Historic Milestone for Colorado Buffaloes: Men's DMR Team Heads to NCAA Championships
In an exciting development for the Colorado Buffaloes, their men's distance medley relay (DMR) team has secured a spot in the 2026 NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships for the first time in the program's history. This marks a significant achievement under the leadership of head coach Sean Carlson.
The last time Colorado made waves at the national level in the DMR was back in 2017 when the women's team, featuring stars like Tabor Scholl and Dani Jones, clinched the NCAA title. That victory was also a milestone during the tenure of former head coach Mark Wetmore, who took the reins in 1996.
Fast forward to today, and it's the men's turn to shine. The formidable quartet of Justine Kipkoech, Danny Tragarz, Drew Costelow, and Isaiah Givens delivered a record-breaking performance at the Colorado Last Chance meet. Their time of 9:19 shattered the school's previous best, earning them a coveted spot at the championships.
But the excitement doesn't stop there. Colorado is sending a total of five athletes to the national stage, the most since they sent six in 2022. Avery Pearson will showcase his talent in the 800 meters, while Kipkoech and Givens will also compete in the mile, adding depth to the Buffaloes' impressive lineup.
The DMR event is set to take place in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Friday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m. MT, and fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+.
Men's DMR Entries:
- Michigan (9:14.80)
- Oregon (9:14.88)
- Virginia Tech (9:15.05)
- Villanova (9:16.10)
- Virginia (9:16.75)
- Northern Arizona (9:16.98)
- Washington (9:17.03)
- Arkansas (9:17.30)
- Wisconsin (9:18.44)
- Penn State (9:18.58)
- BYU (9:18.97)
- Colorado (9:19.00)
This achievement is not just a testament to the athletes' hard work and dedication but also a reflection of the program's growth and potential under Carlson's guidance. As the Buffaloes prepare to take on the nation’s best, they carry with them the hopes and support of their fans, eager to witness history in the making.