HAMMOND, La. – With heavy hearts we announce the passing Wednesday morning of former Southeastern Louisiana University baseball player and assistant coach Kaleb Manuel following a lengthy battle with cancer. The native of Mamou, Louisiana was 30.
 
The ultimate competitor yet a friend to all who knew him, Manuel leaves behind a legacy of hard work and a positive outlook on life.
 
Manuel served on Matt Riser's staff for four seasons as an assistant coach. From 2016-2018, he coordinated camps, instructed outfielders, served as first base coach, maintained the playing surface at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field and assisted with administrative duties.
 
Following a one-year stint as the head coach at Pearl River (La.) High School, Manuel returned to Southeastern in June of 2019 to serve as the Lions' pitching coach. He stepped down following the pandemic-shortened 2020 season to focus on his health and treatment, later returning to the St. Tammany Parish Public School System.
 
A two-time member of the Southland Conference Academic Honor Roll, Manuel earned Louisiana Pitcher of the Week honors (May 13, 2013) after tossing a complete game to defeat No. 28-ranked Sam Houston State, 5-1, and snap the Bearkats 11-game winning streak.
 
Manuel graduated from Southeastern in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in general studies. He is survived by his wife, the former Courtney Harris of Pearl River, Louisiana.
 
Visitation begins at 8 a.m. Saturday at Ardoin Funeral Home in Mamou followed by the rosary at 11:30 a.m. The funeral Mass begins at 12:30 p.m. across the street at St. Ann Catholic Church.