Nechanicky Punches Ticket To Eugene

Thursday, May 28

Fayetteville, Ark.

Colorado

NCAA First Round

May 28, 2026 | Track and Field

By: Lauren Cawley, Communications Associate

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Abbey Nechanicky punched her ticket to the NCAA Outdoor Championships on Thursday, while Avery Pearson advanced to Saturday's quarterfinal round of the 800 meters at the NCAA West First Round Championships.

Results can be found at cubuffs.com/tracklive.

Nechanicky secured her spot in Eugene with a fantastic performance in the women's 10k, running 32:33.14 to earn one of the 12 qualifying spots for the NCAA Championships.

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The junior ran a gutsy race and finished just 10 seconds shy of the school record she set earlier this season at the Stanford Invitational. The qualification marks the first NCAA Outdoor Championship appearance of her career.

Earlier in the evening, Pearson advanced to Saturday's quarterfinal round of the women's 800 meters after winning her heat in commanding fashion.

She crossed the line in 2:03.75 to earn the automatic qualification and will look to join Nechanicky at the NCAA Championships.

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Colorado continues competition Friday with Kole Mathison in the men's 3000-meter steeplechase quarterfinal at 4:40 p.m. MT.

Danny Tragarz will race in the men's 400-meter hurdles quarterfinal at 6:25 p.m. MT, while Tanner Newkirk is set to compete in the men's 5000 meters at 7:10 p.m. MT.

For more information on the Colorado track and field team, including a complete schedule and results, visit CUBuffs.com. Fans can follow the Buffs on Instagram and Twitter @CUBuffsTrack.