7 Shocking Updates That Define The CU Boulder Track And Field Team's 2025-2026 Season
The University of Colorado Boulder Track and Field program is charging into the 2025-2026 indoor season with significant momentum, building on a successful 2025 campaign and a historic tradition of elite distance running. As of late December 2025, the Colorado Buffaloes are preparing to host key home meets, integrate a dynamic roster, and leverage a specialized coaching staff to make a major impact in the competitive NCAA landscape. The team’s focus remains sharp: translating Boulder’s high-altitude training advantage into podium finishes at the conference and national levels.
The Buffs officially opened their 2025-2026 indoor season with a split squad at the Mines Alumni Classic in early December 2025, signaling the start of a campaign focused on qualifying for the NCAA Indoor Championships. This season is particularly critical as athletes look to solidify their marks and uphold the program's storied history of success in both cross country and track disciplines, especially with high-profile athletes making their return.
The 2025-2026 CU Boulder Track and Field Coaching Staff and Key Roster
The foundation of the Colorado Buffaloes’ success lies in its highly specialized coaching staff, led by a director who oversees both the track and cross country programs. This continuity and expertise ensure that the team’s deep talent pool is developed across all event groups, from sprints to throws to the internationally recognized distance runners.
The program is helmed by Sean Carlson, who serves as the Director of Cross Country and Track & Field. He is supported by Ellen Hurst, the Associate Head Coach and Director of Operations.
CU Boulder Track and Field Key Coaching Staff
- Sean Carlson: Director of Cross Country and Track & Field
- Ellen Hurst: Associate Head Coach - Director of Operations
- Burke Bockman: Assistant Coach - Sprints/Hurdles (Responsible for developing school record performances in the sprints and hurdles).
- Casey Malone: Assistant Coach - Throws (A two-time Olympian and 1998 NCAA Discus Champion, currently in his 20th season with the program).
- Kate Mattison: Assistant Coach - Distance
- Dalton Hengst: Assistant Coach - Distance
- Brandon Johnson: Volunteer Assistant - Sprints, Hurdles, and Jumps
- Valerie Constien: Volunteer Assistant - Distance
Spotlight on 2025-2026 Star Athletes
The 2025-2026 roster features a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, especially in the distance events, which is a hallmark of the CU program. The following athletes are expected to lead the charge this season:
- Kole Mathison: A standout in the 3000m steeplechase. Mathison concluded the 2025 outdoor season by advancing to the NCAA National Championships after posting a personal record (PR) of 8:32.74 at the NCAA West Regional Championships in May 2025. His performance solidified his status as a national-level competitor. [cite: 21 from previous step]
- Natalie Cook: A key distance runner on the 2025-2026 roster, specializing in events like the 5000 Meters and the Mile. [cite: 17 from previous step] Her continued development is crucial for the Buffs' success in the distance events. [cite: 8 from previous step]
- Holly Barker & Georgia Bell: Both are listed on the 2025-2026 roster and represent the depth of the women's team, with expectations to contribute immediately in their respective events. [cite: 4 from previous step]
The Altitude Advantage: Boulder's Storied Distance Running Tradition
The CU Boulder Track and Field program is globally recognized for its unparalleled history in distance running, a tradition deeply intertwined with the city’s high-altitude environment. [cite: 6 from previous step] Boulder, Colorado, sits at an elevation that naturally enhances the aerobic capacity of its athletes, making it an ideal training ground. [cite: 13 from previous step]
This "distance running tradition" is considered one of the most successful athletic programs at the University of Colorado, second only to skiing. [cite: 13 from previous step] The culture of running in Boulder is historic, with CU alumni like Olympic medalist Frank Shorter and banker Steve Bosley being instrumental in founding the popular Bolder Boulder 10K race, which further cements the program’s legacy. [cite: 16 from previous step]
The high-altitude training regimen has consistently produced NCAA champions and Olympians, giving the Buffaloes a clear edge in national-level cross country and longer track events. This tradition is a major recruiting draw for elite distance talent worldwide. [cite: 6 from previous step]
CU Boulder’s State-of-the-Art Facilities and 2025-2026 Indoor Schedule
The University of Colorado provides its athletes with top-tier training and competition venues, essential for maintaining a competitive edge in NCAA Division I athletics. The primary outdoor venue, Potts Field, is a central hub for the track and field program.
Potts Field boasts an Olympic-style 400-meter track oval featuring a state-of-the-art Beynon surface, which was installed in 2003. [cite: 2 from previous step] The facility is designed for versatility, including eight 42-inch lanes and an official steeplechase facility, which is critical for athletes like Kole Mathison. [cite: 3 from previous step] The facility’s main purpose is to provide the best possible training and competition site for the Colorado Buffaloes. [cite: 7 from previous step]
Key Meets on the 2025-2026 Indoor Schedule
The indoor season is packed with competitive events, many of which are held locally, giving the Buffs a home-field advantage at altitude. Key dates for the 2025-2026 indoor season include:
- December 5-6, 2025: Mines Alumni Classic (Season Opener) [cite: 14 from previous step]
- January 16-17, 2026: CU Potts Invite (Boulder, Colo.) [cite: 7 from previous step]
- January 23-24, 2026: Colorado Invite (Boulder, Colo.) [cite: 7 from previous step]
- January 31-February 1, 2026: CU Invitational [cite: 14 from previous step]
These early-season events at the Indoor Practice Facility are crucial for athletes to post qualifying marks for the NCAA Championships later in the spring. [cite: 16 from previous step]
Academic Excellence and the Future of the Program
Beyond athletic performance, the CU Boulder Track and Field program emphasizes academic success. In a recent awards ceremony, the Men's Track & Field team was recognized for winning the Most Improved Team GPA Award, highlighting the student-athletes' commitment to their studies. [cite: 17 from previous step] This focus on the "student" in student-athlete ensures a well-rounded and sustainable program. [cite: 17 from previous step]
Looking ahead, the program's transition to a new conference (Pac-12 to Big 12) will introduce new rivalries and a fresh competitive landscape, further testing the depth and talent of the Colorado Buffaloes. The combination of a world-class training environment, a distinguished coaching staff, and a roster of proven national competitors sets the stage for a memorable 2025-2026 season for CU Boulder Track and Field.
Detail Author:
- Name : Delphine Watsica
- Username : bednar.effie
- Email : stoltenberg.rosa@crona.biz
- Birthdate : 1989-12-05
- Address : 50520 Courtney Estate Apt. 729 Thompsonberg, SD 85434-1193
- Phone : +1-573-464-0812
- Company : DuBuque-Kassulke
- Job : Radiologic Technologist and Technician
- Bio : Id velit facilis eum. Velit perspiciatis iusto qui quisquam. Rerum officia nihil aspernatur reprehenderit aut.
Socials
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@borer1998
- username : borer1998
- bio : Voluptatibus eligendi enim saepe rerum inventore est vero.
- followers : 4924
- following : 666
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/reta.borer
- username : reta.borer
- bio : Ad sunt voluptate velit quae officiis.
- followers : 4567
- following : 1135
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/retaborer
- username : retaborer
- bio : Modi impedit itaque eligendi possimus. Odio asperiores rerum quia numquam dolores at dolorum. Est amet est et quas.
- followers : 4477
- following : 576
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/rborer
- username : rborer
- bio : Quaerat voluptatum repellendus fugiat quo debitis eos. Provident laboriosam et voluptas enim.
- followers : 6183
- following : 1198
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/reta_borer
- username : reta_borer
- bio : Qui dignissimos voluptatem eos rerum aut.
- followers : 2441
- following : 2958
