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Commonwealth University-Lock Haven soccer player takes 1st in biathlon

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (11/11/2026) — Commonwealth University-Lock Haven student-athlete Scott Manning traded the soccer field for the trails and Susquehanna River as he helped kick off the 2026 U.S.C.A. National Championships by competing in the event's biathlon in August.

Manning, a senior member of the Lock Haven men's soccer team and a native of New Zealand, competed as the runner on a two-person team alongside paddler Daniel Glover. The pair finished first in the Men's Team division with a time of 33:08. The biathlon challenges competitors both on land and in the water. Participants begin by running a 1.5-mile loop before returning to the boat launch for a 3-mile paddle. Competitors can complete both portions individually and split the disciplines between two teammates.

For Manning and Glover, the team format put Manning on the running portion before Glover took over for the paddle.

Despite entering the competition without specific training for the event, Manning said his experience as a collegiate soccer player helped prepare him for the challenge.

"The base layer of fitness with soccer helped me succeed in the competition," Manning said. "I was surprised I did as well as I did."

Rather than putting pressure on himself to win, Manning entered the competition with a simple approach: "Show up and do your best." That mindset closely reflects the spirit behind the event and the legacy of Tom Walton, who originally started the biathlon and was known for encouraging participants to simply do their best.

Following Walton's passing, Mike Herbert approached organizers in 2023 about bringing the biathlon back to Lock Haven as part of the U.S.C.A. National Championships to honor Walton's memory. The event returned that year with Herbert serving as chairperson and has since continued as a kickoff to Nationals.

Unlike the National Championship races, which require competitors to hold U.S.C.A. membership, the Biathlon is open to participants regardless of membership and does not charge a registration fee. The relaxed format provides participants an opportunity to meet others, experience the atmosphere surrounding the national championships and enjoy some friendly competition.

For Manning, what began as an opportunity to step outside his usual athletic environment ended with a first-place finish and an experience he said he would gladly take on again.

As he looks beyond his senior year at Lock Haven, Manning plans to graduate and return to New Zealand to pursue his career. He is also considering continuing his education with a master's degree in physical therapy or sports science.

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