Cory Vaughan is off to record breaking start in the triple jump

The Westside boys track and field team has many very great athletes and Cory Vaughan ranks among the best. The senior competes in the high jump, long jump and triple jump on the Warrior team. 

Vaughan recently competed in the Nike Nation track and field competition in New York City, where he placed ninth in the country jumping 14.14 meters in the triple jump. Vaughan just set Westside High School triple jump record with a leap of 46 feet and 11.5 inches. His recent performances gained interest from several colleges. Vaughan has already received offers from Doane University and Iowa Western Community College.  Wayne State College and the University of Nebraska-Kearney have also shown interest. Vaughan reflected on his favorite parts at the Nike Nationals. 

“I like the energy,” Vaughan said. “There were a bunch of people and it was crowded. The energy was there.” 

Vaughan placed sixth in triple jump at state last year before transferring to Westside from Omaha Central. Vaughan was able to transfer with Nebraska football and track commit Jaylen Lloyd. Vaughan says he transferred to focus on his academics and was ready to see some change. Vaughan knew Westside was the perfect fit for him.

“I just thought it was time for a change,” Vaughan said. “There was nothing going good for me at Central, so I decided let me come to Westside and see what it’s about.”

Vaughan has been doing track for most of his life, before he competed on his school track and field teams. He grew up competing at the D&A track club. Vaughan praises his current coaches and all his coaches growing up. Vaughan also has extremely high praise for his family, Vaughan says he receives so much support from them it’s something he won’t take for granted. 

“It means alot to have the support because they didn’t have to go out there,” [Nike Nationals] Vaughan said. “My dad, my mom, my stepmom, my whole family, the whole Boys and Girls Club supported me and D&A supported me, they’re the whole reason I like track so much.” 

Vaughan, being in his first and last year in the Westside track program, believes there is lots of talent and the team has a great chance to win state. The team has lots of returning talent and new transfers such as Vaughan and Lloyd. 

“There’s a lot of talent and there’s a good coach,” Vaughan said. “I believe that if we put our minds to it, we could win state by a mile.”

Vaughan continued his success at the Doane Invitational Indoor meet on Friday, March 24. The Westside senior won the long jump with a leap of 22 feet and two inches. Vaughan also took first place with a personal record in the high jump, where he cleared 6 feet and 7 inches.

Vaughan and the rest of the Warrior track team will host the Westside Invitational meet on Saturday, April 1.