said, he learned about God and giving back to the community at Mt. Zion Church in Georgetown. The late Clarence Sample Jr., pastor, gave him guidance that he has been able to pass on to others.

Still single and soon to be an uncle, Mann's generous spirit serves him well as president of the Sussex County Community Leadership Committee. Local businessmen and religious leaders and others interested in promoting fatherhood awareness participate in the group, he said.

Mann proudly runs down the list of activities the group has promoted, culminating with a community day held over the summer that hosted 600 people. “We had a great turnout,” he said.

It's his mission to grow the group even larger.

“I like seeing positive male role models who are involved with their families and communities,” he said. “We're seeing more of that.”

For more information on the group, go to www.dffcdads.org.