Colorado Track & Field Heads East for John Thomas Terrier Classic with Momentum and National Ranking
The Colorado track and field squad is packing its bags for Boston this weekend, set to compete in the John Thomas Terrier Classic at the Boston University Track and Tennis Center. With a strong showing already under their belts this indoor season-and a national ranking to back it up-the Buffaloes are looking to make some noise on the East Coast.
The meet is split across two days: the women will take the track on Friday, Jan. 30, while the men will compete on Saturday, Jan. 31. Fans can follow the action through live results at cubuffs.com/tracklive, and watch via FloTrack.
Women’s Team Ready to Build on Early Season Progress
Friday’s action features several key names for the Colorado women. Riley Burkey and Avery Pearson will toe the line in the 800m, both looking to sharpen their racing form in a stacked field. In the distance events, Mia Larochelle is set for the 3,000m, while Abbey Nechanicky, Ella Hagen, and Juliette Forstrom will all compete in the 5,000m-an event that could offer a glimpse into CU’s long-distance depth heading into the heart of the season.
Saturday Spotlight: Men’s Distance Squad Among Nation’s Best
Saturday’s slate is where things get especially interesting. Colorado’s men’s distance group is turning heads nationally, and for good reason.
The Buffs currently boast the top-ranked NCAA men’s mile squad, averaging a blistering 3:54.29 across their top performances. That kind of depth isn’t just impressive-it’s elite.
Isaiah Givens leads the charge with a nation-best 3:51.73, and he’s not alone near the top. Kole Mathison (3:54.87, No.
5), Justine Kipkoech (3:54.92, No. 6), TJ Hansen (3:55.63, No. 9), and Lukas Haug (3:56.13, No. 12) are all inside the NCAA’s top 12 in the mile.
That’s not just a strong group-it’s a championship-caliber unit.
While none of those athletes are listed for the mile this weekend, many of them will shift gears to the 3,000m, which could be just as revealing. Saturday’s 3,000m entries include Haug, Mathison, Hansen, Givens, Tanner Newkirk, Charles Robertson, Grady Rauba, Jaxson Cook, and Lukas Haug. With that much talent on the start line, expect fast times and fierce competition.
In the 800m, Drew Costelow and Jaxson Cook will represent CU, while Dean Casey and James Overberg round out the men’s distance squad in the 5,000m.
Recent Performances Show CU is Heating Up
The Buffaloes are coming off their second indoor home meet of the season last weekend, and several athletes made the most of the opportunity. In the field events, Amanda Opp and Lucas Williams each grabbed fourth place in the weight throw, while Alaina Fantaski also competed for the Buffs.
On the track, Justine Kipkoech made a splash in his Colorado debut, running one of the fastest miles in program history and earning the No. 6 spot nationally. Antonio Votour also delivered a standout performance in the 60m hurdles, clocking a personal-best 8.00 to move into sixth on CU’s all-time list.
Looking Ahead
After this weekend’s trip to Boston, the Buffs will return to Boulder for the Colorado Classic at the Ford Practice Facility on Feb. 6-7. With momentum building and national rankings climbing, this team is shaping up to be one of the most exciting distance groups in the country this indoor season.
If you haven’t been paying attention to Colorado track and field, now’s the time to start. This group isn’t just competing-they’re contending.