The University of Colorado is conducting what it calls an “independent, comprehensive fact-finding inquiry” into practices at its legendary cross-country program.
The investigation into the Boulder-based program—which has produced multiple NCAA champions and eventual Olympians—comes following allegations by former athletes pertaining to body composition analysis, training methods, and overall culture.
The accusations center around CU’s two highly decorated coaches and the head dietitian on its athletic department staff. Head coach Mark Wetmore is currently in his 29th year at the university and his 27th at the helm of the program; associate head coach Heather Burroughs, a three-time cross-country All-American at CU who ran under Wetmore, is now in her 17th season on staff. Laura Anderson is a registered dietitian who has worked for the university since 2014 and was promoted to associate athletic director for performance nutrition in 2018.
Article by CINDY KUZMA/ Runners World
Steve Hurlbert, director of communications and chief spokesperson for CU Boulder, said the school takes the allegations seriously, but could not yet address them specifically.
“While the inquiry is ongoing, to ensure the integrity of the process and respect the participation of the past and present athletes, coaches, and staff, CU Boulder and the Athletics Department will not comment until it is complete,” he said. (His full statement is below.)
Runner’s World spoke to Kate Intile—the former CU runner who brought the allegations to the school—and five other former student-athletes who said they were contacted by investigators. (Several of these runners said multiple peers had also been contacted, indicating the investigation is extensive.) Three in addition to Intile participated in interviews for the inquiry, which is being conducted by two members of the University of Colorado system’s internal audit team and an outside attorney.
Runner’s World requested interviews with Wetmore, Burroughs, and Anderson. Wetmore addressed questions by email, and Anderson also provided an emailed statement.
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