Little Silver Teacher Competes On 'American Ninja Warrior'

LITTLE SILVER, NJ — Two years ago, students in a Point Road School classroom exploded with excitement. They cheered and group-hugged their teacher.

It was like their favorite athlete walked into the room. Maybe that was true. Nick Mancheno, a technology teacher, told his students he was chosen to compete on "American Ninja Warrior."

Mancheno had an obstacle course in his backyard similar to what you see in the competition. The NBC show selects participants who might be able to master their courses, despite their courses sending countless people in peak condition into the water before the finish line.

Over 77,000 people applied to compete on "American Ninja Warrior" in 2017, according to the program. Mancheno was one of the few-hundred selected. Several of his students were going to travel to Cleveland to watch him compete.

But another obstacle pushed itself into his way: Mancheno injured his calf and Achilles one week before filming.

Mancheno pushed back and said he returned to full strength. The man who dons a tie, button-down shirt and khakis at his day job will compete in "American Ninja Warrior" this season.

"This group of students has had my back every step of the way throughout this whole journey," Mancheno said in his 2019 submission video. "So needless to say, they were a little excited when they found out that we were going for it again this year."

The 34-year-old and several other New Jersey residents competed in the opening rounds in Baltimore. The episode airs June 24.

When the Tinton Falls native originally sustained injuries, he used a knee scooter he could operate with one leg. That way he wouldn't miss work. His students called his scooter "the Mancheno Mobile."

Mancheno endured another setback when he dislocated his shoulder later in summer 2017. But now that he recovered, Mancheno is living proof his students can do anything.

"I try to teach my students to always finish what they start and to never give up on their dreams," he said.

See his submission video below:

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