Westside boys track team season preview

The spring sports season is coming up soon, which means the boys track and field season is about to begin. There is a lot to look forward to on the boys team. Head coach Justin Haberman has high hopes for the Warriors this season.

“I feel very good. We have a great group of young men out for track this year,” Habberman said. “They have been working really hard in the weight room and speed development this off-season.”

One of the new additions to the track team is Jaylen Lloyd. The senior was a decorated track and field athlete at Omaha Central. He was named the 2022 Gatorade Athlete of the Year, after he took three gold medals at the State Track and Field Championships at Burke Stadium. Lloyd won gold medals in the long jump, triple jump and 100 meters. Another Central transfer Cory Vaughn will make an impact, after finishing sixth in triple jump at the state meet.

Going into the 2023 season, many athletes are excited. Senior Wesley Okafor returns, after setting the school record in the 200 meters with a time of 21.72. 

Last year Westside’s 4X100 relay team of Okafor, Jordan Hurst, Ty Keifer, and Preston Okafor won the District title with a time of 42.79. That was just off the school record of 42.78, which was set in 2000. Junior Preston Okafor is very optimistic about the Warriors.

“I’m most excited about having a new team with some of my good friends and it’s going to be a good season,” Okafor said. 

There are many stars on the team. Haberman is hoping each athlete will improve in their events. 

“The goal for the season is to improve each athlete in their event. It’s a talented bunch of guys,” Haberman said. “As they improve the goals they set will become achievable.

Okafor was satisfied with last season, but is putting it in the past. He is enthusiastic for what this season has in store for him. 

“My goals for this season is to set personal records and have our team win state,” Okafor said. 

There is strong competition this season. Haberman states what he is expecting from the team. 

“The expectation is that the team will develop their skills to be able to perform to the best of their abilities,” Haberman said. “If they do that the sky is the limit for this team.”

The Westside boys track and field team will open the season at the College of St. Mary’s indoor invitational on Friday, March 17.