Buffs Women Make History in Boston: Pearson, Nechanicky Lead Record-Breaking Day at Terrier Classic
BOSTON - The Colorado women’s track and field squad showed up in a big way at the John Thomas Terrier Classic on Friday, delivering a string of standout performances that rewrote the program’s record books and sent a clear message: this team is building serious momentum.
The headline of the day belonged to Avery Pearson, who clocked a blistering 2:04.15 in the Invite 800-meter run. Not only did she win her heat handily, but she also moved up to No. 2 all-time in Colorado history for the event-trailing only Sage Hurta’s 2:02.54 from 2021. That time also currently ranks ninth in the NCAA this season, putting Pearson firmly in the national conversation.
But Pearson wasn’t the only Buff making noise in Boston.
Earlier in the day, Riley Burkey got things rolling in the Open 800 and made a statement of her own. She shaved more than four seconds off her previous indoor best, finishing in 2:10.40. That performance pushed her into CU’s all-time top 10 in the event and set the tone for what would become a record-heavy afternoon for the Buffaloes.
Then came the distance events-and with them, more fireworks.
In the 3000 meters, Mia Larochelle delivered a massive personal best, crossing the line in 9:03.66. That mark vaulted her to No. 6 in school history and should land her comfortably inside the NCAA’s top 25 this season.
It was a breakthrough race for Larochelle, who had been seeded at 9:05. According to head coach Sean Carlson, she was already wondering before the race if she could hang at that pace.
Turns out, she could do even better.
And in the 5000 meters, Abbey Nechanicky continued her rise with a 15:42.12 finish-more than 15 seconds faster than her previous best from December. That time not only made her the top collegiate finisher in the race but also bumped her up two spots on CU’s all-time list, from No. 10 to No. 8.
Juliette Forstrom and Ella Hagen also impressed in the 5k. Forstrom dropped over seven seconds off her personal best with a 16:12.87, while Hagen turned in a strong 16:20.29 in her first collegiate race at the distance.
“This group has some serious momentum right now,” Carlson said. “They’re building confidence, and that’s exactly what you want to see as we head into the heart of the season.”
Event Highlights:
- 800 meters (Invite): Avery Pearson - 2:04.15 (No. 2 all-time CU, No. 9 NCAA this season)
- 800 meters (Open): Riley Burkey - 2:10.40 (Top-10 CU all-time, PR by over 4 seconds)
- 3000 meters (Open): Mia Larochelle - 9:03.66 (No. 6 all-time CU, major PR)
- 5000 meters (Invite): Abbey Nechanicky - 15:42.12 (No. 8 all-time CU, top collegiate finisher, PR by 15+ seconds)
- 5000 meters (Open): Juliette Forstrom - 16:12.87 (PR by 7+ seconds)
- 5000 meters (Open): Ella Hagen - 16:20.29 (First collegiate 5k)
With the women setting the bar high, the men’s squad will look to keep the momentum going on Saturday, with 11 Buffs set to compete across the 800, 3k, and 5k events.
Friday was more than just a day of fast times-it was a statement. The Buffs women are locked in, and if this meet is any indication, they’re just getting started.