For Bella Vista High School junior Lincoln Manweller, the drive to win goes hand in hand with a commitment to his teammates.
The Class of 2028 runner specializes in the 800 meters, where he owns a personal best of 1:54. Last season, he ran 1:55 or faster seven times and ranked as the sixth-fastest sophomore in California and ninth-fastest underclassman in the event.
His range extends well beyond two laps. Manweller competes in events from 400 meters through 5,000 meters, bringing speed to the track and endurance to the cross country course.
His accomplishments include a Capital Valley Conference championship in the 800, state qualification in both the 4x800 relay and cross country, and qualifying for Arcadia and Nike Nationals. But one of his proudest commitments cannot be measured by a finishing time.
Last season, Manweller chose to prioritize his relay team’s opportunity to reach state over his own individual pursuit.
“Last year I sacrificed my chance to run at state individually in order for my 4x8 to make it,” he said.
That decision reflects how he views success. Winning matters to Manweller, but so does giving his teammates the chance to experience it alongside him.
For the remainder of this cross country season, he hopes to help Bella Vista qualify for state as a team and achieve a top-20 finish. On the track, his junior-year goals are to run between 1:50 and 1:51 and earn a place in the state 800-meter final.
His ambitions grow even bigger for senior year: break 1:50 and win a state championship in his signature event.
Beyond high school, Manweller hopes to compete at the Division I level. Washington, Washington State, Colorado, Penn State, Northern Arizona and Michigan are among his dream destinations.
His motivation is direct. He loves competition and embraces the training required to give himself the best chance to win. Yet his connection to running reaches beyond results.
“I love this sport and all the people who come with it,” Manweller said. “It’s genuinely an amazing community, and I wouldn’t be where I am without it.”
With two high school track seasons ahead, Manweller is pursuing faster times and bigger stages while carrying a clear appreciation for the people helping him get there.
From my eyes, this kid has the tools