The Boys Track and Field Teams’ season has finally gotten underway. Unlike majority of our neighboring states, Nebraska’s indoor and outdoor seasons are combined into one. After two indoor meets, of which the boys placed 2nd and 3rd overall, the squad eyes the bulk of the season kicking off this weekend with the Westside Invite. Mr Lloyd is the head coach for the Track and Field team, here are some of his thoughts about the upcoming season.
“The expectations of the Westside Boys Track and Field team is to build a complete Track and Field team and win a State Championship.” Lloyd stated. “That means that we want to fill as many events as possible with our athletes from the events on the track to those in the field.,”
Lloyd said that his goal is and will always be to pursue a state championship but nonetheless be a contending team.
“I expect our Seniors first to lead. This year we have guys that have the experience to do that in Owen James and Hudson Mead in the throws, Mo Purify, Ryker Jensen and Tyler Vaughns in the jumps, Jordan Johnson in Pole Vault and Ryan Kelly in distance.,” Lloyd said. “All of these young men are mostly State Qualifiers or have been on the team for multiple years and are in position to guide their event groups by their performances and their work ethic in practices.,”
“The biggest focus for our Boys team in the early season is for us to come out in make statements in some key areas like boys shot put with Owen James who is one of the top throwers in the State and should be primed for some big performances this year after having a healthy winter.,” Lloyd said. “Mo Purify is the top returning long jumper in the state and after jumping over 24ft more than 3 times last year should be ready to break the school record at Westside.,”
“Purify will also be one of the top 200m and likely 100m runners in the state this year. Sophomore Will Urosevich and Gavin Leeper should also play a big role on the Track.,” Lloyd explained. “Will was one of the top freshmen and overall 400m runners in 2025 and consistently ran under 50 seconds during the outdoor season. Will is very close to breaking the school record in his event and should be primed to make a run as one of the top quarter milers in school history and a top 3 medalist this year. Leeper returns after his freshman year saw him qualify for the state meet in the 1600m (mile). Gavin will look to go under 4:30 this season and continue to drop time. Dylan Gross had a great season last year Qualifying for state in the 800m and going sub 2:00 with a mark of 1:58.62. He will look to improve on some great times last year to push for another state appearance.,”
Lloyd highlighted the athletic performance of Ryker Jensen who has been very consistent in high jump over the last two years. Lloyd said that he is looking to build upon his past accomplishments from the 2025 season as he has consistently been jumping over the 6’3,6’4 range.
“Ryker has been a key member of our team for over 3 years and leads with great effort in the high jump as well as being one of our more consistent short (110m) hurdlers.,” Lloyd shared.
“Westside is full of amazing young athletes, and track and field is one of the best places to express athletic gifts in the sprints, jumps, distance, and throws.,” Lloyd expressed. “Our Boys team will lean on the young men listed here as well as several others as we make a run to being the top team in Class A.,”
Lloyd feels this may be Westside’s year at state, with plenty of good competitors. This will only be determined though from the outcome of the next six weeks. The first outdoor meet will be the Westside Invite this Saturday, but only if the weather will let it happen.
