LAWRENCE, Kan. — The University of Colorado’s cross country teams showcased commendable performances during the 2025 Allstate Big 12 Cross Country Championships held at Rim Rock Farm. The men’s team secured a third-place finish, while the women’s team placed fifth in a highly competitive conference known for its depth.
Men’s Team Performance
The men’s squad faced a formidable field that featured four nationally ranked teams, culminating in a score of 87 points. They finished behind the second-ranked Oklahoma State, which scored 20 points, and the top-ranked Iowa State with 43 points.
Sophomore Dominic Serem led the Buffaloes by earning All-Big 12 honors with a ninth-place finish, completing the 8,000-meter race in 23:06.2. Serem maintained his position among the lead pack through the early stages of the race, closely trailing the leader at the 5K mark but eventually securing his spot as the first non-Oklahoma State or Iowa State runner to cross the finish line.
Colorado’s men’s lineup included:
- Dominic Serem: 9th place (23:06.2)
- Dean Casey: 16th place (23:19.7, season best)
- James Overberg: 18th place (23:22.3)
- Jake Liebert: 20th place (23:24.2)
- Tanner Newkirk: 24th place (23:41.1, personal best)
Seniors Grady Rauba and Kole Mathison also contributed, finishing 33rd and 36th, respectively. The Buffaloes demonstrated unity, with their five scoring runners all finishing within the top 25 and a tight timing spread of just 35 seconds.
Men’s Competition Summary
Top 5 Men’s Teams:
- No. 2 Oklahoma State – 20 points
- No. 1 Iowa State – 43 points
- No. 5 Colorado – 87 points
- No. 8 BYU – 102 points
- Kansas – 171 points
The individual title was claimed by Oklahoma State’s Brian Musau, who finished in 22:53.7. His team dominated the race, placing five runners in the top seven positions.
Women’s Team Performance
On the women’s side, the Buffaloes finished fifth with 128 points, competing against four nationally ranked teams including No. 1 BYU and No. 6 Oklahoma State. Colorado’s runners demonstrated impressive cohesion, placing five within the top 35 and recording a time spread of only 28 seconds among their scorers.
Junior Jessie Secor was the top finisher for the women, achieving 22nd place in a time of 20:07.9. Following closely was sophomore Abbey Nechanicky in 23rd place (20:09.2), marking her fourth consecutive top-two finish for the team. Freshman Mia LaRochelle also distinguished herself, finishing 28th (20:27.5) in her inaugural postseason competition.
Colorado’s women’s scoring runners included:
- Jessie Secor: 22nd place (20:07.9)
- Abbey Nechanicky: 23rd place (20:09.2)
- Mia LaRochelle: 28th place (20:27.5)
- Hannah Prosser: 30th place (20:29.8)
- Juliette Forstrom: 33rd place (20:36.2, season best)
Additions to the team included freshmen Holly Barker (35th, 20:39.0) and Ella Hagen (42nd, 20:57.2), both of whom achieved season bests.
Women’s Competition Summary
Top 5 Women’s Teams:
- No. 1 BYU – 38 points
- No. 11 Iowa State – 71 points
- No. 7 West Virginia – 86 points
- No. 6 Oklahoma State – 86 points
- No. 16 Colorado – 128 points
BYU’s freshman Jane Hedengren won the individual title with a time of 18:29.6, setting both a course and Big 12 record, while showcasing the strength of younger athletes in the conference.
Expert Insights
Head coach Sean Carlson noted the overall positive outcomes for both teams, stating, “Both the men and women had good days and are coming out of this healthy and ready to go for regionals and nationals. Regionals are about taking care of business and not doing anything fancy to get there. The Big 12 on both the men’s and women’s sides is the best cross country conference in the NCAA right now, and this was a great measuring stick for what’s ahead at the national meet.”
Looking Ahead
The Buffaloes will continue their season with the NCAA Mountain Regional Championships scheduled for November 14 in Salt Lake City, Utah, aiming to qualify both teams for the upcoming NCAA Championships.
