Rhode Island College

The Rhode Island College wrestling program has a rich history and one of the first great Anchormen in school history was Manuel Vinhateiro ‘69. At the conclusion of his career in 1969, the East Providence native was the program’s all-time leader with 28 career wins. He competed at 126 lbs. as a freshman in 1965-66 and as a sophomore in 1966-67. He dropped down to 115 lbs. as a junior in 1967-68 and as a senior in 1968-69, also serving as team captain in both campaigns. He was the program’s first-ever junior to be named a captain.

Vinhateiro was the first recipient of RIC’s Outstanding Wrestler Award, garnering this honor as a junior in 1968 after posting an undefeated season. Vinhateiro was also the first recipient of the wrestling coaches award, “The Captain’s Cup.” A lightning-quick takedown specialist, he never lost more than twice in a season.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Rhode Island College in 1969. Vinhateiro earned his M.Ed. from Providence College in 1980 and is currently a Doctoral Candidate at Teachers College Columbia University. He served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1969-75. 

Upon graduation, he embarked on a career as an educator that is still going strong today. He was a teacher in the East Providence School Department from 1970-82. He served as the Assistant Principal for Administration at East Providence High School from 1982-97 and then as the Principal from 1997-2000. He was the Deputy Superintendent for the East Providence School Department from 2000-04 and is currently the Superintendent of Schools.

He resides in East Providence with his wife Stephanie. They have two children: Heather and Adam.