Colorado University Athletics
Track and Field Spotlight Series: Lucas Williams
January 28, 2026 | Track and Field
BOULDER - The Colorado track and field team is halfway through the 2026 indoor season. In order to get to know the athletes a little better, we're introducing the Track and Field Spotlight Series to highlight members of the squad.
First up is senior thrower Lucas Williams.
Growing up, did you play any other sports?
It was a mix, honestly. When I was younger, the first ever sport I picked up was martial arts, and I did taekwondo for about nine years. And then in middle school and high school, I played football.
When did you get into throwing?
Seventh grade. I was a lineman, so I was following my friends. Well, the lineman went to go throw, and I picked up a discus. I was alright at it, so I kept at it, and now I'm here.
Why did you choose CU?
I like the people [here]. I think Boulder's a beautiful place. And I felt like it was just the right balance of a big D1, big-time school, but not too big. I remember I visited Oregon, I just didn't feel like I belong. I feel like I belong here.
Why are you majoring in integrative physiology?
Well, I want to go into physical therapy to follow in the footsteps of my mom. [She is a] very big inspiration in my life. I think the line of work is really awesome, and I like helping people.
Do you want to go into sports or more general physical therapy?
I don't really have a preference, to be honest. I mean, sports would be cool. If I were to become a physical therapist or an athletic trainer for the NFL or something like that, that'd be awesome. But if I don't end up getting that, I'm fine with general. As long as I can help people.
In two of the recent meets you've hit a PR. Can you talk about the training and the work you've been putting in?
Absolutely! It's all been in the ring, just focusing on my technique. A lot of people think you need to be big and strong to throw. I'm not that big, relatively speaking. Compared to the guys I compete against, I'm usually almost always the smallest one there. And technique will go a long way if you can properly utilize it – especially in events like the weight and the hammer throw – to where it's less brute strength and power versus speed and being technically sound.
What do you like to do when you're not competing?
It's generic but I like to play video games – fighting games, like Street Fighter. I like playing a lot of video games. I'll go on hikes every now and then, because it's Boulder. It's beautiful. I've gotten into cooking a bit recently, too. I'm not that great at it, but I can cook a pretty mean steak.
Where do you like to go hiking?
Chautauqua is a pretty safe bet. Usually, Realization Point is also really good. There's a trail called Wonder Lake Trail – it's in North Boulder. It's pretty calm, just a nice, smooth walk, and a lot of it's right by the foothills so you get a really good view of those.
Do you have a go-to pre-meet snack or meal?
I just like eating. I don't have a pre-meet ritual in terms of types of food, but [it's] the amount of eating. As a thrower, I tend to eat quite a bit, like to the point where I'll get uncomfortably full. Before meets, I don't do that because I don't want to [get sick] while I'm spinning. But other than that, I don't really have any pre-meet rituals. I think having that kind of thing is just superstition and fear, and I don't want to throw afraid. I want to throw with courage and bravery.Â
For more information on the Colorado track and field team, a complete schedule and results, please visit CUBuffs.com. Fans of the Buffs can follow the team on Instagram and on Twitter @CUBuffsTrack.
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First up is senior thrower Lucas Williams.
Growing up, did you play any other sports?
It was a mix, honestly. When I was younger, the first ever sport I picked up was martial arts, and I did taekwondo for about nine years. And then in middle school and high school, I played football.
When did you get into throwing?
Seventh grade. I was a lineman, so I was following my friends. Well, the lineman went to go throw, and I picked up a discus. I was alright at it, so I kept at it, and now I'm here.
Why did you choose CU?
I like the people [here]. I think Boulder's a beautiful place. And I felt like it was just the right balance of a big D1, big-time school, but not too big. I remember I visited Oregon, I just didn't feel like I belong. I feel like I belong here.
Why are you majoring in integrative physiology?
Well, I want to go into physical therapy to follow in the footsteps of my mom. [She is a] very big inspiration in my life. I think the line of work is really awesome, and I like helping people.
Do you want to go into sports or more general physical therapy?
I don't really have a preference, to be honest. I mean, sports would be cool. If I were to become a physical therapist or an athletic trainer for the NFL or something like that, that'd be awesome. But if I don't end up getting that, I'm fine with general. As long as I can help people.
In two of the recent meets you've hit a PR. Can you talk about the training and the work you've been putting in?
Absolutely! It's all been in the ring, just focusing on my technique. A lot of people think you need to be big and strong to throw. I'm not that big, relatively speaking. Compared to the guys I compete against, I'm usually almost always the smallest one there. And technique will go a long way if you can properly utilize it – especially in events like the weight and the hammer throw – to where it's less brute strength and power versus speed and being technically sound.
What do you like to do when you're not competing?
It's generic but I like to play video games – fighting games, like Street Fighter. I like playing a lot of video games. I'll go on hikes every now and then, because it's Boulder. It's beautiful. I've gotten into cooking a bit recently, too. I'm not that great at it, but I can cook a pretty mean steak.
Where do you like to go hiking?
Chautauqua is a pretty safe bet. Usually, Realization Point is also really good. There's a trail called Wonder Lake Trail – it's in North Boulder. It's pretty calm, just a nice, smooth walk, and a lot of it's right by the foothills so you get a really good view of those.
Do you have a go-to pre-meet snack or meal?
I just like eating. I don't have a pre-meet ritual in terms of types of food, but [it's] the amount of eating. As a thrower, I tend to eat quite a bit, like to the point where I'll get uncomfortably full. Before meets, I don't do that because I don't want to [get sick] while I'm spinning. But other than that, I don't really have any pre-meet rituals. I think having that kind of thing is just superstition and fear, and I don't want to throw afraid. I want to throw with courage and bravery.Â
For more information on the Colorado track and field team, a complete schedule and results, please visit CUBuffs.com. Fans of the Buffs can follow the team on Instagram and on Twitter @CUBuffsTrack.
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Players Mentioned
Throws
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