PUEBLO, Colo. – Colorado State University Pueblo Track and Field kicked off the 2026 outdoor season this weekend, hosting the Dr. Dan Caprioglio Early Bird Invitational at the CSU Pueblo ThunderBowl. Competing on their home track, the ThunderWolves turned in a strong opening performance highlighted by multiple event victories and a record-breaking performance.

Leading the way for the Pack was senior Jon Sweepe, who captured the men's 1500m title with a time of 3:47.67. Sweepe's performance set the tone in the distance events and marked an impressive start to his outdoor campaign.

On the women's side, Helen Braybrook continued her standout run in the middle-distance events, claiming first place in the women's 1500m with a time of 4:26.86. The national-caliber runner showcased her strength early in the season, pulling away from the field for the victory.

Highlighting the weekend was a historic performance from Leyah Martinez, who broke the CSU Pueblo school record in the women's 400m hurdles with a time of 1:02.71, marking a significant milestone early in the outdoor season.

Martinez also played a key role in the ThunderWolves' success in the relay events, teaming up with Braybrook, Gabrielle Dunich, and Charlotte Young to win the women's 4x400m relay with a time of 3:52.35. The quartet closed out the meet in strong fashion, delivering CSU Pueblo a relay victory on their home track.

Overall, the meet served as a strong opening weekend for CSU Pueblo, with the ThunderWolves setting the foundation for the outdoor season ahead with competitive performances and a program record.

The Pack will look to build on this momentum as they continue their outdoor slate in the coming weeks.