Buffs Make Their Mark in Boston: Votour, Williams, and Liebert Shine at Valentine Invitational
BOSTON - Three men. Three events. And three strong performances that gave Colorado Track & Field plenty to feel good about at the 2026 BU David Hemery Valentine Invitational.
The Buffaloes sent a small but impactful group to Boston this weekend, with Antonio Votour (60m hurdles), Lucas Williams (weight throw), and Jake Liebert (5000 meters) each stepping into the spotlight at the BU Track & Tennis Center-and delivering.
Let’s break down how each of these athletes fared on one of the fastest indoor tracks in the country.
Antonio Votour: Holding His Own in the Hurdles
Votour opened the day in the 60-meter hurdles and wasted no time making a statement. He clocked an 8.35 in the prelims-good enough to top his heat among collegiate athletes and punch his ticket to the final.
In the final, Votour ran an 8.40. While a touch slower than his prelim time, the redshirt freshman continues to show promise. He’s gaining valuable reps in a high-caliber field, and his ability to compete under pressure bodes well for the postseason.
Lucas Williams: Power and Precision in the Weight Throw
Over in the throws, Lucas Williams was locked in.
He launched the weight 19.38 meters-63 feet, 7 inches-to finish second at the meet and come within just 2.75 inches of his personal best. That’s not just flirting with history; that’s knocking on the door. His PR already ranks third all-time at Colorado, and this latest mark proves he’s not just consistent-he’s climbing.
Williams put together a strong, steady series that had CU head coach Sean Carlson taking notice.
“Lucas had a great and consistent series and is leaving up,” Carlson said after the meet.
Translation: Williams is trending in the right direction, and if he keeps this up, he could be poised for a breakthrough as the championship season approaches.
Jake Liebert: Near-PR in the 5000m Shows Growth
The last Buff to compete on Friday, Jake Liebert, stepped onto the track for the 5000 meters-and nearly walked away with a new personal best.
Liebert crossed the line in 13:34.18, just 1.17 seconds off his PR, which already ranks second in CU history. That’s a big-time performance, especially for a redshirt freshman still learning the nuances of racing at this level.
Coach Carlson praised both the time and the mindset: “Jake is very fit and learning the tactics of racing. We're in a good spot when he's disappointed running a 13:34.”
That quote says a lot. When a 13:34 leaves you wanting more, it means the bar is high-and Liebert is starting to clear it.
What’s Next
With the men’s trio wrapping up their events, it’s the women’s turn to take the stage. Amanda Opp will compete in the weight throw, while Avery Pearson lines up for the 800 meters.
But for now, the spotlight belongs to Votour, Williams, and Liebert-three athletes who brought their best to Boston and gave Buffs fans plenty to be excited about moving forward.