Track Team Split Between Own Invitational, Riverfront Invitational

Friday, February 2

Boulder, Colo.

All Day

Colorado

Day 1

Photo by: Lilah Micou, CU Athletics

Track Team Split Between Own Invitational, Riverfront Invitational

February 02, 2024 | Track and Field

Bianco Dominates Men's Heptathlon, Ward's Streak Continues, and Baran Triumphs in Mile Run

By: Herman Shelton, Associate Director/Athletic Communications

Boulder and Spokane, Wash.-- The Colorado Buffaloes Track and Field team was split between two meets Friday as the runners showcased their skills at the Colorado Invitational and others taking part in the Riverfront Invitational.

In Spokane, Washington, Nick Bianco stole the spotlight during day two of the Men's Heptathlon at the 2024 Riverfront Invitational & Multis, Bianco claimed first place with an impressive score of 5547, marking a personal best. His exceptional performance included victories in the 60m hurdles (8.12) and Pole Vault (4.86m), while also, securing third place in the 1000m run (2:43.84) and the high jump (1.91m).

Noah Bouchard was also impressive in the high jump, and soared to victory in the men's high jump, narrowly missing a personal best with a height of 2.06m.

Matt Ward continued his strong season with back-to-back first-place finishes, recording a toss of 19.78m in the weight throw. Ward, now has three wins this season, and hasn't finished lower than fourth in six indoor meets.

Amanda Opp claimed third place with a throw of 17.76m in her final attempt in the women's weight throw, while Bella Braun secured a 10th-place finish (15.97m). In the women's long jump, Kara Lucyk leaped to a sixth-place finish with a distance of 5.77m, while in the high jump Riley Ward tied for fifth place in the women's high jump, clearing the bar at 1.66m, and Allie Routledge finished 12th, clearing the bar at 1.61m.

Back in Colorado, Ella Baran dominated the mile run, leading from start to finish and winning with a time of 4:45.56. Teammate Whitney Valenti finished second with a strong final lap of 53.24, completing the race in 4:57.48. Emma Hadley finished 13th with a time of 5:17.35.

The men's mile run featured three sections. In section one, Charles Robertson led from start to finish, completing the race in 4:11.98. In section two, Colorado claimed the top four spots, With Ben Greene (4:11.94) getting the win followed by, Lukas Haug (4:12.74), Wilson Georges (4:12.84), and Paul Stafford (4:14.03). In the third section, Grady Rauba finished third with a time of 4:05.73. This section boasted the fastest times, with eight runners, placing in the final top eight, which including Rauba (third), Niednagel (sixth), Hubbard (eighth), Greene (ninth), and Robertson (tenth) rounded out the top ten.

At CU's meet, the field events saw only two Buffaloes competing. In the weight throw, Ames Newman secured sixth place with a toss of 14.91m, while Gustavo Alfonso recorded a 10th-place finish in the shot put with an 11.38m toss.

The Buffs conclude both meets Saturday, wrapping up a weekend of impressive performances across various events.