Colorado University Athletics
Colorado
Big 12 Indoor Championships
Pearson Wins 600 Title as Buffs Land Six Podium Finishes on Day Two
February 28, 2026 | Track and Field
LUBBOCK, Texas – The Colorado Buffaloes capped off a strong showing at the Big 12 Indoor Championships with six podium finishes on day two, highlighted by Avery Pearson's 600-yard title inside the Sports Performance Center.
Results: cubuffs.com/tracklive
"Avery winning the 600 and setting the meet record again was a fun race and will set her up with great momentum going into NCAAs," said Director of Cross Country/Track & Field Sean Carlson. "Our milers all came back and scored in a tactical final, with Givens bouncing back and getting some confidence for NCAAs. Drew ran a great 1k after the DMR last night. Tanner had the best race of his career in the 3k and I am excited about the runner he is continuing to develop into."
HOW IT HAPPENED
The men's mile final opened the day for the Buffs, with Isaiah Givens leading the way in third place (4:05.90). Givens positioned himself near the back early before surging over the final 200 meters to secure a podium finish. Kole Mathison set the early pace and battled throughout to place seventh in 4:07.69, while TJ Hansen remained in contention in the middle of the pack before finishing eighth in 4:07.87. All three earned podium finishes in the tactical championship race.
Moments later, Avery Pearson returned to the track and delivered another historic performance in the women's 600 yards. Pearson led from the gun and broke her own meet record set in Friday's prelim, clocking 1:17.48 to win the conference title. Her mark keeps her at No. 3 on the NCAA all-time list.
Drew Costelow added another podium finish for Colorado in the men's 1000 meters, placing fifth after doubling back from the DMR the night before.
To close out the day, Tanner Newkirk turned in a breakthrough performance in the men's 3000 meters. Competing in a loaded field, Newkirk moved up steadily throughout the race, climbing from 10th to sixth to secure a podium finish.
ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Jessie Secor narrowly missed the podium in the women's 3000 meters, placing ninth in a strong field.
With momentum from six podium performances on the final day, the Buffs now turn their attention toward the NCAA Indoor Championships.
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.
Players Mentioned
