Over the last decade, Sean Carlson has been establishing himself as one of the best coaches in the country while consistently producing national champions and All-Americans. 

From his decade spent transforming Notre Dame into a national power to his most recent stint in 'Rocky Top,' Carlson left leaving both programs better than he found them.

In South Bend, Carlson coached American record holder Yared Nuguse to a collegiate record, a pair of NCAA titles and helped him become a qualifier in the 1500m for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. In his two years at Tennessee, Carlson guided Dylan Jacobs to a national title in the 5000m, as well as the No. 2 all-time mark in the 3000m. 

Yaseen Abdalla also saw immense success under Carlson, breaking the Sudanese national record in the indoor 3000m, as well as a few All-American honors.

His next goal? Bring the University of Colorado back to the top of the collegiate distance running landscape. 

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At the end of July, it was announced that Carlson would be stepping down from his role in Knoxville, Tenn. to accept a new position as the Director of Cross Country and Track & Field in Boulder, taking over a program that has won eight national titles. 

Before the Buffs have even debuted their first-class squad, Carlson has already brought in a ton of talent with him, as both transfers and 2025 recruits have already signed the dotted line to rep the black and gold.

Transfers 

• Simon Kelati (Western Colorado)
• Dean Casey (Tennessee)
• Chris Cherry (Tennessee)
• Jessie Secor (Tennessee)

Class of '24

• Ethan Edgeworth (Cold Springs HS)
• Jake Liebert (Wando HS)

Class of '25

• Trey Caldwell (De La Salle HS)
• Jack Graffeo (Westfield Academy)
• TJ Hansen (Freeland HS)
• Keegan Smith (Knoxville Catholic HS)
• Ella Hagen (Summit)

Taking over a program that many consider one of the greatest in collegiate history isn't for the faint of heart, and Carlson has only been on campus for just a couple months. However, the new man at the helm is already looking ahead to what's sure to be a success-filled tenure.

"It's humbling. When I was growing up, Colorado was kind of the powerhouse, and it's certainly a special place to be. It means a lot. I want to honor the tradition that came before me and continue to keep this as a nationally relevant program in terms of competing for titles".

With amount of new faces Carlson has already brought in and the young talent that was already there, don't be surprised if this new-look program makes some noise sooner than expected.

Both teams will race in some capacity this weekend at the 14th Roadrunners Invitational, while the travel squad will most likely debut at the Nuttycombe Invitational next weekend.

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